The Doctor's Unexpected Family: (Inspirational Romance) (Port Provident: Hurricane Hope) by Kristen Ethridge Read Free Book Online Page B

they rattled slightly when the phone began to buzz.
    “Angela Ruiz,” she answered, hoping she didn’t sound like she was talking with her mouth full.
    “Angela, it’s Marco.” Her nephew, Marco, was the pastor at La Iglesia de la Luz del Mundo , the church which had long made up the backbone of the community in which she grew up and was now privileged to represent in city government. “Are you okay? I heard you got sick.”
    She knew the lightning-quick speed of the Port Provident grapevine. Apparently, even with the entire island in a state of total disarray, it still didn’t miss a beat. “I’m fine. But how did you hear?”
    “Well, that’s why I called, although I’m sorry I’m calling so late. There’s been so much going on today that this is the first moment I’ve had to myself. A man came by with a truck full of supplies. He said he stopped to see you, but you got sick before he could really talk to you. Then some of the others at the tent community directed him here to the church. So, I wanted to make sure you were okay, but also to see what you wanted me to do with all this.”
    The truck. She’d forgotten all about the truck of donations. She couldn’t believe herself. When she’d seen the back of that utility truck, stuffed full with goods, she’d thought it was like manna from Heaven. And then she’d completely forgotten about it.
    Momentarily, she feared God would think her ungrateful.
    That certainly wasn’t it, but she guessed it was time to admit she couldn’t keep track of everything right now. “I honestly hadn’t thought about it, Marco. You know how I get when my blood sugar gets off.  Do you have room to store it all at the church?”
    “Well, we did get the carpet and such ripped out of the sanctuary this week, so I had them unload it in that area back behind where the pulpit used to be. There’s food, there’s clothing, there’s household goods, and even medical supplies. It’s truly an answered prayer.”
    She could hear the joy in his voice. “I know. I’m glad they were directed to you. I can’t make it to La Iglesia tonight, but how about I come tomorrow morning and we’ll make a plan for it?”
    “ Bien . I think we’ll be able to do a lot of good. But I just don’t know what the best approach is.”
    Angela didn’t want to admit it, but the thought of having so much when right now there was so little was a bit overwhelming. The old adage said you had to eat an elephant one bite at a time, but when one elephant was all you had, you tended to wish that elephant could be all things to all people.
    “We’ll figure it out. I’ll see you in the morning, okay?”
    “ Bien , Angela. See you then.”
    She disconnected the call and sighed.
    “What’s wrong?” Pete sat lightly on the edge of the small table. He leaned forward, and when Angela looked, she could see nothing but compassion in his eyes.
    “Nothing’s wrong, really. That truck of donated goods from earlier today was taken to the church. My nephew—who is actually older than me—is the pastor, and he needs me to come out in the morning and decide what to do with it all.” She picked up her phone and began scrolling. “But my calendar is out of control tomorrow. I’ve got meetings for most of the day. I thought I could make it first thing in the morning, but I just can’t. And now that we’re out here, I’m also going to have to ask you to drive us back in to town early so I can find someone who can watch Celina for the day.”
    “No you’re not.” Pete tapped the screen on his own smart phone and did a few quick swipes. “You do what you have to do. I can meet your nephew at the church and see what all has been donated and come up with a plan.”
    “That’s not your job, Pete.”
    “My job?” He gave a dry laugh. “I’m a doctor. My job is taking care of my patients. And right now, you’re my entire patient load. So my job is to make sure you reduce your stress so you can keep your