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Flashback Chapter

  
Flashback
— December 19th, 1990; Denver, CO

Nathan Walker paced the length of the hospital room at Saint Joseph's, boots clicking softly against the sterile floor. The Ranger's shoulders were tight with worry, his hand never straying far from the badge clipped at his belt—a reflex of a man used to control but now completely powerless. Both he and Ava had come to Denver for a Texas Rangers convention, but when Ava, eight and a half months pregnant, started having Braxton Hicks contractions, Nathan hadn't hesitated. He'd scooped her up like the most precious thing in the world and brought her straight here.

Ava, luminous even in a hospital gown, reclined on the bed, watching her husband with a serene smile that could calm storms. Her long blonde hair framed her face like a halo, her beauty almost ethereal—she could light up a room without trying.

"Sweetheart, are you alright?" Ava asked softly, her voice like warm honey. She tilted her head, studying him as he stared out the window like the answers to his fears were written in the Denver skyline.

"I'm fine," Nathan said, though his jaw was tight, his hands balled into fists. He turned to face her, rugged features etched with concern. "I'm just worried. What if something happens to our daughter?" His voice cracked on that last word, betraying the tough Ranger exterior.

Ava's smile was tender, reassuring. "Nothing's gonna happen to her, honey." She reached out, fingers curling in a silent invitation. "Why don't you go get something to drink?"

Nathan hesitated, rooted like an oak. "Ava, I'm not leaving—"

"Nathan." Her tone was soft but firm, the way only she could manage with him. "I'll be fine. Now, I might be pregnant, but I'm no invalid. I promise you, my sweet husband, everything will be okay."

That word—sweet—unraveled him. With a slow nod, Nathan crossed to her, bending to press a kiss against her lips, lingering like a prayer. Then, with great reluctance, he walked out, boots echoing down the corridor toward the vending machines.

Ava let out a breath and rested her hands over her round belly. She began to hum softly, Blue by Joni Mitchell. Her voice was delicate, angelic, floating through the room like spun sugar.

"You have a beautiful voice," a warm, feminine voice said from the doorway.

Ava looked up and saw a young woman with hazel eyes that sparkled with intelligence, thick honey-blonde hair brushing her shoulders, and a smile that radiated kindness.

"Thank you," Ava replied, her lips curving gently.

"You must be Ava Walker," the blonde said, stepping inside with confidence.

"Yes. Are you going to be my doctor?" Ava asked, curiosity lighting her gaze.

"Yes," the woman said, her grin widening. "My name is Dr. Ali Mills. That's Ali—with an i." She extended her hand, her grip firm but friendly.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Dr. Mills," Ava said warmly, shaking her hand. "Please, have a seat. My husband went down to the vending machine. He was nervous, so I told him to get himself something."

Ali chuckled, pulling up a chair. "Ah, that's perfectly natural for all new fathers." Her tone carried a spark—bright, candid, and full of heart. "So, tell me about your little girl here."

"Stella Blue," Ava said dreamily, running her fingers over her bump. "My little star sweeper. She was kind of a surprise for us, actually—but a blessing."

"They're the best," Ali replied, her smile softening.

"Do you have children?" Ava asked.

Ali's hazel eyes dimmed with a wistful gleam. "No. But I would love to have them."

Ava's voice was pure warmth. "Give it time, my darling. It will happen. Now..." she watched Ali begin her examination. "I assume you've always wanted to deliver babies?"

"Actually..." Ali's tone dropped, a flicker of vulnerability breaking through her strong exterior. "I've always wanted to be a pediatric surgeon. There are so many children I can save, but my professors never thought I could do it."

Ava's gaze sharpened with quiet conviction. "You know, the best revenge you can have on someone like that is to prove them wrong, my sweet Ali. Now, I know we just met, but something tells me we are just alike. I'm a fourth-generation Texas rancher. My mother wanted me to take over the ranch, but I didn't want that life. I went to nursing school. I'm active in my community. And as for you? Us women were given voices—and we have to use them. Fight tooth and nail to be a surgeon if that's what you really want. It's not gonna fall in your lap, my darling."

Ali's breath caught. "You really think I can do it?"

"I know you can," Ava said, her Sharon Tate smile luminous and sure.

Ali reached out, taking Ava's hand with unspoken gratitude. "I'm never going to forget you, Ava. I'll make sure you have the best possible care for you and your baby."

"Thank you, Ali." Ava squeezed her hand. "I know you'll make one hell of a surgeon, and you'll save babies all around the world."

"Thanks, Ava." Ali's eyes shimmered with determination. "Now, as far as Stella Blue is concerned—she's healthy. She just seems like she's trying to make an early appearance."

"Just like my husband," Ava laughed, eyes twinkling. "Would you believe he's the world's earliest riser? Oh my good Lord, it makes me so mad. But I wouldn't have it any other way."

Before Ali could respond, the door swung open. Nathan walked in, carrying a bottle of water in his large, calloused hand. His protective energy filled the room like a shield. "Hey, hon, I didn't know if you wanted anything, so I got you—oh." His hazel eyes flicked to Ali.

"Nathan, this is Dr. Ali Mills," Ava said warmly. "She's been taking excellent care of me."

"Thank you, ma'am." Nathan stepped forward, offering his hand. His grip was strong, his presence commanding. "Nathan Walker. Texas Ranger."

"You're welcome," Ali replied with a bright smile. "It's a pleasure meeting you, Nathan. I was telling Ava here that little Stella is perfectly fine—just ready to make her appearance early."

Nathan let out a slow breath of relief, his gaze softening as it fell on Ava. "Well, we sure appreciate everything, Dr. Mills."

"It was my pleasure. Merry Christmas, you two." Ali leaned down to hug Ava gently. "And congratulations."

"Merry Christmas to you as well, Ali," Ava said, her voice warm as sunlight.

Ali gave them one last smile before leaving the room, and in that moment, something shifted.

Life is full of chance encounters—tiny threads that weave destinies together. For Ali Mills, that afternoon with Ava Walker wasn't just another patient visit. It was the spark that reignited her dream. Instead of settling in labor and delivery, she chased pediatric surgery with relentless passion. And Ava? She went on to pediatric nursing.

They never saw each other again. But for both women, that single conversation changed everything.