This time, there was no attempt to hide his dislike. Causing Beth to bite back a laugh as her husband flinched.
“While that’s true,” Beth said, a smile playing on her lips, “I was thinking more along the lines of how lucky I am that my husband got to meet my new favorite patient.”
“Your what?” they said in unison.
“Mr. Berry, this is my husband, Dr. Jensen. Bryce, meet Mr. Walter Berry. He’s the reason I lost track of time—I was enjoying his stories while bandaging him up.”
Bryce extended his hand. “It’s very nice to meet you, sir.”
This time, the sir came out more questioning than rude.
Walter eyed the offered hand before shaking it. “Different last names, huh?”
“We were recently married—this is one of our first shifts working directly together since our marriage was announced,” Bryce explained. “I stumbled over her name because we haven’treally discussed whether she’s changing it.”
“I am, I just haven’t had time.”
“Ah,” Walter nodded. “I thought you didn’t know her name because you were too arrogant to learn it. Sorry, son, but this one’s a gem; she’s worth protecting.”
“Yes, she is,” Bryce said, his voice softening, “and believe me, I knew her name long before she ever learned mine.”
He turned to Beth, a smile tugging at his lips—not the teasing one he usually wore, but one laced with awe. Like she was the miracle he still couldn’t believe God had sent.
“Some mornings I still wake up stunned,” he added, his eyes locked on hers. “That she married me. That she’s mine.”
This time, when Bryce slipped his arm around her waist, Beth didn’t stiffen or pull away. Beth’s cheeks flushed, but she smiled.
Walter smiled too, eyes misty. “I know the feeling, son. My Betsy always made me feel the same way.”
Bryce exhaled slowly, forcing himself to refocus. He was still on shift. He had a job to do. As much as he wanted to get lost in his wife’s eyes, he needed to compose himself.
He turned back to Walter, schooling his features into something closer to professional.
“Here’s your prescription,” Bryce said, handing over the paperwork. “Anything else we can do for you today?”
Walter stood, brushing off his pants. “Not unless you’ve got a time machine. Thanks for everything, Doc. Take care of that little gal.”
“I plan to.”
Beth stepped forward and hugged Walter again. “I’m gonna tell my Betsy all about you when I take her flowers. She’d have liked you. Did I mention she was a nurse before we married?”
“No, I don’t believe you did,” Beth said with a warm smile. Bryce nodded thoughtfully.
“Ahhh, it’s all making sense now,” Bryce said slowly, flashing a sly grin. “That’s why you don’t like doctors. Was she dating one before you swept her off her feet with your… charm?” he deadpanned.
Walter barked a laugh. “Actually, she was.” He gave a knowing smile. “Always got under that old slicker’s skin that my Betsy left him and married a ‘simpleton’ mechanic.” He shook his head, chuckling at the memory.
They all laughed.
“Do you always get her flowers after she’s been away?” Beth said softly.
Walter’s eyes grew glassy. “I bring her flowers once a week. To make up for all the years I didn’t.”
He looked directly at Bryce. “Don’t make that mistake, young man.” Walter stuck out his hand.
“I won’t, sir.”
There it was—the respect in Bryce’s voice, genuine and clear.
