Reclaiming Her Army Doc Husband Read online

  The landline rang as he passed Vicki’s room. ‘Want me to get that?’

  ‘Yes. Hope we’re not needed again.’

  She can’t have been banking on that hope, though, because when he returned moments later Vicki was dressed and tying the laces of her navy shoes.

  ‘A supposed heart attack.’ He gave her the address before ducking into Marty’s room to get the first aid gear and defib.

  ‘We’ll take the car. It’s a little way along the main beach road.’

  Silence landed between them as Vicki backed out onto the road.

  He waited as she drove carefully through the deep puddles. Then, when he couldn’t bear it any longer, ‘What’s up?’ Which of their problems was putting that strained look on her face that he saw in the glow from the dash? Which was top of the list?

  At first he didn’t think she’d answer, then she surprised him. ‘I worry I’m being selfish.’

  That he had not expected. ‘Why would you think that?’

  ‘I’m not used to putting my foot down over what I want. Not on the big issues anyway.’

  ‘Okay with demanding chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla, but not where to live?’ Yes, that was his Vicki. Now the ball was in his court. Had he taken advantage of her indecisiveness?

  ‘In a nutshell. But why? I’ve never been a wimp.’

  ‘You like keeping everyone happy.’ Why hadn’t he seen that before?

  ‘Now I’m including myself.’

  ‘So it seems.’ He didn’t know where that left him; if she still wanted him in her life or not. She’d told him to go back to Sydney and sort out his own future. She hadn’t included herself in that picture. ‘It’s okay. Better than okay. You have to be happy before you make other people happy.’

  She said nothing.

  Frustration got the better of him. ‘I thought you were happy with me. That we were so in love nothing could come between us.’ He clamped his mouth shut. Too much, Cole.

  ‘I was,’ she sighed. ‘It all went wrong. Just go back to Sydney, Cole. Sort yourself out, and let me know what you’re doing if you still want to.’

  The sadness taking over her mood caught at him, turned his gut into a roiling pool of longing mixed with his own sadness. Thank goodness they pulled into a driveway just then. He could focus on a patient, let his head clear for a while. Forget the elephant between them. Forget? Sure. Try ignore it for a brief time. That was as good as it was going to get.

  The front door swung open and someone flashed a torch in their direction. Grabbing the kit and defib from the back seat, Cole headed to the house, aware of Vicki right behind him.

  ‘Dr Cole Halliday,’ he said to the man standing before him looking desperate. ‘And this is Vicki Halliday, a nurse.’

  ‘It’s my sister. She’s having a heart attack. Lots of pain in her chest. I’ve called the ambulance.’

  ‘That’s good. Show us where your sister is. What’s her name?’ Cole nodded down the hall.

  Hurry up. This is urgent.

  At last the guy moved. ‘Sandra. She started complaining of pain an hour ago. In here...’ He indicated a room where lanterns gave out an eerie light. ‘That’s my partner with her. Nadine.’

  Why wait until now to get help? ‘Hello, Sandra, Nadine. I’m Cole, a doctor, and this is Vicki, a nurse.’

  ‘Hello, Vicki, how’s things? Sorry to get you out in this weather.’ Sandra was looking at his wife.

  ‘No worries.’ Vicki smiled at their patient as she reached to take the defibrillator from him. ‘Had nothing better to do.’

  Thanks a bundle.

  ‘Where’s this pain?’ he asked.

  Sandra tapped to the left of her sternum. ‘Here. And here.’ Her hand splayed across her upper abdomen.

  ‘On a scale of one to ten, ten being the highest, how strong is it?’

  ‘Five, though there are peaks when it’s probably about eight.’

  Vicki leaned over. ‘You need to remove your top so I can attach the defib.’

  Sandra gave her a wonky smile as she began lifting her tee shirt over her head. ‘No problem.’

  Cole studied the woman before him as he lifted her arm and felt for her pulse. Her colour was good, her eyes clear apart from the worry about her possible condition. Under his thumb her pulse was regular. Heart attack? Or indigestion?

  Vicki had the pads on Sandra’s chest and was connecting the lines leading to the defib. ‘How long has the pain been going on?’

  ‘At least an hour, maybe more. I first felt uncomfortable after dinner.’

  Glancing at the defib screen as it came to life, Cole nodded. ‘Eat in a hurry, by any chance?’

  Nadine piped up. ‘We all did. Wanted to get it out of the way while we still had power.’

  Vicki glanced up at him, a smile lifting her mouth, relief in her expression.

  Again, he nodded. But he wasn’t done that quickly. There were things to check and note down. The steady beats resonating in the stethoscope said normal heartbeat. Sandra’s even breathing backed that up. The temperature Vicki showed him read thirty-seven. Checking the line on the defib screen once more, Cole relaxed and gave the news. ‘There’s nothing wrong with your heart. I’d say you’ve got a bad case of indigestion.’

  Sandra stared at him, struggling to take it in. ‘Really?’ she squealed. ‘Not a heart attack?’

  ‘No. See how even those peaks are?’ he tapped the screen. ‘That’s good.’

  ‘Really good,’ Vicki confirmed. ‘Cole wouldn’t have you on about something so serious.’

  Sandra let out the breath she was holding. ‘I’m sorry to be such a nuisance. Especially in this weather.’

  ‘Do we cancel the ambulance?’ Nadine asked.

  ‘Normally, they come regardless once a call has been logged,’ Vicki said, ‘You are still having pain, Sandra.’ She looked to him. ‘What do you think?’

  That I would like to go back a year—or more—and start over.

  ‘That we need to err on the side of caution. It is normal to send someone in this situation to hospital regardless of the results.’

  ‘There you go. Decision made,’ Vicki said. ‘I’ll leave these pads on until the paramedics arrive.’

  She was onto it. Better safe than sorry. Although Cole doubted Sandra had a medical problem, he’d have done exactly what Vicki indicated. If there was an area where they were always in sync it was when they were working with patients. Funny how they hadn’t known that before this weekend.

  ‘The ambulance’s here.’ Sandra’s brother stood in the doorway, hopping from one foot to the other.

  ‘That was quick for the circumstances,’ Nadine said. ‘I’ll feel happier with you going to hospital, Sandra.’

  ‘Me too. My chest still hurts, though not as much as before.’

  The drive back to Marty and Anna’s house was quiet, though comfortable this time. The animosity had taken a hike, for a while at least. Shifting one way and another in his seat to ease the aching in his left leg and his back kept him busy for the few minutes before Vicki was pulling into the garage.

  ‘Power’s back on.’ She stated the obvious.

  ‘When did that happen? It was off at Nadine’s.’

  ‘Or they’d turned all the switches off and didn’t realise the power was back.’

  He supposed that was possible. Hoisting the pack over his shoulder, pain stabbed him. He gasped.

  ‘You okay?’

  ‘Fine.’ Didn’t have to tell her about every ache. ‘Want a drink before hitting the sack?’ he asked. It would be good to chill out together. They didn’t have to talk about their relationship, could just be quiet, or chat about inconsequential stuff. If that was possible, given she’d told him to go.

  ‘No, thanks.’ She removed the defib from the back of the car befor
e he had a chance.

  Figured out he was hurting, had she? ‘I’ll take that,’ he said stubbornly.

  ‘I’ve got it.’ Pressing the button to close the garage door, she headed inside and down the hall to put the gear away.

  As she went into her bedroom, he said, ‘I’ll be gone by sun-up.’ He got no reply.

  He didn’t know if that was better than a goodbye or not. Collecting his overnight bag from the bedroom he hadn’t used, he headed to the kitchen where he grabbed a beer before settling into the large comfy recliner chair in the lounge to wait out the hours until his taxi arrived. No point trying to sleep when there were so many thoughts battling for supremacy in his mind.

  Just when he’d thought he had his future organised he’d learned he had totally screwed up. Apparently, his own career didn’t fit in with Vicki’s idea of owning a business. Working in the Rose Bay centre was a golden opportunity to get established as a GP in a good area for raising kids. He’d believed he was doing the right thing by them both. How wrong could a bloke be?

  Slugging down a mouthful of beer, he stared into the dark corners of the lounge. Apparently, he hadn’t listened to her.

  Well, sweetheart, you haven’t exactly made yourself available for phone chats either.

  Anger was rising amongst the confusion and hurt. There were two people in this marriage, in this mess. Both were responsible for decisions affecting each other and themselves. The guilt he’d felt at not being there for Vicki when the miscarriage had occurred had never gone away, not even when he’d refused to call her to come to him after the accident. That had been a mistake. The fear of being a paraplegic when he’d first come round and couldn’t move his legs had made him desperate for Vicki to be with him. When he’d finally been reassured his spine was fine, he’d cried for her. Yeah, he’d been an idiot not to let the CO call her. Pride had done that to him.

  But he was working at making amends in the only way he knew, and she was turning him down. One of them had got it all wrong. Worse, it might be him. Not a lot he could do except return to Sydney, go for the final interview and await the outcome of that before making any rash decisions that could backfire on him.

  * * *

  Vicki heard a car door slam and rolled onto her back, glad that the sun was finally lightening the room. Not wanting to bump into Cole and swap more anger and bitterness, she’d stayed in bed long after wanting to get up and do something, anything, to ease the tightness gripping her body. She hadn’t had a wink of sleep and knew he hadn’t used the bedroom next to hers so must’ve stayed in the lounge all night after they’d returned from Sandra’s.

  The house was too quiet as she made her way to the kitchen, where she reached for the kettle. Two empty beer bottles stood neatly on the bench. Where was Cole? Then she saw the pad on the table, and her heart slowed. He’d left without saying goodbye. Of course she’d told him to go. She’d meant it, and she hadn’t. Well, she had if they couldn’t find a way out of the hole they found themselves in. At least she could be proud for sticking up for what she wanted. Couldn’t she? This was so crazy. Needing to look out for herself definitely came with consequences.

  Her fingers were shaking when she picked up the note.

  I got an early flight so ordered a taxi. Take care.

  Cole XX

  ‘Take care’ as in have a good life? Was their marriage really over? Sinking onto a dining chair, she dropped her head into her hands and let the tears come. She’d got what she’d asked for. And hated it. She should’ve tried harder. One more honest, share-everything conversation surely could’ve saved their marriage? They’d talked about many things, shared a lot, yet still it hadn’t been enough. Deep down she really hadn’t wanted, or expected, them to come to this. He hadn’t even let her take him to the airport when they might’ve been able to talk some more and come out the right side of their problems.

  Now what?

  She needed to get on with her plans for the nursing agency. Find a job to support herself in the interim. Where was the excitement she’d known when thinking about her own business? Gone in a cloud of longing for Cole. It seemed she couldn’t have both.

  Lifting her head, she stared around the dining room and then into the lounge. Her gaze landed on her mother’s painting of Palm Beach in a storm. Her heart stalled. Since Mum had finally begun following her dreams she’d become like a flower in the sun, bright, pretty. Looking into the picture, Vicki felt the wind on her face, the rain on her skin, hear the waves breaking on the beach. How did someone do that with a paintbrush? Because Mum believed in herself, in her talent, her passion for art.

  I have to believe I can have my dream. And hopefully my man.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  MONDAY MORNING COLE was up early, dressed in a navy suit and tie with a crisp white shirt, ready for the interview with hours to spare.

  He wandered around the apartment, picking up photos Vicki had left behind. The two of them at their wedding, on their honeymoon, riding the waves at Bondi Beach—make that trying to ride them.

  There was another taken the day he’d joined the army. He wore his officer’s uniform and Vicki wore an enormous smile. Yes, they’d been okay back then. More than okay. They’d been so in love that even in the middle of a crowd there had been times they hadn’t noticed anyone else.

  I miss that so much I ache all the time.

  Was it worth going to this appointment when, if he got the position, chances were Vicki wouldn’t join him here in Sydney?

  Jumping to conclusions here. He might not get the job. That wasn’t a problem. He’d been on the net and seen other opportunities within the city and further out in the suburbs. Though Rose Bay did fit the bill of what he’d thought would be right for him and Vicki and their family when children came along. Right now, all he could do was wait and see how the interview unfolded. Only then could he talk to Vicki about making a commitment to living here. ‘Together,’ he added under his breath.

  Putting the last photo back on the sideboard, he picked up his phone. No messages from Vicki. Not that he’d expected any, but a man was allowed to hope. Of course she wouldn’t wish him luck if she didn’t want to move back here. But then again, Vicki was usually fair, and always supported him in any endeavours he chose to undertake, so this was unlike her.

  There hadn’t been a peep out of her yesterday either. He’d respected her silence, and hadn’t tried to get in touch. But he’d checked his phone numerous times until finally he’d left it in the bedroom so as not to pick it up every five minutes.

  To hell with this hanging around.

  He’d head to Rose Bay now. There were cafés there and by the time he’d made it to the township his stomach might be ready to take in some breakfast. If not, he’d go for a walk along the beach until it was nine o’clock, get a feel for the place he wanted to make home.

  He did neither. His stomach wasn’t playing ball, neither was the weather. Rain seemed to be the favourite pastime of the skies wherever he went at the moment. But at least this was a passing squall, not a monsoon. He actually smiled. Was this Vicki dumping on him to get his attention? Giving in to his need, he tugged his phone out of his pocket, and texted.

  How’s things up there?

  She came straight back, making him wonder if she’d been waiting to hear from him.

  Drying out slowly. You?

  Getting rained on.

  LOL

  The phone went quiet. No good luck wishes. No questions about yesterday and what he might’ve got up to. Not a lot, but she might’ve asked. He hadn’t even made it over here for a look around, had been too busy on the internet looking up other vacancies around the city—and in Cairns.

  He went and found a coffee, to hell with his grizzly stomach.

  * * *

  Vicki set her phone aside and scanned the notes for her next patient. Cole would be on his way to his int
erview. She should’ve wished him luck. Not that he’d likely need it. He had a strong CV, and his time in the army might be a plus as he was used to different situations where patients were under trying conditions making them fearful and nervous. Maybe not what he’d see in Rose Bay often, but it gave him insight into people’s mindsets he might not have gained otherwise.

  ‘Vicki, Amelia Green’s here,’ the receptionist called through the door.

  ‘Coming.’ Quickly scanning the notes on the screen in front of her, Vicki focused on work and Amelia, putting Cole on hold. ‘Hello, Amelia, come through.’ She led the twenty-two-year-old through to her room. ‘I see you’re heading to Vietnam.’

  ‘I can’t wait. I’ve heard nothing but wonderful comments about the place.’

  ‘So have I. Take a seat. So you’re here for your Hep A and B shot? You know it’s all in one now?’

  ‘Yes. The doctor told me that when I first asked what I needed. He said to be aware of rabies and if I get a dog or monkey bite to go straight to the nearest hospital for an injection. Or I could have the vaccination before I go, but I think I’ll go with the first suggestion.’ Amelia handed over her vaccination card. ‘I had the typhoid shot when I went to Eastern Europe.’

  ‘Right, I’ll fetch the vaccine and we’ll do this. Was it explained that we like you to wait for twenty minutes afterwards in case of an adverse reaction?’

  Amelia nodded. ‘I can finish an article on Iceland I started reading before you called me in.’

  ‘That your next country to visit?’ Vicki asked. She’d never had the travel bug the way Amelia seemed to. Too busy training and then being married to think about disappearing overseas. Europe and Britain had been fun, but hadn’t lit a spark to be dashing off all over the world.

  ‘I’m thinking about it. The Northern Lights look spectacular in photos.’

  ‘Right, a sharp prick here.’ Vicki inserted the needle, pressed the plunger, and it was done. She stuck a small plaster over the site. ‘There you go.’