A Marriage Takes Two by Janet Lane-Walters

away.
    Laughter, lights, and the cacophony of a multitude of voices poured through the open door. A kaleidoscope of people wearing colorful costumes moved about the room. Tony spotted the pair of nurse practitioners and the clinical nurse manager of the clinic at the bake sale table. Carrie reached them and put the cookie containers down. Moments later, Chad and three of his friends converged to admire Carrie’s claws.
    “Tony.” The clinic’s nurse midwife waved. “Come over and introduce your wife.” She leaned toward Carrie and said something.
    Carrie’s throaty laughter electrified him. Though she stood half a room away, distance failed to blunt his reaction. Into the fire, he thought and strode to the cluster of women.
     
    * * *
     
    Carrie watched Tony while she listened to the three women. How much had he told them about the reason for the marriage? They were his friends and colleagues. She thought of the many nights she’d discussed the situation with Grace. Had he also talked?
    “I hear you’re a nurse,” Beth, the pediatric nurse practitioner, said.
    “That’s right.”
    “Currently employed?”  Ruth asked.
    “Sort of,” Carrie said. “I’m on vacation, and a leave of absence following that. I’m not sure I want to continue the long commute.”
    “Interested in the clinic?”  Ruth asked. “There’s an opening and I’m the one doing the hiring.”
    “How do you feel about a husband and wife working together?”  Especially if they’ve decided to end the marriage.
    “As long as they’re professionals, it shouldn’t be a problem. Would you have difficulty working with Tony?”
    Carrie felt her cheeks heat. She might have a problem with daydreaming, but never with challenges to her professional behavior. At least she hoped she wouldn’t. “I think I can handle the situation.”
    “What’s your specialty?”
    Carrie shrugged. “I’ve a BSN and have been working in the ED and Peds. Thirteen hour night shifts.”
    “How would you feel about days?” Ruth asked. “And floating between in and out patient. For now, the job is nine to five.”
    “Sounds like heaven.” Carrie grinned. If she worked with Tony, he couldn’t ignore her. She heard his deep laughter and lost her focus on the conversation. Even in a billowing magician’s robe, he was tempting.
    “Monday at one,” Ruth said.
    “Why?” Carrie glanced at the trio.
    “For an interview,” Ruth said. “When can you start?”
    “In two weeks. I’ll need to see about reciprocity for my license, and there are things I want to do in the house.”
    “I can help with the license,” Ruth offered.
    “What are you doing in the house?”  Jane asked.
    “Some painting and re-decorating.”
    “About time,” Beth said.
    Ruth looked at the clock. “Time for us to man the food concession.”
    “Can I help?”  Carrie asked.
    “Be glad to have you.” Beth winked. “With you on board, we’ll clear a mint. All the dads will want a closer look at Tony’s wife.”
    Jane laughed. “Can’t wait to see his reaction to the ogles.”
    Would he even notice? Carrie wondered. Ten minutes after making the introductions, he’d charged away. She joined the three women in the kitchen and soon was busy serving hot dogs, pizza, barbecued beef, fries, desserts, and drinks.
    Once the rush ended, the costume parade began. Carrie sat with her new acquaintances and watched the children march around the room.
    “Chad’s costume is super,” Ruth said. “Where did you find it?”
    “We made it.”
    Jane looked at her friends. “Carrie, you’re hereby drafted to help with the Christmas play. We need costumes with imagination.”
    “And with the PTA Follies in the spring,” Beth said.
    Before Carrie found a way to refuse, Chad charged over. “I won. First prize. A certificate to the toy store at the mall. Want to come with Dad and me tomorrow?  You can help me choose.”
    “I’d like that.”
    “Dad and I are going to the haunted