Page 28 of The Sandbar saga

"Can I call you anytime I need to talk?" The only time she called one of the girls at school was when she needed help with her homework or forgot an assignment.

He dipped his chin. "Of course."

"What about if it's midnight?"

"You can," he said.

"On the weekends?" She sat straighter. "What about when you're with other patients?"

"Anytime."

She jumped from the bench and flung her arms around him. "Do I really get to go to your house for Christmas?"

He chuckled. "Yes."

"Do you have a Christmas tree?"

"No."

She gazed up at him and backed away. "Can you get one?"

"Do you want one?"

She bit down on her lip. Maybe she was asking too much. She was already getting to spend time away from school and be in Astoria. She could walk the path, see the beach, and spend all her time with Dr. C.

She shook her head. "I don't need one."

"We'll have time to decide. It's not for four weeks. In the meantime, you've got school, and..." He pulled out his phone. "I need to get you back to St. Mary's in time for dinner."

"Okay." She walked beside him.

Excitement had her wanting to agree with anything he suggested. Going to Dr. C's house was better than going home. Besides her dad when he was alive, Dr. C was the only person who ever wanted to spend time with her.

She hurried to keep up with him and said, "I love you, Dr. C."

He kept walking. She looked over at him. The good feelings inside of her exploded, seeing his smile.

Oh, he tried to hide how happy she'd made him feel, but it was there. Her choice to say a good thing helped them both.