Stephanie walked through the funeral home and finally found the room that held the man she came to give her regards to. She had debated long and hard on whether to come, but her deep desire to see Kevin had won out. She walked through the double wooden doors and sat silently in one of the last pews. The air felt cool, and the fragrance of flowers permeated the entire room. Bending her head, she began to pray silently for the family of the departed.
The ceremony was beautiful, and Stephanie slipped outside just as the people began to file out quietly.
“Stephanie?”
She turned to see Kevin standing there looking at her wide-eyed. Her heart fluttered like a hummingbird as she returned his gaze.
“What are you doing here?”
“I’m sorry. Maybe I shouldn’t have come. I just wanted to be here for you.”
“I am glad you’re here. Thank you for coming.” She soon found herself in his arms as he held her tight. The feel of his body against hers brought a familiar comfort, something she had already missed since he had returned home. She clung to the tenderness of the moment as if it would be a while before they would see each other again. They stood there for a few moments before he leaned back and gently kissed her lips. “I’ve missed you so much.”
Kevin’s lips felt soft to her. She could sense how much he had missed her, and she gently moved a lock of his dark hair from his forehead and smiled up at him. “I’ve missed you too. Each night, I pray that you’re doing OK.”
“I am, and I have to admit I’m feeling good for the first time since I got here. That’s because you’re here with me.”
“Yes, I just wanted to be here to support you and your family.”
“You don’t know how much that means to me.” Kevin’s hand caressed her cheek. “Where are you staying?”
Stephanie’s brows furrowed with confusion. “Oh, I’m not staying, I’m driving back tonight.”
“You can’t be serious?” Kevin placed his hands on his hips. “No way, you can’t drive home tonight. I won’t hear of it. It’s a long drive. You can stay at my aunt’s. I’m sure she won’t mind. There’s plenty of room in her house.”
“I don’t want to intrude.”
“Are you kidding me? You intrude? Don’t you already know I always want you by my side? Say you’ll stay overnight. I could use your smile tonight.”
Stephanie felt her spirits lighten. She knew there was nothing urgent waiting for her back in Mendocino except another day of mindless chores around the house. The idea of spending more time with Kevin would be a welcome distraction from the loneliness she felt at home. While she had entertained the idea of finding another job to keep her life moving forward, she felt the timing wasn’t right. In another month, she planned on searching through the classified ads to find another job. But for now, she planned to take full advantage of her time to heal. “OK, but I must call my mother. She thinks I’m returning home right after the funeral.”
“Deal. Come on. I want you to meet my Aunt Deloris.”
Kevin led her to his aunt just as she finished speaking with one of her girlfriends.
“Aunt Deloris, this is Stephanie, the girl I told you about.”
Stephanie gazed at “Mrs. Knight, I’m so sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you, Stephanie for taking the time to come and be with our family during this tragedy. It means a lot to us, especially with Kevin. It’s so nice to finally meet you. Kevin has told me so much about you and how much you’ve done for him. I want you to know how thankful I am for all you’ve done for my nephew.”
“It’s quite alright, Mr. Knight. Kevin has done for me just as much as I have given him and because of our mutual efforts to help each other out, we’ve come a long way through the healing process.”
“Losing a loved one is never an easy thing, and I’m so sorry for the loss of your daughter Rachel. While I never had children of my own, I could never imagine going through what you’ve had to endure, moving on with life after the loss of your own child.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Knight. That means a lot to me.”
“How are you parents doing? I hope they’re doing okay. Please send them my condolences.”
“That’s very nice of you to ask. They haven’t said much, but it seems they’re managing okay. My mother has always been a strong woman, and I don’t think I would have come this far if she hadn’t encouraged me to stay strong in the Lord.”
“A courageous mother is a blessing from the Lord. You’re lucky to have her.”
“That’s what I keep reminding myself. Kevin tells me your late husband was a great doctor. I’m sure the medical community will miss him greatly.”
“Thad was one of the most respected physicians in Los Angeles. I still can’t get over how many lives he touched over the years. I’ve been deluged with so many sympathy cards from patients whose lives his uncle touched. He will be greatly missed.”
“I’m sure his legacy will go on for a long time.”
“With God’s blessing, I pray that it does.”
Their conversation was interrupted by a young man with curly brown hair and a sophisticated rugged beard. His black suit accentuated his sympathetic blue eyes as he greeted Deloris with a tight embrace.
“I’m soooo sorry, Mrs. Pierce for your loss. Dr. Pierce was a great man.”
Deloris pulled back and greeted the man. “Brian, it’s so nice to see you. Thank you for coming, it means so much to me.”
“Mrs. Pierce, you’re like family to me. If there’s anything you need, please let me know.”
“Your being here is more than enough, Brian.” She slid a hand under his chin and gave him a smile. “I can’t remember how long it’s been since the last time I saw you. Wasn’t it right after you started Harbor the same time as Kevin?”
Brian smiled at her. “You have a pretty good memory, Mrs. Pierce. I believe it was around that time. I believe it was when you and Dr. Pierce had invited me to come along with Kevin for dinner. You had lobster with asparagus followed by your homemade Crème Brulee dessert.”
“Why Brian, you actually remembered what we had for dinner?” She raised her eyebrows. “I almost forgot how much you like food. I don’t how Lisa manages to keep you happy.”
Brian rubbed his hand across his belly. “As you can tell, she’s doing a great job.”
“Brian, thanks for coming.” Kevin stepped forward and gave his friend a firm hug before patting him on the back. “It means a lot to us.”
“You know I wouldn’t miss it for the world, Kev. What are good friends for? I told you that I would be here whenever you needed me.”
Kevin released his arms and pulled back. “Where’s Lisa?”
A frown formed on Brian’s lips. “She couldn’t take time off work. She feels really bad about missing. But she told me to tell you that you’re in her prayers.”
Deloris placed a hand on Brian’s shoulder. “Tell Lisa thank you for me, will you? She’s always so sweet. You’re one lucky man, Brian. If I were you, I’d think seriously about settling down. Women like that are hard to find.”
“Aunt Deloris,” Kevin chimed in. “Don’t pressure the poor guy.”
Brian held up his hand. “It’s okay Kev, don’t worry about it. Your aunt is right. It’s been almost three years, and I’m one lucky man to have her. I’d be a fool to let her slip away. Maybe it is about time I got serious about our relationship.”
“Now that’s my boy.” A grin spread across Deloris’s face.
Brian turned his attention to the last person in line who hadn’t said a word. He drew out his hand and looked straight into her eyes. “And let me guess, you must be the lovely Stephanie?”
Her face lit up with a smile as she shook his hand. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Brian, though I wish it were under better circumstances. Kevin has told me so much about you.”
“I hope it’s all good.” He gave her a mischievous smile. “Don’t believe the bad stuff he says about me. It’s not true.”
There was a sparkle in Stephanie’s eyes as she exchanged glances with Kevin and wrapped her arm around his. “I don’t know. He’s told me some pretty believable stories.”
“Don’t believe her.” Kevin gave her a lighthearted frown. “She’s just pulling your leg. You know I only have good things to say about you, Brian.”
“Kevin tells me you’re an amazing woman, Stephanie. It sounds like meeting you was the best thing that’s ever happened to him.”
“Why thank you, Brian. I’m flattered that you say that. Your friend has a lot going for him. But I can’t take the credit for his recovery. It was God who sent me to help him. I give God all the glory; I was only his instrument.”
“And a great one at that. I told Kevin that Lisa and I wanted to have dinner with the two of you sometime. If you’re going to be in town for a while, maybe we can get together one of these nights? I think the two of you would get along perfectly.”
“That sounds like a wonderful idea, Brian. But I’m afraid I won’t be staying long. I plan on returning to Mendocino tonight.”
“That’s a shame. Maybe the next time you’re in town, we can plan something. Dinner and a movie?”
“Of course. I’d love that.”
Brian leaned over next to Kevin’s ear and whispered, “Take good care of her. She’s a keeper.”
Kevin nodded with a smile.
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of a silvery woman’s voice.
“Oh, Deloris I couldn’t find you in there.” A curvy blonde came up to Deloris and hugged her tightly. Turning from her, she then wrapped her arms around Kevin and hugged him tight, letting her hands linger down his arm when she pulled back slightly to look up at him. “How are you two? I was so worried about you.”
Stephanie stood by silently as the woman smiled up at Kevin. She felt a burning pain in her stomach, and she knew it wasn’t from something she ate. She didn’t like the way the woman eyed Kevin, hanging all over him like he was one of her prize possessions. Acting on her best behavior, she moved past her feelings and gave him a smile. Kevin pulled from the blonde and directed her towards Stephanie.”
“Jen, I want you to meet my girlfriend, Stephanie. Stephanie this is Jen, my uncle’s office manager. She’s been an amazing help to my uncle’s office.”
“Well, it’s your office now, silly. And I’m always happy to help you. You know that.” She swatted at him playfully and giggled. The gesture made Stephanie cringe and wish she had never come to Los Angeles. She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself as she watched the bantering between them.
“OK, we have to go to the gravesite now. Steph, why don’t you ride with us? We can stop by to pick up your car on the way to the hotel.”
“OK,” Stephanie said before she climbed into Aunt Deloris’s black German sedan.
The three of them stood by the grave, and when everyone was gone he walked with Stephanie down to the car and waited as his Aunt Deloris said her goodbyes in private. They watched as the older woman knelt in front of the casket and began talking, as if someone were actually listening. Minutes later, she slowly rose to her feet and started her way back to the car where they were waiting for her. They shuffled into the car, and Kevin sat there watching as they lowered his uncle into the ground. Everyone in the car remained silent as Kevin slowly pulled the sedan away from the curb and headed back to his aunt’s house.
On the way home, his aunt’s body trembled as she sobbed uncontrollably. Sadness weighed heavily on Kevin’s heart, and he wished there was something he could do to console her. He was glad to hear that a friend was coming over to stay with Deloris that night, and he hoped it would help ease some of her pain. When they arrived at home, she took a shower and pulled on some sweats while he and Stephanie made her something to eat. His aunt’s friend arrived just as they finished preparing dinner, and when his aunt was settled comfortably on the couch eating in front of the television with her friend, Stephanie went upstairs to unpack her things.
She had brought along a small carry on suitcase. She had originally planned on changing out of the dress she was wearing after stopping at a restaurant or gas station. She had brought a little T-shirt, a pair of her favorite yoga pants, and some toiletries to get her through the night. Stephanie never imagined she would be staying at Deloris’s house, and her heart soared when Kevin had asked her to stay the night. Not only would it would give her an opportunity to spend more time with him before she returned home, but it would allow her to find out more about this Jen woman who would be working so closely with Kevin. When she changed into her casual clothes, she returned downstairs and followed Kevin into the backyard where they sat on a wooden porch swing that overlooked the arboretum-like garden.
Stephanie looked over at Kevin as the light of a full moon illuminated his face. She could see the bags under his eyes, and it looked like he hadn’t slept in weeks. They sat silently for a few minutes until she decided to finally break the ice.
“So Jen seems pretty nice.”
“Yeah. She’s really great and knows her way around the office. The patients all love her.”
“That’s good. You need someone there who’s good with the patients and knows what they’re doing.” Stephanie pursed her lips together as she carefully planned her next words. “Does she work long hours like you?”
Kevin shrugged his shoulders. “When it’s a busy day, she does. It seems most days the practice is always busy. Sometimes we don’t get done with paperwork until nine or ten at night.”
“Wow, I see.” Stephanie’s voice trailed off as she folded her hands into her lap. “You must have gotten to know her well by now.”
“Kinda. Most of the time, we’re so busy working we don’t have much time to talk. Why do you ask?” He looked at her with a puzzled expression.
“No reason. Jen just seems like a dedicated employee. You’re lucky to have her.” Even though she had no reason, Stephanie gave Kevin a smile.
“I sure am. She’s done so much for the practice. I don’t think my Uncle Thad would have been as successful without her help.”
“Her husband must be a great guy to be so understanding of all those late hours.”
“Husband?” Kevin’s brows furrowed with surprise. “Jen’s not married, she’s single.”
The words she feared struck her like a punch to the stomach. She could feel the tension spread throughout her body and her muscles tighten. It was bad enough he worked so many hours alone with a pretty woman, but the fact she was single with a flirtatious personality gave her reason for concern.
“Kevin, do you think I’m attractive?” Stephanie swept down her eyelashes, battling insecurity.
“Steph, of course I find you attractive. Why would you say that? You know how I feel about you. Haven’t I told you how important you are to me?”
“Yes, you have. It’s just that you never tell me how pretty I look.” Stephanie lowered her gaze to the ground. She felt a mixture of fear and guilt as she sat next to him. Fear that Kevin would find her unattractive compared to Jen, and guilt for complaining to him. She knew how much he had on his plate at the moment, and the last thing she wanted to do was burden him with her feelings of neglect, especially during his family’s time of sorrow.
“But I thought you knew how important you are to me.” Kevin embraced her with his arm.
“Never mind, it was stupid and selfish of me to say anything. Here you are dealing with the loss of your uncle, and I all I can do is complain. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said anything. She felt a hand slide across her chin and lift her head.
“Steph, I’m sorry if I’ve neglected to tell you how beautiful you are. How gorgeous your eyes are.” Kevin gazed longingly into her eyes. “You’ve been the rock of my life, the one who pulled me out of the pit of depression. If it weren’t for your faith in me, I wouldn’t be attending my uncle’s funeral, let along sit here with you. I know I’ve been focused on taking care of my uncle’s, I mean my practice, but I want you to know you’re never far from my mind. I think about you often during the day.” He stared deeply into her eyes. “Steph?”
“Yes.”
“I . . .” Kevin’s voice trailed off.
“Yes? It’s okay, you can tell me.” Stephanie gazed at him with anticipation.
“Nothing. It wasn’t important.” Kevin hated himself for not saying what was in his heart. It wasn’t because words couldn’t describe what he was feeling. He knew exactly what his heart was feeling. But the words wouldn’t make it out of his mouth. Kevin felt Stephanie’s hand slide down the side of his arm.
“You know you can share anything with me, I’ll always listen. We’ve been through so much together, nothing you say will scare me.”
Kevin smiled at her. “I know. You’re the one person I’ve been able to confide in. The one who knows how to lift me up. I don’t know what I’d do without you. I’m just glad you’re in my life.”
“So do I. I’m sorry if I sounded a little insecure. Maybe it’s because I’ve missed you so much since you’ve left. Do you know how long it will take to figure things out with your uncle’s practice?”
“It’s hard to say. I’m meeting with a practice broker this week to see what the practice can sell for. Meanwhile, I’ve got to keep the practice going. It might take a few months to figure out what option would be best.”
“Really, a few months.” Stephanie felt a twinge of sadness in her heart.
“I know it seems like a long time, but I promise I’ll be back to Mendocino as soon I can.” He leaned his head against hers and squeezed her closer to him. The scent that drifted from her neck teased his senses and was as soft as her skin.
They cuddled in silence for a few minutes. Kevin’s hand caressed her arm as they relaxed to the symphony of nighttime sounds and the light of the full moon. A yawn escaped Stephanie’s lips as her head leaned against his shoulder.
“C’mon, it’s been a long day, and you need to get some rest before your long drive tomorrow. I think we should call it a night. You should get an early start so you can make it back before nightfall. It’s not safe driving those small highways at night. I wouldn’t want anything happening to you.” Kevin withdrew his protective embrace from her shoulder.
“You’re right, maybe that’s a good idea,” she said as she stood up to stretch her arms and legs.
“I’ll be back bright and early for breakfast before you leave.”
Kevin walked her up to her room and gave her a goodnight hug and kiss before heading back to his motel room. His body felt like it had just finished working two overnight shifts in the ER. It had been a long week of restless nights as he prepared his uncle’s eulogy and helped his aunt make final funeral arrangements. But now that his uncle was laid to rest, he could finally relax and begin focusing his attention on the practice.
Stephanie’s visit had been a pleasant surprise, and his heart soared when he spotted her exiting the chapel. He had missed her and scolded himself for not sharing his deepest feelings for her. He and Stephanie had a special relationship, more than the closest of friends, but somehow he felt it had evolved into something deeper than that, something he had seen between his parents. But he was afraid of what she might think. Was she ready to hear that he loved her with all of his heart? That he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her?
No, he couldn’t risk scaring her off and jeopardizing their blossoming relationship. They had worked so hard together to climb out of the valley of depression, and he was happy with where they had grown. Maybe someday, when their relationship had a firm foundation, he would share with her how much he wanted her to be a permanent part of his life. He began to fantasize about a blissful marriage, and soon he drifted off into a peaceful, deep sleep.