Chapter 42

forty-two

JACOB

I knocked on the open door to Doc Martin’s consultation room at The Welcome Center.

“Come in.”

As soon as I stepped into the office, I frowned. At least six boxes were stacked on the floor beside the desk. “I hope I’m not intruding.”

Doc Martin smiled. “Of course not. I came in to sort through a few things before I retire. Did you make a list of everything you’ll need?”

I pulled a sheet of paper out of my back pocket. “I did. Do you think the hospital will supply everything?”

Doc Martin studied the list. “I can’t see why not. The consultation rooms in town have become a little run down. We were supposed to have a new medical clinic by now, so I wasn’t worried. But given the funding cuts hospitals are having to make, I can’t see a new clinic being built in Sunrise Bay. Not for a few years, anyway.”

“The community won’t be happy.”

“I know, but there isn’t a lot we can do about it. It wouldn’t take much to improve the current building. If you have any ideas about changes you’d like to make, talk to Shane. His construction company has remodeled quite a few buildings in town.”

“I’ll do that.”

Doc Martin pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “Have you heard anything from the clinical director in Boulder?”

“Not yet. But my paperwork has been approved and Pastor Adam’s happy for me to see patients at The Welcome Center.”

“Was your team in Afghanistan surprised to hear you weren’t going back?”

I still felt guilty about leaving the refugee camp so suddenly. “They were. Luckily, another doctor was able to take my place. It feels as though I’ve left a big part of my life behind.”

“It’s not easy making such a huge adjustment, especially when staying here wasn’t something you’d planned.”

That was an understatement. My intention was to stay in Sunrise Bay for two weeks and now look at me. “What made you want to work in Sunrise Bay?”

Doc Martin smiled. “I met Pastor Adam at a community meeting in Boulder. He hadn’t been in Sunrise Bay all that long but, even then, he was always looking at ways he could help the community. At that stage, there were no doctors here. Everyone had to travel to Boulder, even if it was for something minor. After a lot of hard work, Pastor Adam convinced the hospital that Sunrise Bay needed a part-time doctor. After some arm-twisting, I agreed to come here once a week. I’ve enjoyed every minute, but it’s time for a change of pace.”

“Are you looking forward to retiring?”

Doc Martin rubbed his hand across his jaw. “I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t miss my job. Like you, my life’s about to go through some big changes. But for once in my life, I’m not going to worry about it. I’ve got my fishing boat, my wife, and more grandchildren than I know what to do with. Between those things, I’m hoping I won’t have a lot of time to think about my career.”

“Maybe I should get a boat,” I said half-jokingly.

“You don’t need one. If you have a free day, give me a call. We can commiserate with each other while we’re fishing on Willow Lake.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

“You won’t regret making the decision to work in Sunrise Bay. It’s a great place to call home.”

Doc Martin’s words stripped away all the uncertainty I was holding onto. “I’m beginning to see just how special it is. Don’t be surprised if you get a phone call from me every now and again.”

“I’ll look forward to it.”

After I’d said goodbye, I left The Welcome Center and headed toward the parking lot. If I could build on what Doc Martin had created, I’d be doing a good job.

I checked my watch and increased my pace. If I didn’t get a move on, I’d be late for my hike with Andrew. After spending most of the morning working in front of a computer, I needed to stretch my legs.