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Decision of the Heart

By Judy G

October 2015

Chapter 1: Love Blooms

Boston

Dr. William Burke was totally unprepared for the beautiful creature that waltzed into Elizabeth Quinn's hospital room. He had met Mrs. Quinn's daughters, and with the exception of the oldest, found them to be overbearing and rude. Knowing that her youngest was also a doctor, he had expected her to be high strung as well. She would have to be to survive in a man's profession.

The lovely woman standing before him was nothing like her sisters. Not haughty in the least, her countenance exuded grace and beauty. He couldn't help but be enamored with her right from the start.

Whereas Dr. Hanson refused to even shake the hand of 'Dr. Quinn', William was more than glad to. Her hand, extended in professional courtesy, was so small and delicate.

He admired the fact that despite her apparent worry, she instantly jumped into doctor mode. What amazed him the most was she was not the least bit intimidated by Dr. Hanson, insisting on hearing her mother's symptoms and the doctors' diagnosis. After examining her mother, the lady doctor had the gumption to disagree with said diagnosis! He had never met such a strong, determined woman, especially one so obviously feminine. He fought to keep a smile from overtaking his face, in deference to his boss and senior physician.

It was evident by her insistence on using an Indian remedy on her own mother that she was not afraid to try new medical treatments. Although slightly reserved himself, he was determined to listen to her medical findings. New treatments were being discovered every day and William was not one to discard an idea based simply on who provided the information.

Michaela couldn't believe William was so accepting, even eager of her ideas. She had expected total rejection, but this male doctor didn't hesitate to hear her views. Once he read her paper, she was certain Dr. Burke would agree with her treatment plan. The problem would be convincing her mother.

OOO

Dr. Burke was as good a diplomat as he was a doctor and convinced Mrs. Quinn to allow the treatment. Michaela was positively thrilled when they walked out of her mother's hospital room. Turning to William she impulsively embraced him, gushing, "Oh, William, you were wonderful!"

Realizing what she had done, she retreated quickly with a soft, "I'm sorry."

William, for his part, would have loved to hug her back, had she not pulled away. "No, please, don't apologize. Mike."

Mortified, Michaela slowly turned away. "What came over me?! How could I hug him like that? What must he think of me?"

He knew she was so embarrassed, but it sent thrills throughout his body. His only disappointment was that the hug didn't last longer. As William watched her walk away, the thoughts running through his mind were hardly appropriate. He couldn't deny what the woman's brief touch had done to him.

Rushing after her, William gently touched her arm, encouraging her to look at him.

In an effort to ease her discomfort, he explained, "I think we need to find some dandelions." Looking up at her colleague with a grateful smile, Mike noticed his sparkling blue eyes. Briefly she was reminded of someone else with blue eyes.

OOO

It hadn't been easy keeping Mrs. Quinn's treatment hidden from Dr. Hanson, but William knew he would block it if he knew. He had hoped their patient's full recovery would appease the senior physician, but that was not to be. William's only reward was the grateful smile and thank you from the youngest Quinn daughter.

Strolling from the hospital to his soon-to-be-former office, William was amazed at the stories the children told of Mike's practice in Colorado Springs. Many Boston doctors could learn from her caring spirit.

Arriving at their destination, William moved to go inside when Michaela politely asked if there was anything they could do to help. He hesitated momentarily, not sure if she would agree to take their relationship out of the professional realm.

It was amazing how one person had changed his outlook so drastically. Never would he have thought being fired a reason to celebrate. Using that as an excuse, he invited the family out to dinner that evening. His heart skipped a bit in joy when she not only said yes, but seemed excited. He was determined to take her and the children some place fit for a princess.

OOO

Michaela was thrilled at the choice of restaurant. As William led her by the hand down the winding steps, she marveled at the exquisite flower arrangements and the relaxing violin music. She had never been so pampered, not even by David.

Michaela in her blue satiny, off-the-shoulder gown was a vision to behold. But she wasn't just beautiful on the outside. Michaela Quinn was a force to be reckoned with, yet delicate as a rose petal. She was not pretentious in the least, being as polite to the restaurant staff as she was to the nurses at the hospital.

Then there were the children. It was obvious she genuinely loved them, and they loved her. He knew of no single woman who would have taken in one orphan, yet alone three. How could so much perfection be wrapped up in one small package?

As they danced, William was drowning in the scent of her, the nearness. He had never felt these feelings before and they were a little frightening. He knew he was deeply in love with Michaela Quinn, but was she in love with him?

OOO

He just had to see her again. When he arrived at the Quinn home that morning William wasn't sure how Michaela would react to his invitation, or if she would agree to leave the children behind. He was thrilled when he received a warm welcome, and his heart nearly burst with joy when the beautiful female doctor quickly accepted his offer, eager to walk along the Boston harbor after so many days spent worrying over her mother.

It was a crisp fall day, just perfect for a stroll. As they walked through the park, William encouraged his lovely companion to discuss her practice in Colorado Springs. He wanted to know everything about her, and she was eager to share. Everything was so perfect, Michaela didn't notice the loose cobblestone until the heel of her boot became caught.

Seeing her stumble, William quickly grabbed her arm to keep her from falling. Smiling with gratitude, Michaela suggested they take a rest. As they found the nearest bench, Dr. Burke had yet to take his hand from her arm. Michaela began to giggle as she related the story of her slipping in the mud her first day in Colorado Springs. The sound of her soft laughter warmed William's heart and he inched closer to her.

Michaela, so entranced in her own memories, hadn't noticed his close proximity to her. Finishing her tale, Michaela looked at William, anxious for his response to her not-so-gracious entry into her new hometown. He simply smiled, drinking in her beauty. The hand that was still grasping her arm slowly inched up, stroking her shoulder, and touched a lock of her hair.

Suddenly uncomfortable, Michaela had become silent at his actions, but didn't stop him. She couldn't say for sure what she was feeling. William had been so wonderful to her, but until that moment she hadn't considered them to be more than friends.

Her hair was beautiful and soft and he had to tell her so. She smiled at the compliment, but still did not respond. William found he could not control his urges and leaned in to give his date a tender kiss.

With a gentle push on his chest, Michaela stopped the kiss just shy of his lips touching hers.

"William, this is hardly appropriate."

William couldn't believe his own actions. "I am so sorry, Mike! Please forgive me. My feelings took over and I am ashamed. You're just the most wonderful woman I've ever met…"

Dr. Burke stopped, realizing he was on the verge of expressing more than he was yet ready to. Michaela smiled and attempted to ease his embarrassment.

"Well, thank you. With such a sweet colloquy, how could I not forgive you?"

"Thank you," William smiled. "I better get you back home before your mother sends out a search party."

Standing, Dr. Burke extended a hand to Michaela. Accepting the gesture, she stood and allowed him to lead her out of the park. As they walked, Mike tried to grasp hold of her conflicting emotions. She enjoyed William's company, and his touch had not been unpleasant. Was she feeling gratitude for all he had done? Or was it something deeper?

Arriving back at the Quinn home, William turned to Mike. "Thank you for a lovely afternoon. May I call on you again?"

Deciding she really did want to see him again, Michaela responded, "How about tonight for dinner? My entire family will be here celebrating Mother's recovery." With a slight laugh she added, "If you think you can handle them."

Smiling brightly, William eagerly accepted.

OOO

Dinner at the Quinn house was going so well until he walked in. Or rather, barged in uninvited. William didn't know who he was, but he looked like he hadn't shaved, or bathed, in at least a week. No wonder Michaela was embarrassed. The man didn't even have table manners!

Looking from the lovely Michaela to the unkempt stranger, he tried to determine the relationship between the two. Surely he was no one of importance. She hadn't mentioned him once in the weeks that she'd been in Boston – or when she had regaled him with stories of Colorado Springs... William wasn't normally one to judge a person by appearances, but something about this man made him uneasy.

Dr. Burke was, therefore, unnerved when Mike rose up to defend Sully, expounding on the man's virtues. He wasn't surprised, that's the kind of person she was, but at that moment, feeling his dreams about to unravel, he decided he had to move a little faster. He had appealed to her feminine side, now he would appeal to her professional side. She would realize what great partners they could be.

OOO

It was Mrs. Quinn's birthday party and he had been invited. Since he had only known the family a short time he was quite honored, and took it as a good omen. Everyone was dressed in their finest, but his eyes were only for Michaela.

She was the loveliest sight he'd ever seen. Of course, he thought, she would look grand in a potato sack. Her hair was fixed in the latest style, not a strand out of place. He so wanted to run his fingers through those soft tresses.

Michaela danced in his arms the entire night, smiling so sweetly at him. She barely paid any attention to the other man, leading William to believe Sully was nothing more than an acquaintance.

It was a pleasant surprise when Sully disappeared just as the cake was brought out. Mike didn't seem to miss him at all. Still, William couldn't squelch the growing pangs of jealousy. Whereas he would say goodnight at the door, the uninvited guest from Colorado Springs would remain inside the Quinn family home.