He’s right. Jenna left, and I let her go without a fight. I gave in to her fears and her random needs. But things heal. My heart has healed because of a new doctor in town.
Willa isn’t leaving because she wants to. She’s leaving because she’s scared.
And I’m done letting fear win.
Chapter 19
Willa
Wally cornersme at the clinic after hours. I stayed late on purpose, avoiding going home, avoiding thinking about Henry’s hurt expression. Staff asked if I was okay, I played it off as maybe I caught a little something.
But the truth is, something caught up with me. I should have known it was going to happen. He won’t give up control easily and it won’t be easy to keep my control.
“Willa.” Wally’s voice is smooth, controlled. “You look tired. Are you eating? Sleeping enough?”
And just like that, I’m twenty-six again, doubting myself, second-guessing everything.
“I’m fine, Wally. What do you want? Why are you here?”
“I want you to come home. This pediatrician phase is beneath you. You were meant for research, for teaching. Not... this.” He gestures dismissively at my clinic.
“I like this. I’m helping kids and families to be healthy.”
“You’re wasting your potential.” He steps closer, and I force myself not to back away. “And that baker? Really, Willa? You left me for a small-town baker?”
“I didn’t leave you for anyone. I left because you made me miserable.”
His eyes flash with anger. “I made you better. Pushed you to excel. I gave you a future.”
Before I can respond, my eyes land on Ben’s drawing on my desk. The one where I’m a superhero.
Dr. Willa saves the day. He said that everyone can be brave.
“Just get out,” I say, my voice stronger than I feel. “Now!”
“Excuse me?” He feigns offense with a sneer.
“Get out of my clinic. I’m not going back to Seattle. I’m not going back to you. I have a life here.” My hands shake but I keep going. I can be brave. “I have patients who need me. People who care about me. A man who makes me feel whole instead of broken.”
“Willa, you’re not thinking clearly?—”
“I’m thinking clearly for the first time in years. Leave, Dr. Reid. Now.”
He stares at me, probably trying to decide if intimidation will work. But I stand my ground.
Finally, he huffs. “What a waste of my time you were.” And he leaves.
The moment the door closes, I collapse into my chair, shaking.
I did it. It wasn’t fun. It wasn’t easy, but I did it.
But in the process, I also pushed away Henry. A man who makes me feel safe. Who fights for me. Who loves me.
What have I done?
I grab my phone and call him, but it goes straight to voicemail. I try again. Same thing.
Panic sets in.
