(Complete) When Tim Burke meets Julie at a party, she isn't impressed. When they see each other again, Julie decides to give him a chance. As Julie faces burdens and sorrow in her own life, Tim and his family provide the support and love she needs...
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Julie woke early and couldn't fall back to sleep. Any concern that Clare didn't like her had been erased the night before. Clare waited until she had Julie to herself to talk to her. Perhaps Clare knew not to compete with her younger brother. As a result, Clare talked to her until the younger girl fell asleep.
She should have slept later but got up and took her book downstairs. She had dressed, feeling uncomfortable for Tim to see her pajamas. In the kitchen, she put the kettle on to make a tea. She didn't like coffee.
After the pizza, they had watched a movie. Tim had picked up Honey, I Shrunk The Kids when he went for the pizza.Julie had to wait until it was time to say good night before she and Tim had a moment alone. He kissed her but didn't linger as they could hear his parents talking in the kitchen. Tim sent Nick to bed at nine and Clare went when her parents came home before ten, although she stayed awake waiting for Julie. She enjoyed her first day in Maine. She liked Tim the more time she spent with him.
She found the tea bags in a canister on the counter and jumped when Dr. Burke appeared. He wore pajamas, a bathrobe, and slippers.
He said, "You're up early." She shrugged. "I often have trouble sleeping in an unfamiliar place."
It was probably the reason Julie woke so early. "Everyone has made me feel welcome." She offered not knowing what to say.
There was silence for a while and then he spoke. "Don't mislead..."
Oh Lord, here it comes...
Julie concentrated on her tea bag.
He continued. "... Nicky too much. That boy is a sensitive soul. He has mended more than one baby bird. He had a crush on the high school girl next door for a year until he met you. You would think he was the boy who didn't have a mother. Perhaps we smothered him being the baby."
Breathing a sigh of relief. "I truly like him. He is sweet and funny. I don't think there is anything wrong with a boy who cares deeply... too many don't. Tim cares too. I can see it and I think he will be a wonderful doctor."
He was smiling like a proud father should. "He's quite taken with you."
Julie blushed. Something about the man in front of her made her feel the need to be honest.
"I'm not like you. My family is not like this..." She waved her hand around the cozy kitchen.
"All families are different."
"I couldn't afford to go to college. My father hasn't had regular work since the plant closed."
"This is a blue collar town. My children's friends and my patients live from paycheck to paycheck. We view ourselves as lucky but certainly no better than anyone else."
She thought he was better than her father - a better man, father, husband. "My father hates anyone who is different."
He paused but when he spoke he surprised her. "Do you feel the same?"
