Disaster Status (27 page)
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Erin watched Scott as he pointed over the railing to the darkened cityscape below, blond hair and shoulders of his firehouse jacket illuminated by the roof lights. Maybe even by the stars overhead—she’d begun to believe they’d finally aligned.
Thank you, Lord.
Her breath snagged as he turned, gray eyes glancing at hers. “Pretty great, isn’t it? Top of the town hall is the best-kept secret in Pacific Point. Of course, you have to be a fire inspector to get up here.” He slid an arm around her waist and drew her closer as he gazed at the skyline again, identifying glittering lights in the distance. “That’s the fire station and the lights along the coastline. There’s Arlo’s, Pacific Mercy, and the freeways. I’ll be right there, heading north, first thing tomorrow with Cody.”
“I’m glad he finally talked with you about the accident.” She leaned against him, feeling a rush of empathy. It had been hard for Scott too.
“He’d been praying so hard for his parents to reconcile. . . .” Scott’s voice thickened. “He wanted his family together because he loved them. That can only be a good thing.”
“Yes, bless his heart.” Erin nodded, grateful Scott and Cody had been so open with each other. “Family . . . it gets complicated, doesn’t it?” She shook her head, then chuckled softly. “Especially if they’re all crowding into the smallest beach house in Pacific Point. It’s good Elmer’s going with Cody. I think my baby niece might be sleeping in his fish tank tonight. Thank goodness Leigh’s letting me stay with her this week.”
Scott traced his fingers along the side of her face. “You’re doing okay with having your dad here for a while?”
“It’s important to my mother and to Nana.” She took a slow breath and sighed. “To me too. It’s going to take time. But I think it could work out this go-round. I want to start trusting in that . . . believing. My parents look happy. Not that there’s any room, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they danced in that kitchen. I’ve seen it done before.”
“Yeah, dancing. We managed that a few times ourselves, between rounds of CPR and community disasters. We’ll have to try it again. After Cody’s back from his treatments. Of course, it’s not as easy to get away when you have a ten-year-old living with you. Especially if he ends up having surgery. But either way, having him with me—knowing he wants that too—it feels right, you know?”
“I know,” she said, her heart warm with growing certainty. That Cody belonged with Scott . . . and so did she. “Very right.”
“That means you’ll be wearing fishing boots more often than dancing shoes. He’s got that El Squid lure, and he’s itching to use it. I told him the boat trip’s on as soon as he’s ready. And—” he traced his thumb along her jaw—“we’ll be back in the McKenna pew at church again, starting next Sunday. You can come too. And bring your grandmother. Granddad would love that. And we’ll go to your church—trade off. We’ll work it out.” He grinned. “Am I making your head spin?”
“No,” she said, thinking that it was a complete switch: his talking and her comfort with being quiet. So different from that first day when they’d met over the hospital barricade. Funny how it had worked out. She smiled. “But I was wondering when you’re going to kiss me.”
He laughed. “Fear not, Wonder Woman. You can count on me.”
He leaned down and covered her lips with his own. He kissed her gently, then more deeply, wrapping his arms around her and bringing her closer. She kissed him back, breathing in the familiar scent of citrus and smoke, her senses reeling from his amazing combination of tenderness, passion . . . and wonderful, caring heart. When they moved apart at last, her legs were weak.
“I want this, Erin,” he said, brushing the back of his hand against her cheek. “All of it. You, Cody . . . God. It all feels so right.”
“I think so too,” she whispered, having no trouble at all seeing herself on a fishing boat, on a dance floor, and in a church pew beside Scott McKenna. She could easily imagine his voice—that beautiful, rich baritone—singing “Amazing Grace.” In fact, she could almost hear it right now. A lump rose in her throat. Those things happened when you knew the source of your strength. And listened with the ear of your heart.
Epilogue
September
Erin peeked into the triage office to find Sandy weighing herself on the standing scales. Four months pregnant and barely beginning to show. “Don’t kid yourself. Anything you see there is peanut butter cookies,” she teased, thinking of her friend Claire Caldwell, who was due about the same time. “What do we have in the waiting room lineup?”
Sandy stepped off the scale and slid into her white clogs. “Not much. A rule-out appy—his pain’s about a four right now. And Mrs. Alton’s back with one of her gallbladder flare-ups.” She rolled her eyes. “She asked the clerk to switch the TV to
Oprah
while she finishes her chalupa. So, how’s our new doc doing?”
“Pretty fair, but . . .” Erin sighed. “He’s not Leigh. Actually, that’s why I was checking on the waiting room. Since it’s not too busy, I might take my coffee outside and give her a call.”
“Go for it. It’s gorgeous out there. I love Indian summer. I can’t wait to get out and enjoy it with Chuck.” She patted her tummy. “And Mr. Peanut here. Oh, don’t you have that big fishing date tomorrow?”
“Yes.” Erin stomach fluttered the way it always did when she thought of Scott, even after six months. “On the
Tuna Helper
out of Monterey. I get to paste a seasick patch behind my ear, pull on the rubber boots, and go a few rounds with a whopper albacore. After getting up at 4 a.m. But this
is
a special day.”
She took her coffee—in the San Francisco cup Leigh left behind—to the pebbled table outside the doors of the ER. Sandy was right about the weather; with the morning fog burned off, the air was warm, sea-scented, and full of promise. Tomorrow was going to be great. She hit the assigned speed dial on her phone, praying silently that Leigh’s situation had improved. She knew too well how painful family turmoil could be—even without a broken heart.
And a divorce three weeks away.
Erin’s shoulders sagged with relief at the sound of Leigh’s voice . . .
better.
“I’m riding,” she said, breathless. “Golden Gate National Park. We’re finally settling into a routine. Well, sort of.” She groaned. “Frisco’s determined to put me on a trauma gurney today, and—hey, easy there, big guy
.
Sorry, Erin.”
“No problem. You’re moved back into your house?”
“Yes, Caroline’s been discharged from rehab and wanted to get back to work, so we’re here now. I don’t have to commute back and forth to work my shifts in the ER. That’s better. And . . .” Erin could hear the pain in her voice. “It will be easier to finish up with those . . . legal things from here. A lot of dividing, packing—you know how that goes.”
Legal things.
Leigh couldn’t even say the word
divorce
.
This isn’t over, friend. Don’t kid
yourself.
There was a stretch of silence, punctuated by a muffled whinny and the steady clop of hooves. Erin ached to hug her.
“On the brighter side,” Leigh said, “I got a thank-you gift from Ana Galvez in the mail yesterday, a crayon drawing. Flowers, the ocean . . . under a sky filled with butterflies. It’s good to see such a happy view of Pacific Point. Any more news about Sarge?”
“Not much. The medications and therapy have helped, but that also means he’ll be scheduled for trial. I’m going to believe that your character deposition, his son’s support, and Cody’s sweet letter will have some influence. And I’ll have to stop Nana from baking cookies for the judge.”
“How is our Iris?”
“I hardly see her! She’s taking tai chi, teaching centering prayer at the church, pushing that library cart, and always going on some adventure.” Erin chuckled. “With a certain distinguished marine biologist and his yodeling sidekick.”
“Good. And you sound wonderful. You sound happy.”
“I am. I count my blessings every day, trust me.” She rubbed her thumb along the phone. “And I keep thinking that if this can happen for me, then I’m sure that—”
“Don’t. Erin, I love you, but please don’t. I’m doing what needs to be done. It won’t be a happy ending, but it will end . . . and I’ll come out alive. If Frisco doesn’t leave me in a mangled heap beside this trail. Seriously, I’m a big girl. Don’t spend any more precious time worrying about me.”
“Not worrying. Praying. I keep telling you that you might want to give it another try.”
Leigh sighed. “Just use your heavenly influence to get me back to the stable in one piece, okay? I’d better say good-bye; I think I hear mountain bikes up ahead. Frisco’s always sure they’ll eat him. I’ll need both hands on the reins, and—oh, your deep-sea fishing trip’s tomorrow, right?”
“Right.” Erin squinted across the parking lot, and her stomach fluttered—big man, small boy. “In fact, I think I see Gilligan and the Skipper right now. I’ll let you go. Have a great ride.”
“And you . . . you hook a big one, Erin.”
“Count on it.” She disconnected the call and stood, hands on her hips, watching as Cody and Scott made their way toward her. They passed the corner she’d come to think of as Sarge’s spot, where he stood alone on his breaks. Cody broke into a trot. Sun on his curls, face sun-kissed and freckled, and surprisingly steady though his leg was still regaining strength. Infection-free and mending . . . body and soul. Thanks to the hyperbaric treatments, family counseling, and the loving care of his wonderful uncle. She held her arms out to Cody. “Hi, guys.”
Erin returned Cody’s exuberant hug and then smiled at Scott. He was in uniform, she in scrubs—the same as the day they’d first met. And butted heads. It seemed like a lifetime ago, and the memory never failed to make her smile. “What’s up?”
He raised a metal folder. “Your department copies of the fire inspection.”
She bit her lip, chuckling. “Aren’t they usually mailed? Isn’t that by-the-book policy, Captain McKenna?”
“Yes, but—”
“We wanted to see you,” Cody blurted. “And make sure you’re packed for the trip tomorrow.” His blue eyes lit. “We might see whales; did you know that? And I told Uncle Scotty that he should buy you an El Squid lure too. I’m going to talk him into stopping by Arlo’s to get one. I’d share mine, but it would probably be better if you had your own. There’s a lot of fish out there. I already set my alarm for three thirty, and my clothes are all laid out, and—” He gulped for a breath.
“And we’re pretty excited, obviously,” Scott said, ruffling his nephew’s hair. “I’m driving Cody over to my folks’ after I leave here. They’re taking him to the movies. So I thought you and I should go out to dinner.” He took hold of her hand. “I made reservations. Someplace people can’t show up in scrubs or . . . smelling like a house fire. We’ll eat, listen to jazz, dance. . . . What do you think?”
“You’re saving me. Nana and Hugh are playing Scrabble again tonight. Your grandfather and Jonah against Nana and Elmer. But if I’m there, then—”
“Hold it. Elmer? Scrabble?”
“Iris says it’s the only fair way, because Great-grandpa always uses scientific words. So, Elmer gets to use—” Cody shrugged—“goldfish language.”
Scott shook his head. “Which is balanced out by . . . Chihuahua?”
“See?” Erin laughed. “You’re saving me. Dinner out sounds way better than Scrabble. And your fire inspection report.”
He tapped the folder. “Which does note a few things that aren’t quite . . .”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m sure of it, Captain. But you have to promise we won’t talk about it at dinner.”
The look in his eyes melted her heart. “You can count on that.”
Erin squeezed Scott’s fingers.
And on you, Lord. On you always.
+++
Scott watched Erin kick off her sandals and walk barefoot toward the waterline, lifting the hem of her long, gauzy skirt. The sunset, orange and pink and washed with purple, seemed to set her upswept hair on fire, loose strands trailing down onto the lacy sweater, bright as embers. As if she were lit inside and out. Exactly as she’d been that first night they’d walked this beach together. When she’d given him that spontaneous grateful hug and her warmth stirred his lonely soul. The beginning of so much, that led him to . . . He glanced toward the rock at the base of the sea cliff.
To you, God.
And to Cody, new peace with Colleen’s death, more happiness than he’d ever thought possible, and to this night
.
He exhaled slowly, feeling his heartbeat quicken. Then walked toward her, his tie fluttering in the breeze like the wind chimes on Arlo’s porch above. She turned, raised her arms skyward, smiling at him. He told himself to breathe.
“Isn’t it the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen?” she asked, closing her eyes. “And the sound . . . I always thought it sounded restless, anxious. But that’s not true. If you listen, really listen . . .” She opened her eyes as he stepped close. Then her brows drew together as she studied his face. “What? You look so serious.”
“I have something for you,” he said, fumbling with the paper sack in the pocket of his sport coat. His heart was pounding as hard as the first time he’d faced a fire. “Here.”
“Oh.” She scanned Arlo’s logo, Get Hooked on Our Coffee, and glanced back at him with a confused expression. “Cute. The bow is made from fishing line, strung with . . . Are those little bits of sea glass?”
“Annie’s idea,” he explained, his mouth going dry. “And Cody thought it should be wrapped.”
“Oh, right. The lure. He talked you into buying me the El Squid?”
Scott started to laugh, but it was impossible with his heart jammed in his throat. “We just thought you should have this before tomorrow. Go ahead, open it up. Before it gets too dark to see.”
“I’m not going to get stuck, am I?”
He chuckled at the irony. “I think you’ll be okay.”
Erin untied the fishing line and tucked the sea glass into the pocket of her skirt. Then she lifted the small velvet box from the paper bag and gasped.
And then—because he wanted to do it by the book—he sank onto one knee in the sand.
She looked down at him, one hand on her chest. “Scott . . .” She opened the lid and her eyes widened before filling with tears. “Oh . . . Scott.”
“I love you, Erin. Will you marry me?”
“I . . . oh yes. Yes!”
He stood, and she flung her arms around him. “I love you too. With all my heart and soul.”
Scott held her against him, his heart thudding against hers, his eyes blurring with tears. “I wanted to do this here. Because it’s where I finally figured things out. And a big part of that is you, Erin. I need you. With me, with Cody, and—uh-oh.” He leaned back, shaking his head. “Cody. I did this all wrong. Oh, boy.”
“Too late, Captain. I’m keeping the ring.”
He laughed and pressed his lips to her forehead. “No. I meant I promised Cody I’d say, ‘Will you marry
us
?’ He said it was important.”
She grinned. “It is. And I will.”
“Good.” He kissed her lips lightly. Then kissed her again. Much more thoroughly.
“Want to see if it fits?” Scott whispered, finally moving away. He lifted the diamond and platinum ring from the box, smiled at her murmur of delight, and slid it onto her finger.
Erin raised her hand, letting the sunset glitter on its trio of faceted stones. “It’s beautiful. It’s perfect. . . . I’m so happy.”
He pulled her close again, wrapping his arms around her as they watched the sun sink toward the sea. He listened, loving her excitement as she talked about showing the ring to their families, to friends at church and at Pacific Mercy and the fire department. About calling Leigh and Claire. Then he kissed her again, and they were quiet for a long while. Listening. To the sound of the waves, the soft call of gulls, and Annie’s wind chimes from the porch on the cliff above.
Sea Dog black, Starfish Latte extra cinnamon. Who would have ever have imagined it? Scott glanced toward the rock rising from the ocean, smiling as the comfort swirled again. An eddy of soul-deep warmth on the beach where he’d struggled against cold and loneliness. Who would have imagined—
planned—
these beautiful miracles? He tightened his arms around his soul mate and closed his eyes.
You, Lord. Only you.
About the Author
Candace Calvert is a former ER nurse who believes love, laughter, and faith are the best medicines. A multipublished author of humorous mysteries, she invites readers to “scrub in” on the dramatic, pulse-pounding world of emergency medicine via her new Mercy Hospital series. A mother of two and native Californian, she now lives with her husband in the beautiful hill country of Texas. Visit her Web site at www.candacecalvert.com.
Book Discussion Guide
Use these questions for individual reflection or for discussion within your book club or small group.
Note: Book clubs that choose to read
Disaster Status
, please e-mail me at [email protected]. I’ll try to arrange a speakerphone conversation to join your discussion.
1. As
Disaster Status
opens, nurse Erin Quinn smacks her red boxing gloves against a speed bag. Her most frequent prayer is “Keep me strong”—physically, professionally, and emotionally. Why is staying strong so important to her? How did her past shape that need? How did it influence her relationships with men? her relationship with her grandmother? Discuss.
2. Fire captain Scott McKenna has lived his life in the shadow of his heroic father. Why is this particularly difficult for him now? Have you ever felt driven to “measure up” to someone else?
3. Personal reactions to stressful events (like the Pacific Point pesticide disaster) often bring old emotional wounds to the surface (Erin). Or reopen wounds that are barely healing (Scott, Cody, Leigh Stathos). The character of Sarge Gunther gives a dramatic face to the devastating effects of post-traumatic stress. Why did saving Cody Sorenson become so important to him? As a reader, did the character of Sarge evoke fear or sympathy? a mixture? Discuss.
4. What role do you think Arlo and Annie Popp play in
Disaster Status
? Annie’s driftwood and sea glass mobiles are “worn smooth by the sea,” like people are by time and tests of faith. Compare and contrast Annie’s mobiles with Erin’s stained-glass window hanging (how they were shaped, what inspired them, what feelings they evoked).
5. Iris Quinn spends time each day with centering prayer, by sitting still and “listening with the ear of her heart.” Do you make quiet time with God a regular part of your day? How does that help you?
6. There are several symbols used throughout
Disaster Status
.
a.) Erin’s fight against the beach house’s shower mold continues until an epiphany moment when she pulls down the stained-glass window hanging and lets the sun shine in. What do you think the shower mold represented?
b.) Scott McKenna (to quote Annie Popp) “battles that cold ocean like a tortured soul” as he trains for Ocean Rescue. Early in the book, he is swept against a large rock and injured. Near the book’s end, he climbs up on that same rock and prays for help in becoming the man God wants him to be. In the epilogue, he proposes to Erin on that beach. What significance do you see in Scott’s collision with the rock and the peace and happiness that he finally finds there?
7. Iris intends to gift Erin with a copy of the poem “A Strong Woman vs. A Woman of Strength.” What impact did the words of this poem have on you? Are you a person of strength?
8. Erin conducts a Faith QD hospital ministry, inviting hospital staff to gather before their shift and ask God to be present during their workday. If it were possible, how helpful would you find that in your workplace? In what specific way?
9.
Disaster Status
offers glimpses into the fast-paced world of emergency medicine and attempts to “put the readers in the trauma room.” The book differs from popular TV medical shows because of its faith elements. It could even be described as “
Grey’s Anatomy
finds its soul.” Did you feel that? Discuss.
10. Forgiveness plays an important role in this book—forgiving others and oneself as well. Scott wrestles with guilt regarding his sister’s death and Cody’s injury. Erin refuses to forgive her father. Sarge struggles with his role in the death of Gulf War civilians. Leigh Stathos is only beginning to deal with her husband’s betrayal. Iris Quinn’s quiet strength—and ultimately her forgiveness of the man who assaults her—is a result of her own experience with God’s grace and touches the lives of all around her. Do you know people who, like Erin, pull on a pair of boxing gloves against past hurts? or, like Scott, drag themselves through cold seas of self-punishment? How tough is forgiveness for you?
11. Snippets of humor temper the story’s more serious moments. Like Jonah the yodeling Chihuahua, the scene at the senior citizens’ karaoke night, and the verbal sparring between Erin and Scott. What was your favorite chuckle?
12. The Mercy Hospital series intends to offer both entertainment and an encouraging message of hope. How hopeful did you find the ending of
Disaster Status
? for Erin and Scott? Iris? Cody? Sarge? Leigh? Discuss.
