"Yes."
"Are you the doctor?"
"Yes."
Nikki nodded.
"Where have you heard the name?"
Nikki smiled. "When I first moved back, my mother wrote down all the emergency numbers to have by the phone; she listed yours as the doctor."
Dorian smiled. "When you say moved back, do
you just mean to Pine Tree or to this house?"
"To this house. I grew up here."
"Then I could ask you who lived in my house?" "Sure. There weren't that many families." "We bought it from a man named Pike."
"I didn't know him," Nikki began but then looked down to see Theo calmly holding the dead snake. She started in a way no one could miss.
"I'll tell you what I want you to do, Theo," his father spoke up kindly. "Why don't you get the shovel and bury the snake in our backyard. Petra and I will stay here and help Nikki with her yard; you come back
when you're through."
"All right."
"I'm sorry," Nikki murmured as soon as Theo was out of earshot. "For a moment I forgot about it, and then it was so close to me."
"That's fine, Nikki," Dorian assured her. "Theo would think nothing of it. The kids' babysitter doesn't like Brutus, so Theo has learned to be sensitive."
88As soon as he said this, he turned to load a small pile of dead flowers into the wheelbarrow. He then picked up the rake and began to work around one of the bushes. Nikki went back to her knees, only a little bit watchful to see if the snake had a family.
"Sowhich was the first family you remember living in our house?"
"That would be the Cavanaughs, Max and Eileen. They moved when I was about 10, maybe as old as 12. Then the house sat empty for about a year before Twitchells bought it. They were there until my last year of high school. I remember because their oldest daughter was crushed that we wouldn't be graduating together.
"The Wilkinsons bought it from the Twitchells, but then I went off to college, and my mother was ready for a change. She sold our house and moved to Maine. After that I can't tell you."
"Actually," Dorian said while he raked, "you filled in just about everyone. I know that Charles Brookwell built it in 1925, only lived in it a year, and then sold it to another family, but I couldn't find any record between them and Wilkinsons."
Wondering who else he'd asked, Nikki then wanted to know who lived at the end of the road now.
"A young couple," Dorian told her. "Their last name is Ross, and they tell me they don't know anyone around here."
"Youneed to have coffee with one of the old- timers in town to get filledin."Dorian smiled. "I think you just called yourself old." Nikki laughed. "Some days I feelit."
89
BEYOND THE PICKET FENCE
"It's all done," Theo proclaimed as he joined the group once again. "And we won't even tell Mrs. Butram, because she'd rather not know."
"Is Mrs. Butram your babysitter?" Nikki asked from her place on the ground.
"Well, she's more Petra's than mine, but she does the cooking and keeps the house clean. She's nice, but she doesn't like Brutus."
Nikki smiled in understanding, all the time thinking it didn't sound as if there was a mother in this household.
"We're having soup tonight," Petra told Nikki. The little girl was supposed to be putting little sticks in the wheelbarrow, but she was sitting on the porch steps staring at Nikki. "Do you want to have some with us?"
Nikki smiled at her but didn't answer. She pushed to her feet and put her load of leaves and vines with the others. It was getting fairly full, so she lifted the handles and started around the back of the house, but
Dorian stopped her to reiterate Petra's question. "We would like you to join us, Nikki."
Nikki looked at him and then at the children who were watching her in anticipation.
"Brutus is in a cage," Theo told her. "He can't get
OUt."
Nikki's heart melted, but she still asked of Dorian,
"Are you certain? I know you weren't planning on me." "We have plenty."
Nikki met his eyes, and for a moment she couldn't look away. She had felt his gaze on her from time to time but hated to read something that wasn't there.
90"I'd love to join you," she said softly. "I baked a loaf of bread in my breadmaker this morning. May I bring that?"
"That's fine," Dorian answered as he came to take the handles from her. "Whereto?"
" "The burning barrel behind the garage.
Nikki and the children followed, and all hands, large and small, helped empty everything into the can. They went back to the house as a group and finished the beds and bushes all the way around. Petra did more talking than working, but she was such a character that Nikki could only laugh.
"I want to see in your house," she said at one point. "Petra Swann." Her father spoke softly but with a note the little girl did not miss.
"That's all right, Petra. If your father says it's okay, you may.
Dorian shook his head. "We'll see it some other time, Petra. We need to finish up here and head home to start dinner."
"When are you coming, Nikki?" This came from Theo.
"When would you likemea.''
"We usually eat at six o'clock."
come then, shall
He nodded and smiled at her and left Nikki thinking what a special family they were.
"Thank you for all your help," she said to the doctor as they readied to leave.
"You're welcome. It looks as though you're in pretty good shape for when the leaves start to fall."
91
"Does everyone still rake and burn until we're sick of the smoke?"
"I'm afraid so," he said with a laugh. "We'll see you in a few hours, okay?"
"Yes. Is there anything else I can bring?"
"Just yourself," he said so softly that Nikki almost missed it. Again their eyes met, his very dark, almost black, and Nikki's a light green. The doctor smiled suddenly and said goodbye. Nikki stayed where she was for a moment and then moved into the house. She took a shower, washed her hair, and worked on some things that had been waiting while she finished the book, but through it all her neighbors were not very far from her mind.
"You read my books, Theo?" Nikki asked several
hours later as the children showed her their rooms. "Oh, yes. They're some of my favorites."
"Theo," Nikki sat on the edge of his bed, "do you
suppose you could do me a huge favor?"
"I think so."
"I just finished writing a book," Nikki explained. "If you could read it and tell me what you think, I could know if it's going to be a good story before it
goes to print. Do you think your father would mind?" "I don't think so, but I could ask him."
"That would be great. I would want you to give me your honest opinion."
"All right," he nodded congenially.
"You'll let me know what your father says?"
92"Can you see my room now.)"
Petra had come to the door, looking very much like a 5-year-old going on 15.
"Yes, Ican,"Nikki answered her and rose. "Thank
you for showing me your room, Theo. It looks great." "You're welcome."
Petra's room was adorable, with a Noah's ark theme that included a ceiling covered with clouds and wainscot paint that resembled the ocean filled with sea life. Nikki was captivated. Someone had gone to a lot
of work, someone who painted very well. "This is wonderful, Petra!" "It's Noah's ark."
"I see that. I like it," Nikki told her, but the little girl just stared at her. It was so hard to know what she might be thinking. There was a keen intelligence in these children that Nikki found fascinating. They seemed very" independent as well, but not distant or too grown up.
Theo wandered into his sister's room at that point and asked Nikki about the book she'd just written. They were in a discussion over it when Dorian came up to tell them that dinner was ready. He waited for the c
hildren and Nikki to precede him down the stairs, but Nikki held back.
"Dr.Swann,"she began.
"Dorian," he said softly.
Nikki nodded but looked preoccupied as she whispered, "Where is Brutus.)''
The doctor's voice was just as low. "In the basement."
Relief covered her face. "Thank you."
93
BeYOND THE, PICKET FENCE
Dorian didn't say anything but only stared at her. Nikki felt self-conscious.
"You think I'm foolish, don't you.''
"Not in the least. Snakes are scary. I've never had a desire to have one, but Theo loves Brutus, and I can live with it."
Nikki smiled at him. He was doing a fine job. His children were sweet and respectful, and she saw signs
all over the house that Christ was preeminent. "Shall we go down.'' Dorian asked.
"Of course." Nikki preceded him, and minutes later they all sat down to eat.
A game of Junior Monopoly followed dinner and kitchen cleanup. Nikki couldn't remember when she'd had such a good time. The game very much followed the "luck" of the cards, and of all things, Petra won. She didn't seem overly boastful or surprised, and Theo informed Nikki that Petra won quite often.
As the children put the game away, Dorian made an announcement. "I'm going to walk Nikki to her door, and I want you guys to get ready for bed--p.j's, teeth, everything. Once you've seen to all of that, you can wait for me in the living room."
The children bid Nikki goodnight and moved to obey their father. Petra even hugged Nikki before leaving the room. Dorian locked the front door as they left, and as soon as they hit the stairs, his guest spoke. "You have wonderful children."
"I think so," Dorian said softly, "but then I'm biased."
94
"Well, I'm not, and I can assure you, they're very special."
"They like you too."
"Good. They really are welcome to visit whenever they like. If I'm in the middle of something, I'll be very honest about my time."
"Thank you. I'll make sure they know."
"Thank you for a wonderful evening and the help with the yard."
"You're welcome. We'll probably see you on Sunday."
"Yes," Nikki smiled warmly at Him. "Goodnight, Dorian."
"Goodnight, Nikki."
Nikki let herself in the door, waving just before she shut and locked it. Dorian made his way home to put his children to bed. Nikki settled down with a book. Both were still wishing they'd had more time to get to know one another.
"Hey, buddy, what are you doing up?"
It was much later that night, long past time for Theo to be asleep, but he was downstairs looking for
his father, who was reading in the living room.
"I can't sleep."
Since this was totally unlike Theo, Dorian set his book aside. Theo climbed into his lap, and Dorian
wrapped his arms around his son.
"What's up.)''
"I can't stop thinking about Nikki."
95
BEYOND THE PICKET FENCE
Dorian looked down at the young image of his own face.
"I don't think she's the type to leave, Dad," the little boy said. "I don't think she would ever leave."
Dorian lay his forehead against Theo's and sighed. Would this little boy ever forget the way his mother had left them? Would he ever look at other women and not compare them to Crystal Swann, who wanted out of motherhood so badly that she couldn't get away fast enough?
"I think maybe you're a little ahead of the game, Theo," Dorian said gently. "I just met Nikki today."
"I know, but she's the first one you've ever asked to dinner. Usually Petra gets in trouble for doing that, and today you let her."
"Nikki is our neighbor, Theo."
Theo's look was old beyond his years. Dorian wouldn't have been surprised if he'd laughed in disbelief, but he only looked at his father in skepticism.
"I like Nikki," Dorian said gently, "but that's all I'm willing to say on the subject, okay?"
"Okay." Theo's dark head nodded. "I just wanted to make sure you noticed how nice she was and that she seemed to like us too."
Dorian pressed a kiss to Theo's temple and held him close. "Thank you, Theo. Do you think you can sleep now?"
"Yeah.I think so."
Dorian carried his precious son to bed and decided to retire himself. He had to work the next day, but even telling himself that didn't help. It was very late before sleep came.
96"Well, now, Michelle," Dorian said to the 11-year- old who was waiting for him in one of the exam rooms. "How is the ankle.''
"It feels pretty good. I hope the cast can come off." Dorian moved toward the X rays which were clipped on light boxes mounted on the wall. "We'll just have a look and see. Your mom's not with you today?"
"She is, but there was some insurance paper she had to fill out. She said she'd be in as soon as she was done."
"This looks good," Dorian spoke as he studied the film. "See, here's the old X ray and here's today's. I think that cast can come off." The doctor turned with a smile when he said this, and that's when he spotted the book in Michelle's hand.
"You're reading a Dominique Brinks."
"Yeah." Michelle's eyes lit up. "She came to speak
to our class last week."
"Theo toldme."
"She even signed this forme."Michelle displayed the signature with pride. "And Theo's reading one of her books, one that hasn't even been publishedyet.
Isn't that cool?"
"Yes, it is."
"He thinks it's her best yet."
Dorian smiled and turned to the door when Michelle's mother came in. The next 20 minutes were spent finishing up the appointment, and Dorian was glad it was not more complicated. He was having a hard time concentrating.
97
BEYOND THE PICKET FENCE
"I brought my horse to show you." Petra began the conversation from Nikki's front step. She didn't bother with a greeting but picked things up-just where she and Nikki had left off two days before.
"Oh, Petra, I'm so glad. It's a wonderful horse." Nikki croaked these words out, her head pounding. "But I have a terrible cold, so I don't think you should come in."
"Oh, all right. I'll come back tomorrow."
She left without saying another word, and Nikki felt too awful to say anything about a visit the next day. Still trying to convince herself that it wasn't that bad, Nikki went back to the living room sofa. She should have been in bed, but that would have been admitting defeat. Crawling beneath the quilt, she closed her eyes and prayed that her mother would drop in for another surprise visit.
"What are we going to get Theo for his birthday."
Petra wanted to know that night at the supper table. "I don't know. Have you asked Theo."
"We can't do that," she said with five-year-old logic. "Then he'll know."
That Theo was sitting at the table with them did not seem to occur to Petra.
"Well, Pet, since Theo's birthday is at the end of November, I think we have a little bit of time."
"Can we invite Nikki to the party.)''
98
"I don't know. And in truth, it's up to Theo ifNikki comes. Like I said, Petra, we have time to decide."
"I think it would be fun if Nikki came," Theo put in in his sensible manner.
"She can't." Petra could change tracks faster than anyone could keep up.
"Why?'' her brother wished to know.
"She has a cold."
Dorian was suddenly all ears, but his voice was as calm as always. "When did you see her, Petra?''
"Today. She liked my horse, but she said I shouldn't come in."
Dorian finished his meal in silence, but he was already making plans. It was Petra's night to help with dishes, but she was painfully slow, so Dorian did most of them. He then told the children to get their coats on. He slipped a can of chicken soup into his medical bag and led the way down the street.
r /> For a time no one answered the door, and the young doctor realized he'd taken a five-yearold's word about Nikki's being sick. He was just about to check the garage for her car when he heard the turn of the deadbolt.
"Dorian," Nikki managed in a surprised croak. "Petra said you were ill." "Just a cold."
Dorian looked at her. Knowing some of the different bugs that were being passed around the schools, he strongly suspected that this was more than a cold. "May we come in."
"Of course; I just didn't want you to catch anything."
99
BEYOND THE PICKET FENCE
"You probably caught this from one of the children at school, which probably means that we are already immune to it," Dorian said as he came in the door.
Nikki, who was cold all over again, went back to the sofa and was followed by her visitors. She sat down and watched as Dorian sat opposite her on the oak coffee table. Having been in the house several times, the children knew the way and wandered off to see her office full of cartoons.
"Here you go." Dorian handed her a thermometer. He waited until she'd stuck it in her mouth and then reached for her wrist. Blood pressure was next, and then it was time to consult the thermometer.
"Over 102 ," he murmured softly before his hands went up to check the glands in her throat. "Headache.''
"Yes, and so cold. About an hour ago my ear started to hurt."
Dorian stared at her and said softly, "I don't suppose you thought to call me."
"I knew you'd be out of the office by now."
"I live up the street," he reminded her in a low voice.
"I think you must have better things to do than pay house calls to pesky neighbors."
Again Dorian only stared at her before saying, "You couldn't be more wrong."
Nikki closed her eyes. "Please don't scold me, Dorian. I feel awful."
"I'm sorry," he said softly. "Let's have a look at those ears."
While this exam was underway, Petra wandered back in and sat close to the writer.
"Does it hurt, Nikki.''
100
"Yes, Petra," she answered with her eyes closed. "My dad will fix you."
Nikki managed a small smile.
"Both of your ears are infected," Dorian sat back and stated.
"Both."
"Yes, the right is worse than the left." He was reaching into his bag. "Are you allergic to any medications, Nikki."