A Home for Christmas Read online

“I left a prescription that seemed to help. We never did figure out the source of your infection, but you were better by Christmas. Probably the flu.”

  “Were you there? At Christmas, I mean?”

  “Oh, sure. Don't you remember?” He chuckled merrily. “You thought I was Santa himself.”

  “That was you?”

  The kind, older man nodded, still laughing.

  “I thought you were Santa.” Janice laughed as well.

  “I'm sorry I wasn't able to spend more time with you that Christmas.” He rubbed his beard. “A lot of folks were sick that season. The other couple of times you visited Bill and Edna, I think I only managed to have dinner with you once. The doctor's life. You understand.”

  “I do.” Too well. She didn't remember that dinner either. “I'm sorry I never got to know you, Uncle Charles.”

  “Don't worry about that now, dear.” He leaned over and patted her hand. “I'm aware that your mother had little use for her family after she moved away and married your father.”

  “I always wondered why she hated Angel Ridge so much. Do you know what happened? Did she have a falling out with Grandfather and Grandmother?”

  He removed his round, wire-rimmed glasses and polished them with a crisp, white handkerchief. “Your mother, she was a beautiful girl. Folks around town gave her anything she wanted, and, well, she was more than a little spoiled by all the attention. She won every local beauty pageant there was: Homecoming Queen, Snow Ball Queen, County Fair Queen. When she told her parents she wanted to go to Knoxville on a school night to be in the Miss Knoxville pageant, they told her no.

  “Well, Dotty wasn't accustomed to the negative response. So, she sneaked out her window and went on anyway. Won the thing, too.

  “When they read about it in the paper, Bill and Edna had a fit and grounded her. Wouldn't let her go on to the state competition. That made an awful anger stew inside your mother. As soon as she turned eighteen, she took the first bus out of town and went to New York City.”

  “Why did she go there?”

  “To become a model or an actress, I suppose. We didn't hear much from her after she left. Broke Bill and Edna's heart.”

  “That's where she met my father.” And became the quintessential trophy wife; the proper hostess who kept his house in order and looked good on his arm. Beyond that, they hardly ever saw each other, which seemed to suit them both.

  “I enjoyed the time I had with my grandparents here. I wish I could have come more often, but my mother wouldn't allow it.”

  He leaned toward her. “They loved having you. They knew you would have come more often if you could. Your letters meant a lot to them.”

  Janice stared at her hands. “They always wrote back.” She had kept their letters all these years, storing them in plastic boxes.

  He eased back in his leather wing chair and said, “I don't know who was more pleased when we learned that you wanted to become a doctor. Them or me.”

  Surprised, Janice said, “I wasn't aware that . . . ”

  “That I had kept tabs on what you've been doing?”

  “Yes.”

  “I didn't have children of my own. Too busy taking care of other folks' kids, I suppose. Bill and Edna shared your letters with me. I hope you don't mind.”

  “No, of course not.”

  He nodded and smiled. “I can't tell you how happy I was when they told me my only living descendant had chosen the medical profession as a career.”

  “I'm not your only descendant. There's Mother.”

  “Yes, well, she'd never claim the relation. But you, now you're another story.”

  He tapped his fingers against the armrest of his wing chair, then stroked his beard. A mantel clock ticked loudly in the quiet room, but the silence wasn't at all unpleasant. Janice could tell he was drinking her in as much as she was him. He removed his glasses and leaned forward, propping his arms on his legs. “My colleagues up in Knoxville tell me you're a fine physician. I'm so proud of you, Janice.”

  “Thank you.” His praise gave her a warm feeling. Her parents had never told her they were proud of her.

  “I'll come right to the point. I'm not gettin' any younger. I want to turn my practice over to you.”

  Janice blinked and straightened in her chair. She couldn't have been more surprised by his pronouncement.

  “I know this is kind of sudden, but I've given it a lot of thought. Folks around here don't cotton to outsiders, so it helps that you're a Prescott.” He paused a moment to let that sink in. “I wouldn't just quit and throw you in cold. I'd work with you for as long as you want, or at least until everyone becomes acquainted with you. Then after that, I'd come in a couple of days a week. I'd say you'd be fine to go it alone in no time at all.”

  “But I'm a partner in a large medical group in Knoxville. I have a full case load.”

  He leaned forward and gave her an honest look that demanded an honest reply. “Yes, but tell me, dear. Are you happy there or is something missing?”

  Janice looked away, unable to reply. There'd been something missing for as long as she could remember. It was part of the reason she was taking some time off at Christmas.

  “You belong here, Janice.”

  She had never belonged anywhere, but she'd managed to carve out a life for herself despite the fact. It might not be perfect, but it was hers. She loved her work. People depended on her. Needed her.

  “Now, I don't expect you to start next week. Take until Christmas to give it some thought, then if you see your way clear, you could begin at the first of the year.”

  The first of the year! There was no way she could leave a thriving medical practice in the middle of winter. She hated to disappoint the man, but she had to be honest with him. “Uncle Charles, I'm flattered by your offer, more so by the confidence you have in me, but I can't just pull up roots and start over now. Since Knoxville is nearly two hours away, commuting and maintaining both practices would be out of the question.”

  “Your roots are here, my dear. Unless I miss the mark, you're not at all like your mother. You'd fit right in. People here would welcome you. I'd welcome having you nearby, to finally have a chance to get to know my only niece.

  “The house would be yours,” he continued. “I was plannin' to leave it to you anyway. I'll be movin' into my cabin on the mountain beyond the lake. If you don't mind, though, I'd like to keep a room here until you're settled in the practice.”

  “I don't know. This is all so . . . so sudden. Practicing medicine in a small town would be unlike anything I've ever done. Angel Ridge is so far from hospitals.”

  “This is the only hospital most folks 'round here have ever known. And I do make house calls. Ever done one of those?”

  “No.” Janice couldn't imagine practicing medicine with such limited resources.

  “You'd be surprised. I'm pretty well equipped,” he said as if he had read her mind.

  “But what if you have an emergency you can't handle?”

  “I try to stabilize the patient and then transport them to Maryville or Knoxville.”

  “What if it's more urgent?”

  “Then we have them airlifted to the University Medical Center.”

  “Are you on call all the time?”

  “It isn't so bad. Things seem to ebb and flow here. You'll go through periods when there are several emergencies and a number of calls to make. At other times, they'll be nothing to do for days.”

  “I'm used to a fast pace.”

  “The breaks are welcome. Everyone needs time to enjoy life a little. Don't you want to settle down? Start a family?”

  “You never did,” Janice pointed out.

  “I had my reasons,” he said without offering further information.

  The look on his face told her those reasons were private. “Now, I know I've sprung this on you. You need time to let it sink in.”

  That was an understatement. No. She couldn't think about coming here for anything more than a vis
it. She had a life that she had created. A good life. Why should she give that up to come here, to uncharted waters, and reinvent herself with the temptation of Blake Ferguson living in her grandparents' house just a couple of blocks down the road?

  Her uncle stood and walked to his desk. When he turned back, he passed a white business card to her. “You can reach me at this number anytime. I have an answering service that can track me down if I'm not in.”

  Janice took the card and slid it into her purse. She should turn him down now. She'd just be giving him hope if she didn't, but when she stood and looked into his kind, brown eyes, she couldn't do it. Suddenly, she wanted to get to know this man who only knew her through some letters that weren't even addressed to him, yet still had enormous faith in her.

  “What are your plans for Christmas?” he asked.

  “I'm taking a few weeks off. I thought I'd take a trip.”

  “Won't you be seeing your parents?”

  Janice laughed. “Mother is taking a European cruise. Father isn't sure if he'll be able to join her. He's been working in London for the past month.”

  “Why don't you stay with me? I'd so welcome having family around to fuss over at the holidays.”

  He was making it impossible to say no.

  “You could still take your trip afterward, but come here for Christmas. You don't want to be alone and far away at a time when families should be together.”

  Janice had spent practically all of her Christmases lonely and in strange places. Even when she'd accompanied her parents on trips, she'd been cared for by a nanny. The thought of sharing this holiday with her uncle in Angel Ridge . . . .

  “I'm tempted,” she admitted.

  “Splendid. Then you'll come?”

  She wanted to say yes, but she held back. “Let me think about it.”

  He had a clear look of disappointment on his face, but he said, “Of course.”

  They walked in silence back to the front of the house. She surveyed the old two-story home, gazing up the beautiful open staircase in the foyer with yards and yards of gleaming hardwoods.

  This house could be hers. She could get up in the morning, dress, and come down to work without ever getting in her car. No traffic hassles. No rushing around. She had to admit it seemed idyllic. Too good to be true.

  When they stepped out onto the wide, front porch, an attractive woman who looked to be in her early thirties called up a cheery greeting as she hurried down the sidewalk. “Afternoon, Doc.”

  “Good afternoon,” Janice said in unison with her uncle. They looked at each other and laughed.

  “Strange havin' two doctors around.” He shoved his hands in his trousers and rocked back on his heels. “I could get used to it.”

  Turning his attention back to the woman who was nearly out of earshot, he called out, “You need to slow down, Dixie.”

  “Rollin' stones gather no moss. I got pies to bake. One's got your name on it, Doc,” she replied as she disappeared around a corner.

  “I look forward to it,” her uncle called a little louder as he walked down the front steps. “That's Dixie Ferguson. She runs the diner in town. Best cook around.”

  “Ferguson?”

  “Yep. She comes from a good family. Why, her brother bought your grandparents' place.”

  “I stopped by before I came over,” Janice admitted when she had reached her car.

  If he seemed surprised, he didn't show it.

  “So, you met Blake? Guess he's gussying the place up for Christmas.”

  “Yes. Maybe you could look in on him later. He took about a ten-foot fall from a ladder.”

  He raised a snowy eyebrow. “Oh, my. Did you check him out?”

  “I tried, but I think I made him feel uncomfortable.”

  “I see. Well, I'll go by in a bit. Blake's a good man. Fine carpenter, too. He'll bring that old house back to its glory.”

  “I'm glad,” Janice said softly, and she was.

  “So, you'll call and give me the details of when you'll be coming?”

  He was persistent. “I'm looking forward to getting to know you,” she countered without answering his question.

  “There's nothing I'd enjoy more.”

  He leaned down and kissed Janice's cheek. The love filling his eyes had Janice wondering if this could be the beginning of a journey she'd been afraid to begin, or even long for, most of her life.

  As she drove down the oak-lined avenue out of town, she wondered. Did she dare consider the possibility of calling Angel Ridge home?

  Chapter 3

  Janice hung up the phone. The intercom immediately sounded. So much for working on patient charts instead of having lunch. Sighing, she picked up the receiver. “Yes?”

  “Dr. Thornton, you have patients in exam rooms two and three, Dr. Holliday is on line two with questions about Eve Carlisle's medication, and there's a Blake Ferguson on line three.”

  “I'll be with the patients as soon as possible, I'll take Dr. Holliday's call, ask Mr. Ferguson to hold, order me a turkey sandwich from the deli, and hold any other calls unless it's an emergency.”

  “Yes, Doctor.”

  Janice spoke with her partner about her most critical patient's pain medication. Mrs. Carlisle . . . The poor dear was declining more quickly than she'd anticipated. Focusing on her patient shouldn't be difficult, but throughout the discussion, she kept staring at the blinking light on line three.

  Blake . . . This wasn't the first time thoughts of him had distracted her since meeting him last weekend. She didn't know why he'd entered her thoughts at all. Sure, he was a good-looking guy and pleasant to be around. But with the typical hectic pace of her office, she hadn't had a moment to analyze those wayward thoughts.

  Her uncle's offer hung temptingly before her. Could it be possible to have a home and family and still be a doctor? The fantasy of it bloomed in her mind. Working from home, light patient loads, and the too appealing man restoring her grandparents' home . . .

  She shook her head. There she went again.

  She disconnected the call with Dr. Holliday, took a deep breath, and pressed the button on the phone that would connect her to Blake. “Hello, this is Dr. Thornton.”

  “Hi. This is Blake Ferguson.”

  His voice rumbled through the line in a sexy vibrato that charged all her senses. “Blake. Hello. What a surprise.”

  “A pleasant one, I hope.”

  A hint of vulnerability that she found endearing laced his words. Now why would a man like Blake feel vulnerable or insecure? “Any excuse to get my head out of patient charts for a few minutes is pleasant.”

  “Glad to be of service.”

  Blake's rich laughter further warmed Janice's blood. Good grief. Why was she reacting so strongly to this stranger? Had it been that long since she'd engaged in a little casual flirting? She didn't have to think long before realizing the answer to that particular question was, yes. Working the kind of hours she did left zero time for a social life.

  She tucked her hair behind her ear. “How did you find me?”

  “I was in luck. Only one Dr. Janice Thornton in Knoxville.”

  “Oh, right.” She should have thought of that. If it only took his voice over a phone line to turn her brain to mush, what would happen if he were just around the corner, able to drop by anytime to see her?

  “The house looks real nice,” he said.

  “I'm sure it does.”

  “The thought occurred to me that you might want to come back by. I mean, after all, you should see what you accomplished.”

  “I'd love to, but I'm really tied up with work at the moment.” Maybe she could run by his house if she spent Christmas with her uncle.

  “That's too bad. What's your schedule like this weekend?”

  “This weekend?”

  “Yeah.”

  Janice picked up her electronic organizer and opened her calendar. The rest of the week was crazy, but her weekend was free. She'd forgotten that she wasn't
on call. “I'm off this weekend.” She should sleep as much as possible. The back-to-back eighteen-hour days were getting to her.

  “When you say you're off this weekend, do you mean you're off Friday night?”

  Janice frowned. “Yes. I don't have to work and I'm not on-call again until Monday morning.”

  “Perfect. Why don't you come over Friday evening?”

  Friday? Day after tomorrow?

  “Janice?”

  “Sorry. Um—Friday. What time?”

  “How 'bout six?”

  She hesitated for a moment. They typically didn't schedule patient appointments on Friday afternoons. Janice usually spent the time dealing with paperwork. If she took some things home on Thursday evening—

  “It'll just be getting dark about then, and you could see the lights as you drive up.”

  He held the temptation of her grandparents' house out like the proverbial apple. In the end, she found she couldn't resist the temptation.

  “Okay. I'll come.”

  “All right, then. Can I pick you up?” he offered.

  Janice frowned. “Thank you, but that isn't necessary. It would be such a long drive for you.” And she'd have no means of escape.

  “I don't mind. I'm sure you'll be tired after a long week at work. We could have dinner. You could even spend the night, if you want, and then I'd drive you back into the city on Saturday.”

  Spend the night? Janice wondered if he was just being gentlemanly or if he had some sort of agenda. Still, she wondered… What would it be like to stay the night in her grandparents' house with the enticing Blake Ferguson?

  She shook her head to clear the images running amuck in her mind.

  “You could still spend the night. I don't want you to feel rushed because of the long drive back. It'd be pretty late by the time you made it home.” He paused then added, “I just put the finishing touches on the guest room.”

  There he went. Tempting her again. She wondered what it looked like now. Oh, how she'd loved that room. The little girl she'd been then thought if she could hide away there, she could have a normal life. A life where she was loved and wanted and a part of a real family. Her mother had dragged her out of that room kicking and screaming while her grandmother cried.