That wasn’t what she’d expected. Elizabeth opened her mouth to respond but Raine continued.
“I don’t want to hurt anyone who’s missing their family, but I want to celebrate the holiday and maybe remind some of the residents that there’s more to life than what’s on these hospital floors and these nasty bare walls.”
Elizabeth looked at the earnestness in the woman’s pansy blue eyes and knew that there was no way she could tell her no. The nurse was acting in the best interest of her patients. Elizabeth would have to clear it with the psych doctors but she didn’t think it would be an issue. She opened her mouth to respond but Raine interrupted her again.
“Don’t say no, please,” she begged. “Some of the men are so lonely and I just want to brighten up their home. I’ll pay for everything out of my own pocket.”
Elizabeth blinked, appreciating that the woman was so determined. She sat back in her chair, arms crossed as she waited for Raine to still. “Do you really think me so cold that I wouldn’t allow you to decorate a room?”
Raine blinked and immediately began to protest. “Oh, no ma’am, but I know how busy you are and it may not be something that would occur to you. You only see them a little bit, but I’m with them more and seeing how lost they are in their eyes just breaks my heart. I want to give them something that they’ve probably all had at one time but they may have forgotten about. I want to give them a tiny piece of joy, you know what I mean?”
Elizabeth held up a hand and the other woman finally went silent. “Can I talk?”
Raine’s fair cheeks turned pink. “Yes, ma’am. I’m so sorry.” She pinched her lips shut, looking a little fearful.
Elizabeth let her stew for just a minute before she let a smile spread her own mouth. “I think having a designated Christmas room is an excellent idea. I was going to check with the other doctors but I think the good will outweigh the bad. We have other rec rooms if they want to get away from it. You have my permission.”
The relief in the nurse’s expression was cute.
“But there are a few caveats,” she warned.
“Yes, ma’am,” Raine said, leaning forward.
“We have men here from many different countries. It might be nice to be cognizant of the individual countries’ pastimes.”
“Oh, yes, ma’am. I was already building a list in my head.”
Elizabeth nodded, thinking about the possible benefits. “Good. You don’t want to exclude anyone, but you also don’t want to overwhelm them. It’ll just be one room, because I don’t know that everyone will appreciate the spirit, but if they want to decorate their individual rooms we’ll have extra decorations available. And you will not pay for this out of your own salary. I’ll get you a card by the end of the day that you can use to pay for everything. I consider this a therapy charge.”
Raine grinned, her eyes shining with tears. “Yes, ma’am. Thank you.”
Elizabeth didn’t like feeling like she was unapproachable. She could see that the tension had eased from Raine’s shoulders. “And if you have more ideas like this I want to know about them. I should have thought about it myself but I barely have time to go to the bathroom throughout the day.” She motioned to her desk, overloaded with papers and manila file folders. There were a dozen tabs open on her computer, reminding her what needed attention. She decided to be blunt. “I’m trying to salvage my family’s name and company, navigate a new relationship as well as take care of these men that my ex basically sold for torture.”
Raine’s expression softened. “Yes, ma’am. And Dr. Wilkes, I know how busy you are but while I’m here I have to tell you thank you for what you’re doing. These men, every one I’ve cared for has touched my heart in some way. I still can’t believe what our own government sanctioned. It makes me so mad.” There was an angry spark in her eyes and it was surprising and a little funny to see. It was like a bunny rabbit being mad, Elizabeth though, bemused.
“But I’m so thrilled with what you’re doing,” Raine continued. “They need more care than they would ever receive in a VA or any other hospital.”
Elizabeth sighed. “Well, Damon was the cause of it all and I need to make it better. No matter how expensive it is or how long, I will get these men to a point where they can function in society.”
Raine gave her a smile. “I really admire what you’re doing,” she said softly. “It takes strength of heart to stand up and make things right.”
Elizabeth took the compliment for what it was and wrapped it in her heart. She would have to tell Wulfe about it later. “Thank you, Raine. I really do appreciate that. And you can call me Elizabeth.”
A radiant smile spread across the nurse’s whole face. “Thank you, ma’am. Elizabeth. That’s a beautiful name.”
“As is Raine. I want you to come to me with anything, Raine. Understand?”
Raine nodded, standing. “I do. Thank you.”
“Stop back here when your shift is over and I’ll have a business credit card for you.”
“Yes, ma’am!”
With a final jaunty salute the bubbly little nurse disappeared. Then her head ducked back into sight and she hung on the doorjamb. “Ma’am, do you need me to watch your office while you go to the bathroom?”
Elizabeth laughed, rocking back in the
