LOVE'S UNEXPECTED GIFT

By Susan Capalbo

In this heartfelt and captivating novel, “Love’s Unexpected Gift,” Lily’s journey takes an unexpected turn as she navigates the complexities of trust, love, and the true meaning of family.
Lily is determined to raise her child alone due to her deep-seated mistrust of men. But when her path crosses with Dr. Mark Chamberlain, a caring and compassionate pediatrician, Lily finds herself drawn to him. As their relationship blossoms, a series of serendipitous events unravel a secret that ties them together.
But Mark has his own issues, and his difficult, snobbish family threatens his relationship. Torn between loyalty and love, Mark grapples with his own choices and the possibility of losing everything he holds dear “Love’s Unexpected Gift” is a poignant and enchanting tale of self-discovery, resilience, and the profound ways in which love can mend even the most fractured souls. With its deeply relatable characters and emotionally charged storyline, this novel explores the depths of the human heart and reminds us that sometimes the greatest love stories are born from the most unexpected beginnings.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Oct 4, 2023
• ISBN: 9781663256539

Susan Capalbo

Susan Capalbo began her writing career following thirty years of international humanitarian work. Her love of reading and her love of love inspired her to write a romance novel. Love’s Unexpected Gift is her first. She has written two books focusing on her experiences working in seventeen American Embassies around the world. Inspired from that life, she has written a memoir about her time in Afghanistan and a novel set in Yemen. She has a B. Sc. degree from Boston University and a M. Ed. degree from the University of North Carolina. She lives in Washington, N.C. and has three children and four grandchildren.

Book preview

Copyright © 2023 Susan Capalbo.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by

any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying,

recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system

without the written permission of the author except in the case of

brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This book is a fictional novel. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is

purely coincidental. All characters are the results of the author’s imagination.

iUniverse

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.iuniverse.com

844-349-9409

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or

links contained in this book may have changed since publication and

may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those

of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher,

and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are

models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-6632-5652-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6632-5653-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023917982

iUniverse rev. date:  09/28/2023

Contents

Dedication

Appreciation

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Epilogue

Chapter 1

Dedication

My first romance novel is dedicated to all those whom I have loved in my life. If you are asking yourself, Does she mean me? Then answer is Yes, you!

Appreciation

This book had its beginning in my decision to enter the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) challenge in November 2022. I was away on a personal, solitary writing retreat at a dear friend’s house on the coast of New Hampshire. Thank you Alison Taylor Brown for the use of your downstairs. I was alone, unencumbered by family, household, or life responsibilities. I jumped in and got my 50,000+ words written, which met the challenge, and thought, Well there you have it, I’ve written a novel in a month.

Au contraire! It’s taken another ten months to smooth out the words, craft the story into a coherent, meaningful love affair and get all those pesky editing things taken care of. For all the improvements made I am beholden to, and thankful for, my kind beta readers and a smart, candid editor. So, I must start out by thanking those behind the scene that made this novel a better read. Any remaining errors are mine, and mine alone.

Thank you my dear friends and beta readers who let me know if the story had any merit at all. To Martha Johnson, Elizabeth Algiere and Michael McIntyre – thank you for your time and commitment to reading the first draft and giving me important feedback regarding the story of Lily finding her love. No writer can produce a book worthy of printing without beta readers. You’re like our ‘canary in the mine’ volunteers.

And I must thank my editor, Laura Browning, who tried as hard as she could to put me on the path to excellence in writing. She caught all the annoying things that readers should not find. She caught my ‘head hopping’, misspelled words, and my punctuation errors. She told me to cut out the first thirty five pages (ouch) but I did so and the book is much better for it. Any remaining errors or faults are those I either did not correct, or were birthed in the rewriting and should not be laid at the Laura’s feet.

I want to especially thank my ninety-eight year old mother-in-law, Mary Jo McIntyre, who added her thoughts and wisdom from a long life of reading many good books to the crafting of the blurb found on the back cover of this book. She assures me it would entice her buy the book.

Lastly, and most importantly, I want to thank my dear husband, Mike McIntyre, who read and re-read about Lily’s dilemmas and answered my queries as to best words or best scenes to elicit the struggles of my beloved characters. Mike, who’d rather read a good spy novel or action thriller, sloshed through my love story and was true to my request and gave me honest feedback. Thank you for all you bring to me in my life, including reading and re-reading my stories. You are among the top of those people I have loved.

Any final novel is always a collaborative affair. The final components of that collaboration are the readers. Thank you for buying my book. I hope you will enjoy the people I’ve created and find their journey to love and happiness a good use of your time. Happy reading!

Chapter 1

33058.png

Olivia woke up with a fever and was fussy. She was usually such a healthy child and Lily couldn’t help but wonder if Olivia had picked something up while playing in the park two days ago. At three and half years old, Olivia needed playmates and outdoor running around time which was not possible in their small apartment, so Lily had taken her to the park in spite of the threatening rain.

Olivia, baby, do you hurt anyplace?

No, Mommy, I just don’t feel so good, she responded rather lethargically.

Okay honey. I’ll call the doctor, and I need to call work and tell them I’m staying home with you today. Would you like that?

She got a long, low, Yessss.

Lily knew she shouldn’t be overprotective of Olivia, but they only had each other. As a single parent, she had to make all the decisions. Lily wasn’t sorry about their situation, since it was just as she wanted it to be. She’d handle all the decisions gladly for the independence it gave her. Olivia had experienced elevated temperatures before, usually related to teething or vaccinations. She’d had a couple of colds since they’d moved to Chicago which was to be expected given the long, cold winters and her close contact with the many other children at her day care center. Those were routine, but Lily sensed this high fever was different. It was a time to call into work for a sick day and then to call the doctor.

Hi, this is Lily Altimano. I’m so sorry but I’ll have to take a sick day today for my little girl. If you let me speak to my assistant, I can give her the information she’ll need to treat my patients. No one need miss their therapy today. She was put on hold while the department secretary went to get Lily’s physical therapy assistant so she could brief her on the patients’ treatments scheduled for today. It’ll be all right, thought Lily. It’s not like she abused the sick leave policy.

With the work briefing taken care of, Lily returned to Olivia to check on her again. She was restless and flushed. Olivia’s breathing seemed rapid and shallow.

Sweetheart, I’m going to call Dr. Sullivan to see if she can see you today. Did you take a sip of the apple juice in your cup yet?

No, Mommy. I don’t wanna, Olivia answered sounding lethargic and hoarse to Lily. I don’t feel very good, the child answered. Lily sat on the side of Olivia’s bed, which was torn apart from the child’s restlessness. As Lily looked closely at her, she saw her beautiful daughter with sweaty curls clinging to her head and flushed cheeks. More importantly though, Olivia was truly beginning to have labored breathing. Lily hastened to call her pediatrician.

I’ll sit right here by you while I call the doctor. Let me take your temperature while the phone rings so I can tell the doctor how hot you are. Lily had a forehead sweep thermometer which read 102.8, and it was early morning. She sponged Olivia’s hot skin with a cool, damp cloth as she waited for the doctor’s office to answer. She was grateful Olivia had been a healthy baby and toddler. But today Lily felt a splinter of fear and the weight of being her sole caregiver. Olivia looked to her for everything in her life.

Hello. This is Doctor Sullivan’s office. How can I help you?

This is Lily Altimano. My daughter, Olivia, is a patient of Dr. Sullivan. She woke up this morning with a fever of 102.8. I’m worried. Her breathing seems more labored just since we’ve been on the phone. Can the doctor see her today?

The receptionist asked Lily to hold the line for a minute while she got the nurse.

Within a minute another voice came on the line, quiet and calming, I’m the nurse practitioner. I understand from the receptionist you have a child developing breathing problems. Is that correct?

Yes, my three and a half year old daughter, Olivia, Lily answered, feeling a note of panic in her voice.

I think you need to take Olivia to the emergency room. We don’t like to delay when respiratory problems are developing with our little patients. Can you drive her to the ER at University Hospital right away?

Yes, I’ll do that now. Will Dr. Sullivan meet us there?

No, but I’ll notify the ER you’re on your way with a referral from Dr. Sullivan. Dr. Chamberlain will be paged when you arrive. He’ll check Olivia. He’s the Chief Pediatric Resident. He’s very good. I think you’ll like him, and if Olivia needs to be admitted, he can authorize that right away.

I’ll get her there immediately, Lily replied. She knew her voice conveyed the tension and fear she was beginning to feel as she thought of Olivia being really sick. Lily gathered a few things to bring with her, including Olivia’s favorite stuffed bunny, Izzy.

32104.png

In the chaos of the emergency room, Lily held her trembling daughter close to her chest, feeling the rapid rise and fall of her tiny body against her own. The fluorescent lights cast an unforgiving glow over the sterile surroundings, intensifying Lily’s worry and fear. Olivia’s labored breaths signaled the illness that gripped her fragile lungs. Lily reminded herself she had chosen this path. She wanted a family without the risk of being trapped in a poisonous relationship like her parents. She cuddled Olivia closer, cherishing the weight of this child that she loved completely.

Lily had begun to think more seriously about being a single mother ever since reading an article about a woman recently killed in a car accident with a baby in the back seat. The baby had been unhurt but left with no family for authorities to call. Lily didn’t want that for Olivia, but she still hadn’t decided who she could name as her guardian should something happen to her.

Lily heard the nurse call Olivia’s name and snapped her out the dark thoughts back to the present. The nurse explained that Dr. Chamberlain had been paged as instructed by Dr. Sullivan’s office and was on his way to the ER.

Lily carried Olivia into their assigned cubicle and was just sitting down with Olivia in her lap when a tall, good-looking doctor entered. Lily’s tired, worried eyes met his, seeking his assurance of help in the midst of the fear that gripped her over Olivia’s illness.

Mrs. Altimano, I’m Dr. Chamberlain. I understand from Dr. Sullivan you have a sick child. Dr. Chamberlain turned to Olivia and smiled at her. Lily worked at this hospital as a physical therapist, but she’d never seen this doctor before. His calm demeanor was comforting even before he’s begun to treat Olivia.

Lily didn’t correct the ‘Mrs.’ thing as it didn’t really matter. She’s had a fever since waking up this morning. She didn’t have it last night when I put her to bed. I’m especially concerned because her breathing seems labored.

Dr. Chamberlain was gentle as he approached Olivia. He asked her what her name was, and waited for Olivia to answer. Lily liked that. It showed he respected the child and wanted to make a connection with her.

I’m ’livia, she answered in a quiet little voice that held little energy or interest.

Livia, he repeated.

Normally, Olivia would have corrected him but today she was just too listless. Lily knew the doctor had Olivia’s chart in front of him, but he might think that was a nick-name for her so she spoke up and said, Her name is Olivia. We’re still working on getting a clear ‘O’ up front. Lily smiled at Olivia as she said that. Isn’t that right sweetheart?

I can see from the medical record faxed to the hospital Olivia’s shots are all up to date and her history shows her to be in excellent health usually. It’s also noted here there’s a close bond between you and your daughter, Dr. Chamberlain said quietly. Lily smiled at that notation. It was part of the reason why she loved Dr. Sullivan for Olivia. It was more than just about medicine for her as she looked at the whole patient and family unit.

She’s only had a couple of minor colds since moving here to Chicago. But I’m really concerned about her breathing this morning, Lily responded, trying to convey her love and fear for Olivia. She’s never this lethargic. I think her temperature is still rising. Can we check it again please?

Of course. I’ll get the nurse. I see it was noted as 102.9 when you arrived. While we wait for the nurse, may I check you Olivia?

Olivia turned her head into Lily at the strange man.

It’s okay baby. The doctor is going to help you feel better, but he has to check you first. Can we let him do that so you can feel better? Lily crooned.

Okay, but I don’t know him, Olivia whined.

Baby, you’re right, but Mommy knows him. He’s the doctor. He wants to take care of you.

You gotta be nice to me or my mommy will get mad at you, Olivia said. She gazed directly in his eyes.

Dr. Chamberlain looked directly back into Olivia’s pale blue eyes and said, as if taking an oath, I promise to be nice to you and I want to help you feel better. Your mommy is right here to watch me. Can I listen to your heart and listen to you breathe?

Lily had begun to remove Olivia’s clothes prior to his coming in and finished doing that. She sat Olivia on the table. Dr. Chamberlain showed her the stethoscope, let her touch it and showed her it didn’t hurt. In doing so, he gained her trust. With gentle hands, he examined Olivia, his touch both professional and tender. Sensing Olivia’s apprehension, Lily gathered her strength and whispered soothing words, promising her child Dr. Chamberlain would take good care of her.

She has some fluid in her lungs, he told Lily. Her heart rate is elevated. The fluid is beginning to affect her breathing. Let’s get her to x-ray immediately.

Turning to Olivia, he said, Do you mind if I take a picture of your lungs, inside here? he gestured rubbing her little chest.

Do you have to put the camera inside me? Olivia asked.

No, it can see through your skin. And just like any picture, you don’t feel it, but it is done with a big camera. Can you be brave and let me take a picture? Dr. Chamberlain asked.

Can Mommy be in the picture with me?

Well, we can let her sit in the room with you but we only want your picture. I’m sure Mommy won’t mind if we don’t take her picture, do you Mommy? he said turning to Lily.

Something in the way he turned and looked at her felt familiar. She wondered if she’d seen him in the halls of the hospital after all. She wasn’t on pediatric duty, so it wasn’t in the ward she might have seen him. Maybe I’ve seen him in the cafeteria. But the setting didn’t seem right to her. Something nagged in the back of her mind that persisted, giving her the feeling she’d seen him before.

Snapping back to the present, Lily answered, No, I don’t mind not having my picture taken if I can watch Olivia have hers taken. What do you say, shall we get that picture so we can figure out what’s making you sick?

Okay, Mommy.

The doctor smiled at them both and left to order a stat chest x-ray of Olivia as he’d just told them. Lily knew from her work at the hospital and picking up patients brought in through the ER that he would also be making plans to admit Olivia should her x-rays confirm the tentative diagnosis of pneumonia. He told Lily that he could hear rattles when he listened at Olivia’s chest. Lily knew those sounds from her training and that knowledge filled her with dread when coupled with Olivia’s shortness of breath.

As expected, Olivia’s x-rays confirmed the pneumonia diagnosis. When the x-ray department faxed the report upstairs, it took them only a moment to come back to Lily and inform her that Dr. Chamberlain was waiting for them at the nurses’ station in the pediatric ward. Lily was upset, but tried to not show it for Olivia’s sake. She didn’t want her to become scared. So far, even in her lethargy, her daughter was cooperating and not frightened.

Lily explained, We’re going upstairs to a special bedroom for sick kids, so you can rest. I’ll stay with you right next to your bed, so you won’t be alone. But now the nice doctor and nurses can take care of you all day and give you special medicine to make you feel better.

Olivia seemed fine with it, but Lily suspected more than anything, she just didn’t feel well enough to complain.

As promised, Dr. Chamberlain was waiting when they arrived on the ward. He immediately came over to Olivia, You took a great picture. Now I know what’s making you sick. The nurse will show you and your mom where you can sleep. He looked at Lily. "You’re allowed to stay the night if you like. There’s a reclining chair in the room. It’s not the most