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The question hung in the air, a gentle reminder of the one thing that wasn’t as bright as it should be in my life. “Things with her aren’t so great at the moment.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” The concern in her voice was clear, even as she tried to keep it light.
“I’m trying to show her I’m not the same guy who left all those years ago—that I’m here to stay. But I can’t seem to get through to her.” The words tumbled out, heavy with the weight of my fears.
“Oh, sweetheart, I know you are. And I’m sure she’ll see it too. You just have to give it time.”
“Time,” I replied, gazing out across the water where the horizon blurred into the sky. “That’s what I’m afraid we’re running out of.”
“I’m sorry, Aiden. It shouldn’t be this way.” Her voice softened with a hint of regret. “You shouldn’t have to prove yourself. And it’s our fault that you’re in this position.”
I propped my feet on the gleaming railing, glad to finally be resolving this issue with my parents. “It’s okay, Mom. I love my medical practice, and I love being back on Dove Key. I’ve come to believe I’m right where I’m supposed to be.” The words were more for myself than for her, an affirmation as the first rays of daylight spilled across my boat. “And if things are meant to be with Stella, I’ll know soon enough.”
There was a brief silence on the line, one filled with understanding and the unspoken guilt of what could happen if Stella and I didn’t reconcile. Just the thought of that made my stomach twist, an uncomfortable knot of anxiety and longing.
“Your father and I are so proud of you, Aiden,” she continued, tactfully changing the subject. “You know, I’ve been talking to Pam Bryant a lot lately. Does that name ring a bell?”
“Of course.” I smiled, pushing away the conflict with Stella to picture one of Mom’s oldest friends in Dove Key. A friend who had also become one of my favorite patients. “I’ve seen her around a few times. How is she?”
“Thrilled with her new doctor.” Mom laughed heartily. “A few months ago, Pam called me up just to sing your praises, and we’ve rekindled our friendship. She said you changed all her medications, and she feels better than she has in years.”
I smiled at the compliment, feeling a swell of pride. “Well, Dr. Nelson had his medical philosophy, and I have mine.”
“You’re not going to tell me a thing, are you?” she teased.
“Nope.” I grinned.
“You’re very good at what you do, Aiden. Dove Key is lucky to have you.”
Her words wrapped around me like a comforting hug. “Thanks, Mom. The longer I’m here, the more I love being a small-town doctor. The sense of doing my best for the people here.”
“Which is precisely why you’re so special. We should have realized that sooner.” She paused, the kind filled with unspoken apologies and old regrets. “We didn’t give you enough credit, honey. You’ve proved us wrong time and again.”
“Hey, no need to get into all that now.” I wanted to put the awkward regret in the past forever. Where it belonged. “Why don’t you and Dad come visit sometime? The island’s more beautiful than ever.”
“Really?” Her surprise was evident, a smile audible in her voice. “We’d love to visit you, wouldn’t we, George?” I heard some muffled assent from my dad in the background.
“Absolutely, but fair warning—the quarters are a little tight here on the boat. Unless you like the idea of sleeping on deck.”
“No, thanks! We’ll find a nice place to stay. Calypso Key is a lovely resort, you know…”
My smile widened at the leading tease in her voice. “Yeah, it’s just about perfect.”
“And of course, I’ve heard nothing but praise about their fine-dining restaurant.”
I laughed out loud. “Okay, now you’re laying it on a little thick.”
“I know. We’ll make plans to come down soon. Oh, Aiden, we’re so excited!”
“Can’t wait to show you both around. Just be ready to meet the two sides I have now—Aiden and Dr. Mitchell.”
She laughed, that hearty, infectious laugh that used to echo throughout our house. “We wouldn’t expect anything less. You’ve made quite the impact, son.”
“Let’s hope the impact lasts,” I murmured, more to myself than to her. “I gotta go, Mom. Patients to see and all that.”
“Of course, darling. Take care.”
“Will do. Bye, Mom.”
