Transplanted Love

By Sherry Derr-Wille

Lori Carter has had a kidney transplant. With the memory of her former fiancé wanting nothing to do with her after her transplant, she accepts an invitation to come on a blind date, with the stipulation the man not be told about it.

Kent Saunders is new in town and dreading going on a blind date. Everything changes when he meets Lori. When he finally learns of her transplant, he realizes he can't take the truth. The memory of being with his twin sister when she died and the transplant team came to harvest her organs is too fresh in his mind.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9781590882412

Book preview

Prologue

Kent Saunders stood in front of the open casket. The body of his twin sister, Kate, lay, a peaceful look on her face.

How could she have done it? he asked his brother-in-law, Dan. How could Kate let those butchers cut her up?

She was already dead, Kent. Donating her organs was her wish, her desire. Because of Kate, others will live. It makes the nightmare of the accident bearable.

Maybe it does for you, but not for me. It’s barbaric. You weren’t in there when she died. She hardly stopped breathing before those ghouls came in to cut her apart.

Dan only shook his head and wheeled his chair away from Kent. Kent stared, a moment longer, at Kate. Soon friends and family would be arriving at the funeral home to pay their condolences.

As he looked at his sister, he relived the events of just days earlier. He transferred to Prairie du Lac, Wisconsin, just the week before the accident. On the weekend, Kate and Dan came down from LaCrosse to check out his new apartment.

They left the kids with Kent’s parents and arrived on Friday night. The three of them explored every facet of his new hometown.

Reluctantly, Kate and Dan left at five o’clock Sunday night, to return home. By nine he received a call from his parents. Kate and Dan were within ten miles of home when a drunk driver crossed the median and smashed into their car.

Kent drove to LaCrosse in a state of shock. At the hospital, he found his mother and father in the emergency room.

Dan’s in surgery, his mother said. They said Kate...Kate, she dissolved into tears, unable to finish.

His father held his mother close. You’d better go in and see your sister, Kent. She doesn’t have much longer.

Kent hurried into the room where Kate lay, her hair matted with blood, her face horribly cut.

Kate, it’s me, Kent.

She turned ever so slightly, to look at him and held out her hand. I’m dying Kent. If Dan doesn’t make it, take care of the kids.

Don’t talk like this, Kate. You’re going to be just fine. Dan is too. You’ll see. The words hardly escaped his lips when Kate’s features relaxed.

Medical personnel rushed to Kate’s bedside. I’m sorry for your loss, Mr. Saunders, but we have work to do. The transplant team needs to harvest her organs as soon as possible. You must understand the urgency of the situation.

What did you say? Kent questioned.

It was your sister’s wish we take her organs for transplantation in the event of her death.

It couldn’t have been her decision. You must have pushed her into it, forced her to give her consent.

Your sister carried a signed donor card. She even gave us verbal permission. Now I must insist you leave.

Oh, Kent, a young woman said, shattering the agony of the memory of Kate’s death. I can’t believe Katie is dead.

He looked up to see Kate’s best friend, Jocelyn Wayne. He hugged her tightly, unable to control his own tears which mingled with hers.

The rest of the evening, as well as the day of the funeral, passed in a blur. Friends and family all expressed the same meaningless words of sympathy.

At the cemetery, Kent looked at the closed casket. It held the shell of Kate’s body, but not all of it. Somewhere strangers housed her lungs, heart, kidneys, liver, pancreas, and eyes.

For years he heard commercials promoting organ donation but the pleas were meaningless. He always considered the practice of transplantation to be unnatural. After his experience in the emergency room, his original opinion became reinforced.

One

T his is the craziest thing you’ve ever asked me to do, Jan, Lori Carter said.

Why do you call it crazy, Lori? Jan Farney asked, putting down her coffee cup. Skip wants to have a little dinner party on Saturday night to introduce the new guy from his office. He’s not married, not even dating anyone. What harm would it do to be his dinner companion for one night? You act like you’ve never been on a date before.

The waitress put the check on the table and Jan grabbed it away from Lori. Now you owe me. Say you’ll come on Saturday night. Kent’s a really special guy.

What’s that supposed to mean? Does he have two heads? Is he ugly as sin?

I don’t know, honestly I don’t. I haven’t met him yet. I know Skip wouldn’t stick you with a monster. He thinks too much of you. Now say you’ll come. Please, for me.

Okay Jan, for you, only for you. I don’t know why I let you talk me into things like this, but I don’t have time to argue. I have to get back to work. What time is my presence required on Saturday?

Jan began to smile. I knew you wouldn’t let me down. Why don’t you come over about three, I could use some help getting ready.

Lori agreed and watched as Jan got up from the table. Some invitation, Lori thought, as she started toward the door of the restaurant. Not only must I endure a blind date, I have to help with dinner.

She couldn’t help but smile over the prospect of Saturday night’s dinner party. Her last date was four years earlier. She and her fiancé, Mike Fuller, planned a tennis date. As they played, a familiar fatigue overtook her. She remembered stumbling; she remembered the sound of the sirens; she remembered the look on Mike’s face when the doctor diagnosed her condition.

I refuse to think about it, she told herself. It’s all behind me now. It won’t be long before I can move into my own apartment again. Mike couldn’t handle my kidney failure and dialysis, I’ll be damned if I let him enjoy the fruits of my transplant.

She thought about the call she received from Mike right after she got home from the hospital, three months ago. As though the past four years hadn’t happened he asked her out for dinner. She could hardly believe how much strength it took to tell him to go to hell. The memory of her relief bolstered her ego.

Once back at her desk, she placed a call to Jan. I’ve come to a decision, I don’t want you to tell him about me. For one night, I don’t want him to know I’m the Bionic Woman or that I used to hook up to a machine three times a week to stay alive.

If that’s what you want, I won’t say a word. I don’t know why it bothers you so much. I think it makes you very special.

I do too, but why take the chance of scaring off the poor guy as soon as I meet him. I can think of a lot better dinner conversation than how they hooked up the kidney of a dead woman once they cut me open.

LORI HURRIED UP THE steps and into the house. She found her mother busy in the kitchen.

How was your day, dear?

It was good. You don’t know how it feels to finally be able to say it and really mean it. Oh, I almost forgot, Jan and I had lunch together today. Skip wants her to have a dinner party on Saturday night. She asked me to come.

Her mother raised her eyebrow then smiled. You mean she set you up on a blind date?

Lori nodded. I’m almost afraid to see what kind of man can be in town for three months and not have a date for Saturday night.

Who doesn’t have a date for Saturday night? Lori’s dad asked, as he entered the kitchen.

Some friend of Skip’s, her mother replied. Lori was just telling me Jan asked her to be his dinner companion on Saturday.

Well, good for you honey. What’s his name? Will he be picking you up here so we can meet him?

His name is Kent Saunders, and no, you won’t be meeting him. I’m not sixteen anymore. Jan and Skip are having a dinner party to introduce him and they asked me to be there.

Oh, I see, a blind date, her father said, a twinkle in his eye. Guess we couldn’t have met him anyway. I made reservations for your mother and me to spend the weekend in Chicago.

Lori smiled at her mother’s reaction to her father’s proposal. God knew they deserved to get away. For the past four years they’d devoted their lives to her. When she went into kidney failure, they moved her back into their home. Her mother gave up her job to be able to take her to the hospital three times a week for dialysis.

Both of them, along with Lori’s brothers were tested for compatibility in hopes of transplantation. When no one matched, Lori went into a deep depression. It seemed as though she would never again live a normal life. After three years on the list, a matching cadaver kidney became available just three months ago.

From the day after surgery, she began to live the life she thought she left behind when she collapsed on the tennis court.

Are you certain you’ll be all right here alone if we go to Chicago? her mother questioned.

I know it’s hard for you to accept, but I’m no longer sick. I kept my own apartment for two years before my kidneys failed, I can easily take care of myself for a weekend.

Her mother gave her a reassuring hug. I know you can, dear. Worrying is a habit I’ll have trouble breaking.

ON SATURDAY MORNING, Lori gave up her usual time at the Athletic Club for an appointment at the beauty shop. After her appointment, she went to the small boutique where she enjoyed shopping. As soon as she entered, she caught a glimpse of herself in one of the full-length mirrors and ran her hand through her much shorter hair. Seeing the change in her appearance, made her smile uncontrollably.

The racks were full of the new styles for the coming fall season. She knew making a decision would be hard, to say the least.

By the time Lori returned home, she realized she would have to hurry in order to get ready for this evening’s party. After a relaxing bubble bath, she slipped on the new outfit. Scrutinizing her appearance in the mirror attached to the bedroom door she decided her decision to buy it proved a wise one. It’s been a long time since I’ve gone shopping for myself, she thought. My own apartment may have to wait a while longer. I saw several outfits I’d like to have. Her thoughts were interrupted, by the ringing of the phone.

I’m so glad you haven’t left yet, Jan greeted her. Skip forgot to stop at the bakery and pick up the dessert. Would you be a dear and pick it up on your way over?

No problem. Luckily I didn’t spend my last cent on my new outfit.

New outfit? Do I have the right number? What happened to my friend Lori who wasn’t going to fuss over a blind date?

I thought about it and decided to make the best of the situation. Who knows, this guy might turn out to be worth the effort. Besides, I forgot how much fun it is to go shopping. I think my new apartment might have to wait until I completely update my wardrobe.

Now that’s the Lori I know. Do I get to help with all of this shopping?

Who else? You know what happens when I go shopping with my mom. We’re from two different worlds. Look, we can talk about this later. I’d better get going if I’m supposed to stop at the bakery. I’ll see you in about a half an hour.

Hanging up the phone, Lori took one last look into the mirror. Satisfied with her appearance, she sprayed on cologne and hurried out the door.

KENT CHECKED THE ADDRESS he wrote down before leaving work on Friday. Over and over again he told Skip the party wasn’t necessary.

When Skip told Kent about his dinner companion, he inwardly groaned. Although he didn’t voice any opinions aloud, Kent couldn’t help but wonder what kind of girl didn’t have a Saturday night date in her own hometown. She must be a real dog, he said aloud, as he parked his car. Oh well, Kent old boy, make the best of it. How long can a dinner party last?

He picked up the bouquet of flowers and got out of the car. By the number of cars parked along the street, Kent decided he must be the last to arrive.

Once on the porch, Kent rang the bell. Almost as soon as he took his finger from the button, Skip opened the door.

I thought you were suffering from cold feet. Come on in, everyone is here.

Everyone? Even the mystery woman?

Skip nodded.

From the doorway, Kent could see two women standing at the table. Which one is she? he half whispered.

Skip began to smile. She’s the brunette filling the water glasses.

You’re kidding, Kent replied, unable to take his eyes from the woman meant to be his dinner companion. He judged her age to be twenty-six or twenty-seven at the most. Her hair was dark, almost black and yet the color of her eyes surprised him. Even at this distance, he could see they were light rather than dark as he might expect. Her face was full, although her body didn’t appear to have an ounce of excess fat.

Kent followed Skip as he made the necessary introductions. Although Kent exchanged pleasantries with the others in the room, he found he couldn’t keep his eyes from wandering to the brunette.

At last he finally stood in front of her. Kent Saunders, Skip began, this is Lorinda Carter.

Standing so close, he marveled at her ice blue eyes. Most people call me Lori, she said, extending her hand.

I’ve been looking forward to meeting you, Kent said. He found he actually meant the words, although he knew she would read more into them than he intended.

I must say, she replied, I am pleasantly surprised. I honestly didn’t know what to expect when Jan suggested a blind date.

Kent laughed. He could hardly believe she experienced the same misgivings he had moments earlier.

And this is my wife, Jan, Skip said, continuing the introductions.

Without looking up, Kent acknowledged the woman who stood beside Lori, before holding out the flowers he carried to his hostess.

Come into the living room, Skip continued. I’ll get you something to drink. Can I get you something more, Lori?

Another 7Up would be good, Lori said, as Skip tugged on Kent’s sleeve. Reluctantly, he tore his eyes away from Lori and followed Skip to the living room where the other two couples sat, engaged in conversation.

LORI WATCHED AS KENT turned away from her. She wondered if her utter shock at his appearance showed in her face. His sandy brown hair and brown eyes unnerved her. She expected him to be less than perfect, but nothing about his six foot two inch frame could be called imperfect.

So, what’s up with him? Lori asked, once she and Jan were in the kitchen.

What do you mean? Jan questioned, while she filled a crystal vase with water to hold the flowers.

"Come on Jan, he’s a hunk. He even makes Kevin Costner look bad. You can’t tell me he needs a blind date. Are you sure Skip isn’t pulling a let’s feel sorry for Lori?"

I don’t play those kind of games, Lori, and you know it, Skip said, entering the kitchen.

Then he really doesn’t have a girlfriend?

Scout’s honor, Skip pledged, holding up two fingers.

As I remember, Lori said, unable to suppress a giggle, good scouts hold up three fingers when pledging their honor.

You know what I mean. As far as I know, he doesn’t go out much. He usually goes back to LaCrosse about twice a month to see his folks. Otherwise, he stays close to home.

Maybe he’s got a girl in LaCrosse, Lori surmised.

Stop it Lori. If he did, I’m sure he would have said so when I told him about tonight.

Lori signed deeply. No matter what Skip said, she still harbored doubts about Kent’s availability.

As she picked up the tray with eight salad bowls, Lori remembered when she and Jan first met Skip. They both landed waitress jobs at The Grove, a fancy dinner club on the edge of town, just after their junior year of high school. Skip’s dad owned The Grove, and Skip was spending the summer cooking. They were both instantly enamored by Skip. To Lori’s disappointment, Skip singled out Jan and they began dating.

Let me take that tray. Lori looked up to see Kent standing in front of her.

I could handle it, but I do appreciate your help, she replied, handing the tray to Kent.

Once the salads were on the table, Lori took the tray back to the kitchen. Upon her return, she saw Kent holding out a chair for her.

Skip sat at one end of the table while Jan occupied the other. Kent took a chair next to Skip, leaving Lori sandwiched between Kent and another of the male guests she didn’t know. As she looked around the table, she silently thanked Skip for not inviting anyone who knew her well.

The table talk centered around the men’s jobs at Castwells. Lori listened to those around her, pleased not to be the subject of conversation. In the past three months, she found being the first transplant recipient from this small town made her the center of attention.

With their salads finished, Lori pushed back her chair to help Jan clear the table. To her surprise, Skip motioned her to stay sitting.

I know how everyone likes their prime rib but you, Kent, Skip said, when he picked up their salad bowls.

Medium, Kent replied before turning his attention to Lori.

What are you staring at? Lori asked.

I’m looking at you and wondering why anyone with a beautiful name like Lorinda would shorten it to Lori?

Kent’s question took her by surprise. I never gave it much thought. Mom and Dad had a fit when the kids at school started calling me Lori, but they even use it now.

Kent smiled. I happen to like Lorinda. It suits you. Would you mind if I called you Lorinda?

She contemplated her answer. Mike always made fun of her given name, refusing to use it, even for legal purposes. He went so far as suggesting she have it legally changed before the wedding.

I think I would enjoy hearing my given name used for a change.

So, Lorinda, Kent began, as though testing the sound of her name, what is it like to grow up in small town USA?

I honestly have nothing to compare it with. I guess you would say it was good. I don’t think I would want to change it. The schools here are excellent and it’s nice to know the people you meet on the street.

She watched Kent’s reaction to her statement. He didn’t look at her as though she were crazy the way Mike used to when she talked about staying in Prairie du Lac forever.

You make this place sound like paradise. If it’s so great, is there a Prince Charming I should know about?

There was, but it didn’t work out. For a while I thought we’d live happily ever after, but one day Prince Charming turned into a toad.

I’m afraid I’ve touched a raw nerve.

Lori knew he