A Family at Last

“I’ll do my best,” Karen promised, and went inside.

Chapter Five

“Usually, having twins means double your fun,” Leah Rankin told Chris as he peered into her stepdaughter’s ear. “Unfortunately, sometimes it means double your problems.”

“She’s definitely infected.” Six-year-old India’s ear showed the same degree of inflammation as her sister Diane’s. “It’s what we call acute otitis media.”

Chris had returned to the clinic from the nursing home, loping through an increasing downpour, to find the two little girls and their stepmother waiting for him. Although he’d scheduled no appointments this afternoon so he could spend as much time as necessary with the senior citizens, he’d dried himself off quickly and set to work. He was always happy to treat any youngster with an infection. That went double—literally and figuratively—for the children of Dr. Will Rankin.

Leah, a striking brunette, had brought the girls after school, where they attended her first-grade class. Although her baby, due in April, had grown so large that standing all day must have been quite uncomfortable, she glowed with health. She’d mentioned earlier that she’d be taking maternity leave from her teaching position beginning the following week.

“They need a course of penicillin, right?” Leah asked.

“Current guidelines discourage prescribing antibiotics in a situation like this.” As he distributed sugar-free suckers to the girls, Chris explained, “I know it used to be standard practice, but eighty percent of children get better without them. Overprescribing antibiotics may cause them to develop resistance.”

This time, it wasn’t the parent who objected but the child. “My ear hurts!” Diane declared. “I want medicine!”

He addressed her with the same respect he would show an adult. “Antibiotics won’t help the discomfort during the first twenty-four hours. I’m going to recommend acetaminophen—Tylenol. That should reduce the pain.”

“Me, too?” asked India.

“Absolutely.” He turned his attention to Leah. “If their symptoms don’t improve in three days, I’ll prescribe an antibiotic called amoxicillin. You’ve probably heard of it.”

“About a million times.” She wrinkled her nose. “Hey, I’m a teacher.”

First graders were among a pediatrician’s most frequent visitors. “You’ve probably picked up a few bugs from those kids yourself over the years,” he added sympathetically.

“I’ve had my share. Fortunately, this year I’ve stayed healthy.” She patted her bulge. “I’ve got to keep him safe.”

“Can we go see Daddy?” Diane queried.

“You can go talk to Nurse Waters and find out if he’s free,” their stepmother replied. “Remember to keep your voices down.”

“Okay!” The little girls pelted out.

Chris was about to help Leah to her feet, when it occurred to him she might as well wait until her stepdaughters finished their visit. “No hurry. Rest for a minute.”