CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
FINLEY
Ever since my diagnosis, I’ve fought feelings of insecurity that I wasn’t like everyone else. But spending last night with Thomas and his family changed all that. The Culpeppers have embraced me in such a way that makes me feel normal—or whatever it is I perceive that to be.
I fell asleep replaying the conversation Thomas and I had on his porch. I don’t like that he lied to me, but I understand he thought he was protecting us both by doing it. The fact that he’s staying here for me, even after I sabotaged his revenge, is totally crazy. He is an exceptional man, and I’m going to do everything in my power to let him know how much I appreciate his belief in us.
I roll out of bed and put on a brand-new pair of pink socks. Then I wrap myself in my furry robe and check the weather to make sure there’s no rain coming our way. Once I know it’s going to be a beautiful day, I get busy making some calls.
When I’m all done, I text Thomas and tell him to meet me at my shop at five.
The Culpepper clan walks into Happy Snaps at four fifty-two. Morgan comes straight toward me and immediately takes my hands in hers. “How nice of you to plan an adventure for us all, Finley.”
As soon as I make eye contact with Thomas, a jolt of joy floods my nervous system. “Do you mind if I tell them what tonight is?”
With a giant smile on his face, he says, “Go right ahead.”
I turn toward his family and announce, “Tonight is Thomas’s and my second date.”
“We figured you were more than friends,” Vivie says with a wink.
“We just thought you wanted to keep it on the down low for a while,” Jason adds.
“I think it’s better for us to tell the truth,” I say. “I like the truth.” I give Thomas another meaningful look and he shoots me a double thumbs up. “Is there anythingyouwanted to tell your parents, Thomas?” It’s okay if he wants to wait to tell them about taking over for Dr. Hall, but if it was me, I’d want to get it over with.
Thomas clears his throat and announces, “I’ve left my job at the hospital. I’m done working in the ER.”
“You can’t mean you’re coming home?” Morgan strangely sounds like she wouldn’t support this, which is confusing since according to Thomas she wants him back in New York more than anything.
“I’m not leaving Elk Lake,” Thomas tells her.
“Good,” she says, before adding, “You can’t leave Finley.” Her opinion means a lot to me, especially as she barely knows me.
“Why exactly are you leaving the hospital?” Jason wants to know. “And please tell me it’s not so you can become a model.”
Thomas explains, “I’ve met a general practitioner who’s planning on retiring soon. I’ve decided to buy his practice.”
“That’s a big change, son,” Jason says. “Have you spent time with him?”
“I have,” Thomas assures him. “Not only do I love the pace and predictable hours, but also think I’ll enjoy getting to know my patients better.”
Jason nods his head. “As long as you’ve thought it through.” Then he asks, “When do you start?”
Thomas puts his hands into his pockets and shifts his weight from one leg to the other. Even though things appear to be going well, I can tell he’s still nervous. “I’ve already started,” he says. “Edward has been introducing me to patients and next week he’s going to shift some of their care over to me. If things continue to go as expected, I’ll buy him out in two months’ time.”
Vivienne walks up to her brother and gives him a hug. “I’m excited for you, Tommy. I think this is going to be a great opportunity.”
“Thanks, Vivie,” he tells her. “But this means I won’t be moving back to New York.”
“That’s okay,” she replies. “I’ve been here now, so I know I can come visit again. I might even stay with you for a month or two over the summer just to see what life in a small town is like.”
I know what a big deal that would be for Vivie, so I tell her, “I can make space for you in my studio to paint, if you want.” She nods her head enthusiastically.
“Well, if Vivie is planning to visit for an extended time, surely Morgan and I can do the same. We could rent a house so we don’t cramp your style, son,” Jason says with a wink.
Morgan adds, “My home is where my family is. And if that means spending part of the year in Wisconsin, I’ll do it.”
I give Thomas’s family a quick tour around my shop and reiterate the offer that I want to take their picture. We decide to do that over the weekend. When we’re all done, I tell them, “I’ve ordered a car service to drive part of our group. I don’t think we’ll all fit in Thomas’s car.
