Ben wedged himself past the Episcopal priest. Murmuring softly, he reached for her.
Ben! Oh, Ben. She threw herself into his arms. The boys, she cried. How will I ever break this terrible news? I know what its like to lose both parents. Theyre so much younger than Elliot and I were when our parents died. Her voice became hysterical at the end. How did you know to come here? Did Raina contact you?
Tightening his hold, Ben rocked Abby from side to side. What he didnt saycouldnt bring himself to saywas that hed have to impart the same unbelievable news to his nieces. Their mother was dead. Even though his own heart had shattered, Ben couldnt tell her about Marlo, which would only add to Abbys crushing grief.
But neither could he lie and say hed come solely to comfort her. When the police had contacted Ben about finding Marlos car under a broken pillar at the viaduct, his chief of staff ordered him off duty. At first hed planned to phone his fatherwhich was how Kirk would handle notification were the shoe on the other foot. But when Ben attempted to call him, he learned that his dad had scrubbed for Sam Drummonds surgery. He was also told about Sams folks. The decision to drive to Mercy General was Bens.
Devastated, hed guessed correctly that Abby would be doubly so. As strong a woman as she was, Ben knew instinctively that itd be like reopening old wounds, like reliving her parents accident. Feeling Abby shake in his arms, Ben didnt regret his spur-of-the-moment decision to make the harrowing journey between the hospitals.
The priests pager went off. Sorry, Im needed elsewhere, he murmured, lightly nudging Bens arm. Sir, may I leave Ms. Drummond in your care?
Bens answer was to tighten his arms around the still-crying woman.
Uh, if I can be of any further assistance, please leave word at the front desk. They can usually find me. Today, the priest said with a sigh, it may take longer. Ms. Drummond, I hope you will one day take comfort in the fact your brother and his wife are reunited with their parents and their Creator.
Unable to speak, Abby buried her face in Bens shirtfront.
Thank you. Ben shook the priests hand from an awkward angle. Im Dr. Ben Galloway, by the way. I practice mainly at Childrens Health. Abby and I both live in West Seattle. Mercy was the closest triage hospital to the accident.
I understand. Good luck to you both. He shook his head. As prepared as everyone thought we were after the big quake four years ago, this one caught us flatfooted. Its more important than ever for us to get in step with Gods larger plan. He expects those of us left behind to carry on his work. Remember hes a merciful God. Giving Abbys arm a last pat, the priest exited the chapel.
Abby stirred. She hated to leave the shelter of Bens arms. But the priests parting words rankled. Elliot said almost that exact same thing to me at Mom and Dads funeral.
She eased away from Ben, rubbing her upper arms. His belief was a bone of contention between us for years. Now Abby faced Ben with wet eyes and trembling lips its as if Elliots sent a message back to me fromyou know Shuddering, she eyed the cross, then glanced quickly away. Perhaps Elliots right and Im wrong.
Like hell, Abigail! Uncaring that he was in a place of worship, Ben punched a fist into the air. You, not God, will look Elliots kids in the eye tonight. Its you wholl wipe their tears, chase away their nightmares and stumble around trying to find a way to explain their incomprehensible loss. Whose merciful plan is that?
In all the time shed known him, Abby had never seen Ben get so worked up. She pulled her jacket tighter, and considered the bleak truth of his statement. As always when faced with hard facts, Abby dug deep for a resolve that had never failed her yet in times of need. Thenif Im all those poor kids have to hang on to, Ben, Id better pull myself together. Iuhthank you for providing a shoulder to cry on. But Id better let you go. Im sure youre needed elsewhere, by other injured children.
Ben saw determination replace the gut-wrenching pain in Abbys tear-drenched eyes. Hopelessly in need of courage himself, he closed the gap between them and cupped her pale face. The freckles he loved were never more pronounced than now. He kissed the ones scattered across the bridge of her nose. Then he let his thumbs trace the blue shadows beneath her lower lashes. I wish we had more time to spend together today. But He hauled in a deep, shuddering breath. I need a word with Kirkuh, my father, before I go back to my trauma unit. Youll want to see him, too, about your nephew.
Abby curled her fingers around Bens solid wrist. Something shed found immensely attractive about Ben from the outsethis masculine hands. Some doctors had effeminate hands, shed noticed. Not Ben Galloway. She could as easily see him paddling a kayak in an open sea, or tossing a log on a burning campfire. Yet his touch was gentle the few times shed seen him cradle a baby or wipe away an older siblings tears.
Ill never be able to express how much it means to me that you were here when I most needed someone, Ben. In a way, you were an answer to my prayer.
Dont. He dropped his hands away from her face. We can talk later. For now, its enough to know were both okay.
Right. I need to see how Sam is. I cant believe I forgot to ask what kind of surgery hes having. Hes so little. Oh, Ben! None of this seems real. I know itll all crash in on me when I least expect it. Right now, I feel as if Im operating in a fog.
He placed his hand on her back, and guided Abby out of the dim chapel. I know where my father is operating. Theres a small waiting room in the wing. If youll take a seat, Ill go see what I can find out for you.
Please. Abby might have said more, but her throat tightened again.
As it turned out, Bens father had just stepped out of the surgery theater, a nurse informed Ben when he inquired. They spotted the elder Galloway, his surgical mask still dangling around his neck. He walked soundlessly toward them on blue booties. Impassive gray eyes surveyed his son. What brings you to my neck of the woods? Arent you the one who insists they work your butt off in munch-kin land?
I know nothings quite as important or glamorous as what you do with bones, Ben said edgily. Rather than argue, let me introduce Abby Drummond. Shes the aunt of the boy you had in surgery.
Have in surgery. Were at the halfway mark. My assistant is setting some of the minor bones. The doctors demeanor changed abruptly as he paused to study Abby. Which was only fair, as she also assessed him. Any similarity between him and his son ended with the comparable height and breadth of their shoulders. What struck Abby about Kirk Galloway was that he seemed to be a man attempting to recapture his youth. His tan was far too dark, both his hair and mustache shouted salon blond.
Ms. Drummond. He clasped Abbys hand between soft, perfectly groomed fingers. His professional charm clicked in automatically. Youre lucky, my dear, that Benjamin phoned me. I assume hes told you I handle only the most difficult cases. After surgery Ill give you a rundown on the new technique Im using on Sam. Its one I developed while on tour in Vienna last year.
Realizing he hadnt released her hand, Abby jerked hers away. Youre only half done with Sam? Her stomach rolled. Illhave to make a call. To arrange care for his brothers.