Free The Doctor's Blessing by Patricia Davids

“That’s between her and me.”
    “It certainly affected me. We could have known each other for thirty additional years. I could have learned so much more about my father from you!” He was almost shouting as his resentment surged to the forefront.
    Calmly, Harold said, “Phillip, you have to let go of your father. Nothing you learn can bring you closer to him or bring him back. All you can do is live your life for God and others and pray you will see him in heaven.”
    Sighing heavily, Phillip struggled to gain control of his raw emotions. It was hard to admit, but he said, “I know you’re right.”
    “But you can’t accept it.”
    “Not until I know why my mother kept me away from youall these years. Nothing you tell me can be worse than the things I imagine.”
    “I wouldn’t be too sure of that. Tell Amber I’m thinking of her and hoping Sophie Knepp has an easy delivery. The poor woman has already lost two of her seven children before they turned two.”
    “You’re changing the subject, sir.”
    “Yes, I am. Good night, Phillip.” The line went dead.

Chapter Eight
    B y Sunday morning Amber had complete control of her emotions. Her feelings for Phillip were a silly infatuation and nothing more. Once she had spent a few more days working with him, this odd attraction would die a natural death. They had bonded because of their danger-filled rescue of Martha Nissley. It was a common occurrence between people in tension filled situations. Such intense emotions rarely lasted. Satisfied that she understood what was going on, she headed with light steps toward the Hope Springs Fellowship Church.
    It was a beautiful summer morning. Late July could be frightfully hot in Ohio but the temperature had been mild lately. The sky was clear except for rare fleecy clouds floating past.
    They reminded her of Fluffy. The cat who was most likely curled up at home asleep on Amber’s blue sofa. A few white hairs on the furniture were a small price to pay for such a loving companion. Looking toward the white spire of the church silhouetted against the sky, Amber allowed the peace she always felt on this day to soak into her soul.
    That peace lasted until she reached the church steps. At the top of them, Phillip stood talking to Pastor Finzer ashe greeted his flock. Her hope to slip inside unnoticed was dashed when the minister caught sight of her.
    “Amber, look who’s joining us this morning.”
    She nodded in their direction and slowly climbed the steps. “Pastor, good morning. Dr. White, nice to see you.”
    Beaming a bright smile at the two of them, the friendly young pastor said, “We’re delighted to have Dr. White as a visitor to our church while he’s in town. I’m sure Amber will introduce you around, Phillip, and help you feel at home. Won’t you, dear?”
    “Of course.” The smile on her face was fake. She hoped neither of the men realized it.
    As they passed through the doors, Phillip leaned down and softly said, “Sorry about that. I know you didn’t want to get stuck with me on your day off.”
    Was that how he was feeling? That he was stuck with her? She couldn’t hide the sting of disappointment she felt. “Don’t worry, Dr. White. I’ll find somebody to pass you off to quickly.”
    “That wasn’t what I meant.”
    Amber spied the perfect candidate sitting to the left of the aisle. Stopping beside an ample woman in a pink suit with a matching pink hat, Amber said, “Mrs. Curtis, how lovely to see you’re feeling well enough to attend church today.”
    “Thank you, Amber dear. I struggled this morning. I don’t know how I managed, but the Lord gave me strength.”
    “Mrs. Curtis, I’d like you to meet the new doctor in town. Dr. White, this is Gina Curtis. She’s one of your grandfather’s most frequent visitors.”
    “Dr. White, do have a seat.” Gina scooted over to make room for him, her eyes bright with interest.
    After he sat she said, “You know, I’ve been having this