“This was a great idea,” Wilder whispers, bending down to kiss me. “Maybe Willow will be a veterinarian someday just like you.”
I smile because the thought of Willow following in my footsteps warms my heart. I’ve enjoyed getting to know the little girl who’s grown up into a darling seven-year-old this past month that Wilder and I have been together. And though I was nervous at first about spending time around her, someone who is so important to Wilder and his family, it’s come naturally. Most of my evenings after working at Doc’s clinic revolve around me meeting them back at Ashwood ranch for a home cooked meal made by Wilder and then while he cleans up, Willow and I play one of the several board games she enjoys.
“Maybe,” I respond kissing him back.
Georgia hands me the soft pretzel she just bit into and brushes off her hands. “Evie and Ember are going to be talking about this for weeks. Thanks for letting us tag along. I think they were struggling with the post-vacation slump and getting back into our routine in San Angelo.”
I smile at the young boy and girl clutching Willow’s hands as she drags them around the zoo. This morning, Wilder, Willow, and I picked up Georgia and the kids she nannies for in San Angelo, then made the three-hour drive to Austin to visit the zoo for a playdate.
“So, you said there’s a chance the family you nanny for might be leaving Texas?” I ask.
Georgia nods and pouts. “Unfortunately for me, yes. Mr. Vander is looking to shift out of Texan politics and make a bid for governor in Florida. But you didn’t hear that from me.” She makes a zipping motion over her lips. “I’ll be devastated if they leave—and unemployed. All I’ve done is nannying for the last five years. I’m used to the schedule, money and children, and frankly, the summer’s spent in the Hamptons in New York didn’t hurt. I’m honestly not sure what I’ll do next if they leave. Hopefully I can snatch up another nannying gig with a family this good.”
“Don’t worry, there’s always managing the Cameron ranch,” Wilder jokes as Georgia rolls her eyes in response.
Georgia is the only child to Wilder's aunt and uncle, Wylie and Stevie Cameron. She'd mentioned that her parents were vocal about hoping she'd have a child to take over Cameron ranch someday. But at twenty-seven-years-old, she’s self-proclaimed not dating or anywhere close to producing a child old enough to manage the place and she has no desire to manage the massive, multiple thousands of acre ranch herself. I get the feeling she’s a bit of a free spirit and loves being around people, not in isolation with animals and dust storms like Wilder does.
“Don’t remind me. I’m just banking on you managing it until I can produce a Cameron heir,” she laughs sarcastically. They continue their banter as I smile, watching Willow crouch down to show Evie and Ember another display that’s full of birds.
Without breaking his conversation with Georgia, Wilder takes my hand effortlessly in his. I take a moment to admire the way the wind blows through his dark hair, the sun shines on his skin, and the smile lines at the corners of his eyes. I don’t hear their conversation anymore because all I can think about is him, and us, and how right now really feels like the right time for us. It feels like this is working. It feels like what we have is right and good.
Wilder’s so different now. He talks more, he’s open, and he says what’s on his mind without reservation. It feels like we’ve both grown a lot in the last five years and are finally ready for a mature relationship. My time with Doc is coming to a close soon, and despite us not discussing the terms or conditions of purchasing his clinic, I can feel a shift in our relationship brewing. I just hope that no matter what happens, there’s a place for me to land here in Lonestar Junction so that Wilder and I can continue to see this thing through.
Wilder catches my eye as he finishes speaking to Georgia. She heads over to the kids to give them water and check-in on Ember who is now in tears because the bird won’t look at him. Once she’s far enough away, he yanks my arm, pulling me flush against his chest.
“What are you thinking about, pretty girl?” he asks, a grin spreading across his face as he dips his head to trail kisses up my neck, across my cheek, and finally landing on my lips. His hand curls behind my back, pressing me closer to his warm, hard body. The same one that I’ve spent many nights curled up next to over this past month.
“I’m thinking about… I’m thinking about how this feels right.”
“Right person. Right time,” he responds, kissing me again.
Little do I know just how much that timing is about to be tested once again.
Chapter 26 – Teagan
“Hey Teagan,” Louis calls to me from the doorway of the back room where I’m currently filing paperwork from last week’s visits while trying to catch up on administrative work we’d neglected after the storm that blew in four weeks ago caused us to fall behind.
“Hey Doc. What’s going on?” I reply.
“I need to step out for an hour to run to the dentist. Do you think you can cover things for the next thirty minutes until we close for lunch?”
“No problem at all.” I smile as he nods, then pauses in the doorway.
“It’s been really nice to have you here this last month. I think you’ve been fitting right in.”
“Thanks, Doc. I’ve really been enjoying my time here, too,” I respond.
And I have been enjoying my time here far more than I ever expected. Hearing that things have been going well from Louis’s perspective only adds to my optimism about our upcomingdiscussion. This is my last week in Lonestar Junction according to our original agreement, and with the date to discuss purchasing his business quickly approaching, I feel confident he’ll make me an offer. That confidence matters even more now, considering how things with Wilder have shifted—escalating from passionate hookups to a full-blown, exclusive relationship.
Since our zoo trip with Georgia, Willow, and the kids, Wilder and I have spent nearly every evening together. Some nights we’re at the ranch, cooking dinner and hanging out with Willow, while other nights we’re at my place, tucked into our own little world when Willow has a sleep over with friends. Each moment spent together deepens our connection. Though it’s only been a short time since we reunited, we’ve fallen fast, picking up right where we left off five years ago—only this time, it feels more solid, more real.
A few minutes after I hear the front door close behind Louis as he heads out to his appointment, the door jingles again. A moment later, a small voice calls out, “Hello? Is anyone here?”
I pause mid-sentence in the paperwork I’m working on, setting down my pen as I stand and make my way into the main lobby. There, I find two girls—one a teenager, the other younger, maybe a preteen. They’re dressed casually, their faces bright with curiosity. The younger one is clutching a small fishbowl, the water inside sloshing slightly as a tiny goldfish darts around.
“Hi, I’m Dr. Keating. What can I help you girls with today?” I ask.
The taller girl steps forward. “Hi. I'm Becca. We have a goldfish that needs help.” She points down at the bowl, her voice matter of fact and I have to conceal my smile.
