Free The Doctor's Redemption by Susan Carlisle

he was, and he had a good reason to be. Mark nodded and wasted no time driving to the hospital. He pulled under the emergency awning and stopped.
    As they entered the building Laura Jo said to Anna, “We’ll be right here with you until you feel comfortable. They’ll take good care of Marcy here.”
    Anna nodded, her eyes not meeting Laura Jo’s.
    They were met by a woman dressed in scrubs.
    “Lynn, this child needs to be seen,” Laura said.
    “Is this the girl Dr. Clayborn called in about?”
    “Yes,” he said. “I’m Dr. Clayborn.” Because he wasn’t on the staff at the hospital he couldn’t give orders. They would have to wait until the ER physician showed up.
    “Exam room five is open. Dr. Lawrence will be right in.”
    Two hours later Marcy was in surgery. Mark’s diagnosis had been correct. Thankfully, Laura Jo had called him or the child might have died. They were now sitting in the surgery waiting room with Anna. With Laura Jo’s support,Anna had accepted that Marcy needed the surgery. Mark was impressed with the tender understanding Laura Jo had given the terrified mother. He liked this sensitive side of her personally. What would it take for her to turn some of that on him?
    Mark approached the two women and handed each one a cup of coffee from the machine. He slipped into the chair beside Laura Jo. Waiting in hospitals wasn’t his usual activity. He’d always been on the working end of an emergency.
    While Anna was in the restroom Laura Jo said, “I think you can go. She seems to be handling this better than I thought she would.”
    “No, I said I’d stay and I will.”
    “You make a good friend.”
    Mark’s chest tightened. No, he didn’t. He’d already proved that. Mike certainly wouldn’t say that about him. Mark hadn’t even gone to the hospital to see Mike before he’d left town. Laura Jo shouldn’t start depending on him.
    “You might be surprised.”
    Laura Jo gave him a speculative look but he was saved from any questions by Anna returning. Soon after that the surgeon came out to speak to them.
    The sun was shining when he and Laura Jo stepped outside the hospital. Marcy was doing well in PICU and Anna had insisted that shewas fine and no longer needed them there. They left her in the waiting room, dozing. Laura Jo had promised to check on her other children and that she would see to it they were cared for properly.
    As he and Laura Jo walked to his car, which he had moved to a parking place earlier, Mark asked, “Where do you get all the energy for all you do?”
    “I just do what has to be done.”
    “You sure have a lot on your plate.”
    “Maybe so, but some things I can’t say no to.”
    What was it like to feel that type of bond with people? He understood the practical side of doing what needed to be done medically to save a life but it was a completely different concept to support another person emotionally without reservation. Mark understood that well. He hadn’t been able to stand beside his best friend when he’d needed him most. He had even ignored his conscience when it had screamed for him to do better. It hadn’t gotten quieter when he’d moved back to town but he still couldn’t muster the guts to go visit Mike.
    “I wish I had your backbone.”
    “How’s that?”
    “You face life head-on.”
    “You don’t?”
    “What little I have falls short of the amount you have.”
    “Thank you. That’s a nice compliment.”
    They had reached his car. “How about I buy us some breakfast then take you home? I’m guessing Marsha has Allie.”
    “Yes. I really need to check on her and Anna’s kids. I need sleep. I’m sure you do also. I have to work this afternoon. Don’t you have to be at work this morning?”
    “I don’t go in until two and you need to eat. I’m hungry so why don’t you let me get us some breakfast without disagreeing for once?”
    She walked to the passenger door. “I’m already too far in debt to you.”
    “I don’t mind