Ethyn wiped his eyes and chuckled, “You might as well join us because Elle won’t stop until you do.”
Then I hugged all three of my babies at once.
Life couldn’t get any better.
Until we arrived at our cabin in the mountains.
Within minutes of entering our winter haven, Ethyn asked Sekani to listen to some beats he created on his iPad. The widest grin slid across Sekani’s face.
“Dad, can we go skiing later today or tomorrow morning? We might be a minute, trying out different sounds,” Ethyn explained apologetically.
“It’s whatever you want to do. This weekend is about spending time together.” I grasped the back of the sofa in the cozy living room, where the electric fireplace was already burning. The acceptance and comfort I’d always wanted for my sons finally settled over them. Unshed tears burned the back of my eyes. I didn’t want to show too much emotion and make a big deal of this moment I’d prayed for.
When the two disappeared into the family room, Elle leaned her head against my shoulder and presented a deck of cards. “Guess, it’s just you and me. Want to play UNO while you tell me about this new woman and when I’m going to meet her?”
“How did you...did you tell your mothe...you know what, never mind.” We moved to the kitchen, pulled out a chair at the rustic dining table for her to sit, and I sat down across from her. “Shuffle, while I tell you about her. Maybe you can meet her for Christmas or New Year's. I’ll have to check with her first. We’re still new.”
“It’s okay. Whenever you're ready for us to meet her.” She split the cards into two stacks. “I want you to be happy.”
“I’m happy whether I have a woman or not. No need to worry.” Now, I sounded like Brooklyn.
“Then I want you to be happier. You’re my dad. I’ll always worry about you.”
Life really couldn’t be better than this. And I couldn’t wait to see Brooklyn and tell her about my weekend with my children.
Chapter 6
Brooklyn
In fourteen hours, I’d treated two friends who stabbed one another after a fight over a football game. Dozens of people with food poisoning, or who just ate too damn much. A heart attack and a stroke. Broken nose. False labor. A broken leg. A bad allergic reaction. A bad episode of vertigo. I’m sure I had at least three more patients that, for the life of me, I couldn’t recall why they needed a doctor. My patients all meshed together in my head, consumed by thoughts of Carter, taking up most of my brain space. I had to stop myself from grinning inappropriately before I seemed insensitive. Being with him made my days brighter and my nights sexier. Today, though insanely busy, had been a good day. A day in the ER without deaths was always a good day. And knowing Carter would be picking me up for dinner and crafting Christmas baskets after he left his animal clinic, makes today a damn good day.
“Doc, we need an answer about whether you plan to do an additional year of residency by the end of the year.” Dr. Boswell, the Chief of Emergency Medicine, reminded me, breaking my daydreams about Carter, when I stopped at the nurse’s station. “I thought you would’ve given me an answer by now. You’re really talented and think quickly on your feet, which we value in an ER. The patients love you, and your work ethic puts you in the top 1% of residents who complete this program, which will get you the best position and top pay at any major hospital in the country. Of course, I hope you continue with us. We already have a job waiting for you.”
“Thank you. I love working here too.” I smiled, though my stomach churned. A month ago, I’d planned to sign the paperwork for another year. Three weeks ago, I met Carter. Now, I didn’t know if I wanted to spend another year in the ER as a resident when I could apply for a job and have a less hectic schedule. A schedule that would allow more time with Carter. A schedule that might make getting married and having a baby more feasible. “I’ll let you know soon.”
“Do that.” She squeezed my shoulder on her way to visit patients.
I slunk down in a chair beside Denise. “I don’t know what to tell her.”
Denise twirled in her seat to face me. “It’s like that already with you and Carter? I see that skip in your step and that goofy smile. Just assumed it was good sex.”
“It’s more than that.”
Her smile widened. “Told you it was fate.”
“I don’t know about all that.” I arched a brow. “I don’t want to make a quick decision about my career because I’m caught up with him, and I don’t want to recommit to another year when he could be my person. As much as I like it here, I’m always working, and neither of us is getting younger. At least, he’s been flexible with my schedule, finding time to spend with me even if it’s just to fall asleep together.”
She patted my knee. “Perfect segue for me to say we need you to work Christmas.”
“Denise,” I groaned. “I finally have Christmas off after I negotiated with two other residents, and now you want me to work? I have plans.” Carter wanted to bring Christmas in together as we did for Thanksgiving, and meet his children and his mother.
“I know. You might be the best doctor in the E.R., but you’re still a resident. Since Dr. Boswell wants off, you have to work.You’re still off for New Year’s Eve, which for a couple is more romantic than Christmas.” She shrugged.
I bent forward and covered my face with my hands. “Not for me. I love Christmas, and who’s to say Dr. Boswell won’t change her mind and make me work on New Year’s Eve? That’s probably why she was being super complimentary to me.”
Denise typed something on the keyboard. “No, she was speaking the truth. It’s your fault that you have been such an overachiever that she thought you wouldn’t mind working Christmas since you were off on Thanksgiving. People used to you stepping in without argument, and now that you have a man, it could bite you in the ass.”
“Which is why I really do have to reconsider a fourth year here.” I sat back up and stretched my neck from side to side. “Being with Carter has made me realize that I do need to enjoy life more than I have.”
