“Yeah. That’s what I said. See ya next time, doc.” Then, with a tip of his hat, he turns and walks away.
Driving back down the mountain to the hospital, I think about everything I saw and learned at the Wilson Ranch.
Most of it meant nothing to me. Iamintrigued by whatever they were talking about with the family rivalry. That’s something I might try to ask Birdie and Isla about.
And as for the made-up story Derrick was talking about? I’m wondering what kind of folklore stories they might have in these parts. Could it be the same one Isla mentioned?
Then there’s the books by Aster that Alex and Cate have been bugging me to read for years and the one that Isla gave me last week that still sits untouched on my nightstand.
“Life’s too short to worry about what should’ve happened or didn’t happen, let alone doin’ it because of some made-up story about a mountain and fate and soulmates.”
If that’s true, then why does it keep coming up? And how can I find out about it without breaking my Hippocratic oath in the process.
I’ve just arrived back at the hospital when my phone chimes with a message. As soon as I see Sutton’s name on screen, the tension I've been holding on to as I drove down the mountain vanishes into thin air.
Sutton: Hey, gorgeous. I was thinking we could grab some takeout from the diner and have a quiet night at home. I still have my best man's speech to write too. Have any experience with that?
Blair: I’ve been a best woman before. Does that count? A quiet night in with good food and even better company is just what this doctor ordered. But I’ll cook.
Sutton: If you’re cooking, then I’m cooking with you. And I’m getting the groceries. Send me a list and I’ll go there on the way home.
Blair: Now THAT'S a deal I’m not gonna say no to.
Sutton: Everything OK? Was it a bad house call? Do you want me to come down and see you?
This man,I think to myself with a smile. How is it possible to go through life for so long and not find anyone and then move to the middle of nowhere and meet someone you justknowwas meant to be a part of your life?
Made up stories. Mountains. Fate and soulmates.
Blair: I’m OK but thank you for offering. I’ll just count down the hours till tonight.
Sutton: If you say stuff like that, I WILL come downstairs and see you. But it won’t be to make sure you’re OK.
Blair: Oh really? And what—pray tell—would be the purpose of this inter-department visit?
Sutton: That’s for me to know and you to find out, gorgeous.
A delicious shiver courses through me and there’s no wiping the smile off my face after that text exchange. That earns me curious looks as I make my way inside the hospital, including Isla who cocks her head and shoots me a knowing grin of her own. “I know that look.”
“What look?”
“Thatone. You’re swoonin’. I know just how potent those Cooper pheromones are,” she says, her eyes dancing as she waves her engagement ring finger in the air.
I laugh. “I’m not sure I can blame pheromones from a phone call.”
“Don’t discount the power of the mountain, Blair. Believe me, she never gets it wrong…” Her singsong voice and twinkling giggle wrap around me before she waves and walks away.
She never gets it wrong? What doesthatmean?
Chapter 14
Blair
Aweek has passed without a call from Derrick or Sully, which I’m taking as a good sign. For now, anyway. Ididcall to make some adjustments to his medication after his bloodwork came back, but still managed to do it while working within the constraints of Sully’s wishes.
I’ve also been hard at work on my report for Tabitha on the missing services and improvements to existing ones that could benefit the hospital, the staff, its patients, and the district.
It’s different from any other facility I’ve worked at, but the basic needs are still the same.
