Epilogue

They did have sleepless nights. Louisa worried and reread her books. Martin lectured and quoted studies but, as he had said, phases passed. Before long, the baby slept better and woke less and less often for his bottle.

Shortly after the baby was born, the letter came from the Truro Hospital. Pauline saw it and knew what it meant – the end of the best job she'd ever had. He opened it slowly and there it was, the offer of a post in the surgical department with an employment contract, employee handbook and all the other papers pertaining to the offer. He was to report to personnel in one week for induction. He took it to Louisa and handed it to her without comment. She saw what it was and jumped up to hug him, laughing and crying a little from joy. They embraced for several moments before she pulled back and saw an actual smile on his face. A proud and happy smile! Chris already knew about the letter and called him to offer congratulations and to tell him that his replacement would start in two weeks. Wadebridge would cover his territory until then.

He offered Pauline a job as his secretary but with some stipulations – she would have to dress professionally and attend some classes. Was she willing to do that?

"Sure, Doc. I knew you'd need me and you won't know me when I dress professionally!"

"You'll also need reliable transportation. If needed, I'll co-sign your loan for an auto." He offered to her everlasting delight and gratitude. She bought a tiny two-seater – good mileage, easy to park and very affordably priced. Martin nodded in approval.

Martin walked into the operating room and performed as if he'd just been on a week's vacation. Before long, he was head of the surgical department, supervising a team of registrars, teaching and writing again.

They lived at the old surgery for less than six months. The villagers just wouldn't accept that he wasn't their doc anymore. "Evenin' Doc. Just need a refill." "Sorry to bother you but could you look at my arm? It's swollen and tingly." "Please could you take a look at Peter? He's got the runs." "Can you take a look at this mole? Won't take you a minute." And on and on. After being interrupted at least twice a week during dinner by a villager suffering from some complaint, Martin exploded and called an agent. He wanted to move OUT of the village. Louisa convinced him to make it just out of easy walking distance. The new doctor bought their house and set up his surgery there, just like old times.

They found an expertly restored historic home with a good-sized garden for their children to play in and a magnificent view of the ocean. It was a good twenty minutes closer to Truro, too.

Yes, children. James Henry was two years old when they had Ruth Ann. Martin was enchanted with the small, spirited version of Louisa and she was definitely a daddy's girl.

It was his birthday, a day which he had always ignored before he was lucky enough to have a family. Now, there had to be a cake, presents and a party with, fortunately, just Louisa and the children as guests. His presents were things the children made – cards, decorations for his office wall, etc.

He returned home from work and opened the front door to his children jumping out and yelling, "Surprise!" Ruth was four and she ran to meet him saying, "Daddy, daddy I have a surprise for you. It's your birfday present. You must hide your eyes. Come on Daddy. It's a good surprise."

Louisa and James Henry were standing next to the kitchen table watching them. Six-year old James Henry had a huge grin on his face and Ruth was almost dancing with excitement. Martin pulled up a kitchen chair, sat down and said, "I'm ready. What's the surprise?"

"No, no Daddy. Cover your eyes and hold out your hand." Ruth insisted.

Martin dutifully did as she said and she placed a piece of paper in his hand and said, "Now daddy. Look at it now."

He opened eyes and saw a note. No one could ever accuse him of being sentimental but this just might prove them wrong. Her message was written in a four-year old's script, "Dear Daddy, I love you. Ruth Ann

He picked her up for a hug and kiss then asked, "Did you do this yourself?"

"James Hendry helped me. He said he loves you, too. Do you like it Daddy?" She asked with a big smile that showed her baby white teeth.

He reached for James Henry and hugging them both, said, "Yes. You've both done well. Thank you." And Ruth wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek.

That small piece of paper was carefully put away and treasured for the rest of his life.

Louisa didn't return to teaching until both children were old enough to enroll in Port Wenn Primary and never regretted the time she spent at home with them. She accepted that being a stay at home Mother and caring for their children didn't demean her. It satisfied her longing for a loving, well run home for their children just as much as it did Martin's. He had said that she would be their first and best teacher and he was right.

His fears that he wouldn't be a good father were completely unfounded. Being with the woman and two perfect children that he loved with all his being filled the unhappy void that he had born since he was a child. He was unfailingly kind, gentle and patient with them. Though still frequently rude to others and never suffered fools gladly, he and his family were happy.

The end