Nursing the Soldier's Heart. Merrillee Whren

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      Jen laughed again. “I wouldn’t count on that. I’m pretty sure Brady Hewitt doesn’t lose when he sets his mind to something.”

      “Count on this. Brady Hewitt has met his match.”

      “You might be right.” Jen smirked. “You realize what you just said, right?”

      Kirsten shook her head. “Don’t misinterpret my meaning.”

      “The way I see it, there is no misinterpreting the sparks flying around here when you two are together.”

      “Don’t you have work to do?” Kirsten narrowed her gaze.

      Jen glanced at her watch. “Yeah, I’m off to deliver meds.”

      As Jen pushed her cart down the hallway, Kirsten rubbed her temples with her fingertips. Brady Hewitt was one big headache. At least he let you know where you stood with him.

      Was she huffy, or was it only with him? He seemed to bring out her judgmental side, and that wasn’t a good way to be. Had God sent Brady into her life to help her see the need to change her attitude?

      Do you ever think these things have happened because God has another plan for your life? Jen’s question floated through Kirsten’s mind.

      Kirsten didn’t want her plans to be different, but the future didn’t lie in her hands. She had no control over the Brazilian government’s decision on her visa or Brady’s presence at The Village. She would have to make the best of whatever came her way—like it or not.

      * * *

      “How’s the physical therapy going?” Kirsten patted Cora’s shoulder.

      A weak smile curved Cora’s lips, and her shoulders sagged. “It’s grueling. I’m worn out when they’re done with me.”

      “I know. But think of the reward. You get to go to the wedding.”

      Cora nodded. “That’s the only thing that keeps me going besides having Brady here. Thank you for your efforts to contact him. Just seeing him brightens my day.”

      “I’m glad I could help.” Kirsten had to admit Brady’s presence had given Cora a lift. Kirsten hadn’t expected that.

      “I don’t know what I’d do without this place. Y’all have given me a lot of hope.”

      “That’s what we’re here for. After all, this is The Village of Hope. Hope is the most important thing we have around here.” Kirsten looked at Cora with sympathy.

      Nodding, Cora sighed. “Hope in the Lord Jesus.”

      “That’s who we depend on for sure.”

      “I know. Say some prayers for my strength.”

      “I will, and you can concentrate on your physical therapy so you can regain your strength and can get out of that wheelchair.”

      “And return to my apartment.”

      “Yes. The harder you work, the faster you get better.” Kirsten headed for the door but turned before she left the room. “Remember. You don’t get over a broken hip overnight.”

      Cora wagged a gnarled finger at Kirsten. “Yes, but I’m not the most patient person. I like things to happen right now.”

      “You don’t have many days left until the wedding.” Kirsten put a hand to her cart. “I think you’ll be ready.”

      “I’d better be. Brady is so good to take me for walks.” Cora grinned. “We’re going to walk all the way to the cafeteria tonight for supper. I’m so excited to eat with Ruby and Liz.”

      “That’s super news.” Kirsten couldn’t get over how attentive Brady was to his grandmother. The man appeared to be doing everything he could to help the woman who’d done her best to give him a good life. “Have fun with Ruby and Liz.”

      “Well, if it isn’t my favorite grandmother and my favorite nurse.”

      Kirsten turned to find Brady lounging in the doorway. Her heart did a little flip-flop. Why did this exasperating man make her react that way? It had to be his unexpected entrance. But she shouldn’t be surprised he was here. He’d shown up at this time every day for the past week, and she tried to convince herself that she didn’t look forward to his visit.

      “Well, if it isn’t the favorite grandson.” Kirsten pressed her lips together in order not to smile.

      “I’m glad you recognize that.” Brady walked across the room and gave Cora a kiss on her cheek. “Hey, Gram, how’s it going today?”

      “Good. I’m looking forward to dinner with Ruby and Liz.”

      “Have a good evening, you two. I have to deliver the rest of these meds.” Kirsten scurried out the door as the thought of Brady giving her a kiss the way he had Cora flitted through her mind. Why had that happened? Jen’s constant chatter about how Brady timed his visits so he’d see Kirsten made her think crazy things.

      After Kirsten finished delivering medications to the patients on her wing of the nursing home, she returned to the nurses’ station. She plopped onto the nearby chair with a sigh and stared at the computer screen. The week-old vase of flowers, still surprisingly fresh, taunted her from the ledge above her. Another reminder of Brady. Thankfully, Jen was off helping a patient, so Kirsten didn’t have to listen to any more of the other nurse’s teasing.

      Pushing thoughts of Brady from her mind, Kirsten concentrated on the patient records as she input the information into the computer. She missed the day-to-day hands-on work with patients in Brazil, especially the little children. She enjoyed helping the elderly patients here but didn’t relish the extensive amount of record keeping.

      “Kirsten.”

      The sound of a familiar male voice made Kirsten jump. She jerked her head upward to find Brady standing on the other side of the counter. She put a hand over her heart. “You scared me. You certainly are quiet when you walk.”

      “All the better to surprise you. You were obviously lost in your work.” He gave her that lazy grin. “Do you have a minute to talk?”

      “Sure.” Kirsten wondered what he wanted to talk about that he couldn’t have mentioned while she was in Cora’s room.

      “Good.” He leaned on the counter next to the bouquet. He glanced at them. “Flowers still look good. Nice to know where to get good ones.”

      “How’s my dad working out as a roommate?”

      “Good.”

      Staring at Brady, Kirsten wondered how she was going to get rid of him without being impolite. She didn’t want him hanging around here when Jen got back. That would mean listening to her supposition that Brady was out to impress Kirsten. “Was there something special you wanted to talk about?”

      “Yeah, there is.” He rubbed the back of his neck and said nothing else.

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