The Bet (Part 2 of Life Lessons)

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She had survived her mother's reception by smiling and making a point of only offering one dance to each of the handsome suitors her mother had rounded up. No sense in encouraging any relationships yet. Shortly after midnight, she had escaped, crashing for a few hours before she forced herself to begin the move to her new one-bedroom apartment.

It took a couple of trips with the U-haul to move her possessions from the university campus to her new pad. She knew U-Haul would have been happy to do most of the work for her, but she wasn't willing to pay four times the price for the convenience, even if her back did complain about all the work. Her bank account was still healthy; no student loans, thanks to the money from her father's will. But for now, she'd save it. When she found her dream home and the right man, part with her money and she'd settle down. For now, she would add to her savings by living a thrifty lifestyle and working hard.

The necessities were unpacked and put away, but boxes still cluttered each room. The rest of her things would have to wait to be unpacked in the evenings.

Heather was finally able to relax and enjoy her job. She understood the protocols, knew what was expected of her, and managed to find equipment and supplies without hunting through every cupboard like she had the first few days. Dr. Cho proved to be a pleasant person to work with—thorough, with high expectations, but also generous with praise.

As they were doing rounds that day, Dr. Cho's pager rang. Heather continued on to the next patient, chatting with Mrs. Becker as she checked her vital signs. Dr. Cho returned, observing as Heather completed the routines, which were now familiar. Dr. Cho updated the patient's chart and then pointed with her head, indicating Heather should follow her out of the room into the hallway.

"This morning we've been invited to participate in the birth of triplets."

Heather nodded.

"We'll be working with three other teams. Dr. Jonathan Morrow is the lead doctor. He'll be performing the C-section and overseeing the whole birth process. You and I will be responsible for baby number one. The other two teams will be assigned to baby number two and three. We are required in unit four in ten minutes."

"I'll be there in five."

"Sounds good. See you there."

Heather mentally reviewed the expected procedures for C-sections as she made her way to the unit. She had assisted with several during her practicums. They had all been unremarkable, with no complications for either the mother or the infant. However, they had also been single births; this would be Heather's first time assisting with multiple births.

She arrived at the unit and nodded at Mindy, who was the lead nurse.

Mindy smiled. "Looks like I get to introduce you to Dr. Morrow today, but we'll have to forego formalities and just work together for now."

"No problem. I'll meet you in the OR after I've scrubbed up. Besides, I'm not looking for a man, remember?"

"We'll see about that." Mindy's eyes sparkled.

Heather removed her jewelry and washed her hands and arms with antimicrobial soap. Then, she completed the prescribed scrubbing protocol, two minutes per area, donned her surgical scrubs and strode into the operating room. As she walked through the door, she gazed across the room right into a pair of inquiring blue eyes. A dazzling smile and dimples matched the azure orbs. She understood now why her friend kept getting distracted by a certain Dr. Morrow.

Mindy cleared her throat.

Heather forced her gaze away from the handsome doctor and took her place at the appointed station. She was mentally ticking off the list of equipment when Dr. Cho joined her.

"Welcome everyone. My patient, Mrs. Campbell, will be joining us in a few minutes. Let's work together to deliver three healthy babies." Dr. Morrow's voice rumbled with authority.

Those intense blue eyes were on her again. Heather nodded and smiled, ignoring the butterflies that were flitting about in her stomach. When the doctor returned her smile, the butterflies broke out into a full-fledged dance. Her face was warm.

The entry of the expectant mother, Audrey Campbell, forced everyone to focus on the task at hand. Mindy checked the patient's vitals and made sure everything was in place for the surgery. When she was satisfied, she nodded at Dr. Morrow to proceed.
He winked at Heather and picked up a scalpel.

Heather forced her eyes away from the doctor's face, onto the patient. Did he really wink at me? No, it was probably an inclusive wink, an effort to calm everyone before the surgery.

Dr. Morrow made the incision with accuracy and confidence. Obviously he had done this surgery hundreds, perhaps even thousands of times before.

Within minutes, baby number one was out and the cord clamped. A loud cry echoed around the room followed by a collective sigh. Instead of handing the baby to Mindy, Dr. Morrow nodded at Heather to step forward. She took a step but tripped and fell towards Dr. Morrow. She caught herself before she reached the operating table and gingerly took the last step to reach the doctor. Her mind was racing, but she forced herself to move calmly, receiving the baby from the doctor's hands.

He leaned forward and whispered in her ear, "I can see you're falling for me."

Heather clamped her mouth shut and turned on her heel. She wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of a reply. He had the nerve to flirt with her in front of all these people, in the middle of surgery no less. She wanted to scream. He may be good-looking, but she wasn't so sure she wanted to get to know him.

She and Dr. Cho worked over baby number one checking vitals and recording stats. Heather gently sponged the boy, cleaning him off and making him more presentable. She glanced up and noted that baby two was safely delivered. One more to go. The father stood clasping his wife's hand. Heather glanced at his face; it was a pasty white color.

Heather rushed to the bedside just in time to catch the man as he slumped into her arms. "Wheelchair."

"Here you go," a deep voice rumbled in her ear. "Good catch."

The voice startled her. She had been expecting Mindy.

Her friend was waiting behind the doctor. "I've got the wheels locked. Ease him in," Mindy said.

Heather complied, releasing the weight of the patient into the chair. She wheeled him out into the waiting room where other family members took over. She assured them the surgery was going well and two babies were safely delivered, one boy and one girl. Then she returned to the OR.

By the time she returned, baby number three was out, another boy.
The surgery had been successful. No complications. Heather enjoyed the friendly bantering and camaraderie among the staff as they removed their surgical gowns.

"Heather Donovan, I'd like to introduce you to Dr. Jonathan Morrow."

She looked up into those mesmerizing blue eyes and shook his hand. "I'm glad to meet you, doctor."

"The pleasure's mine. Please, call me Jonathan." He continued to hold her hand. "Good work in the OR. I'm wondering if you would allow me to take you to dinner?"

Heather gulped. "Me?"

Mindy stood beside the doctor shaking her head up and down.

"Yes you, Nurse Donovan." He smiled and winked. "Unless you're busy?"

"Uh, no. I'm available." That was a stupid thing to say!

"Great. May I pick you up at your place around 7:00 tonight?"

"That w-w-w-ould be fine. I live in Addison on Fourth. Three zero eight, fourth Avenue." Was she dreaming?

“Got it.” He finished punching her address into his phone. “Enjoy the rest of your day and I'll see you tonight. I'm looking forward to it.”

With that, he was out the door. Heather stood there blinking, trying to figure out how she had agreed to go on a date. First, you’re mad at him for flirting with you and then you accept a date?

“I don't believe it. He asked you out!” Mindy gave her a playful jab on the arm. “So much for the bet I have with my other friends.”

All Heather could do was shake her head. What had she gotten herself into?