Prologue
Ten years ago
Heidi
“I can’t believe today is your last day.” Ginny, who has been more like a mother to me than a boss over the last few years, folds me into her arms for a hug. “We’re going to miss you around here, girly.”
I squeeze her tightly. “I’m going to miss all of you.”
She pulls back slightly, bringing her hands to my shoulders. “Are you sure this is what you want to do?”
I paste on a bright smile, the one that makes my face hurt, but hopefully hides my misgivings. “Of course. This is the right decision for Thad’s career, so I’m supporting him.”
Ginny makes a sound of derision. She’s never hidden her opinions about my boyfriend, but today of all days — my last shift on the pediatric unit of Westport General — it stings more than usual. All my nursing colleagues have made it clear how much they’ll miss me and how they wish I wasn’t leaving. Even Clarence, the director, told me I’d always have a space here at Westport General if I wanted to come back. It’s nice to feel needed and wanted, but it also makes the ache in the pit of my stomach grow bigger.
“I’ll come back and visit.”
“You had better.” Ginny turns and looks over her shoulder at the conference room full of our coworkers who all gathered to say goodbye. My eyes go unbidden to one person in particular. The newest pediatrician to join the department, Max Donnelly.
He’s tall, slender yet muscular, with light brown hair that’s always perfectly styled. He exudes authority, but also warmth. I’ve seen him sit down on the floor and play with patients, and I’ve seen him stand up and face down parents we’ve suspected of abusing their children. He’s strong, and kind, and so freaking handsome.
And I shouldn’t be thinking any of that about him. Not with Thad on his way to pick me up so we can go home and finish packing.
But the truth is, I wish I had more time to get to know Max. The little I’ve seen, he’s an amazing man and an amazing doctor. Patients and families love him; he brings a peaceful comfort to them no matter what. He gets along with everyone, and is charming and polite, no matter who he’s interacting with. Everyone, from the cleaning staff to his physician colleagues, gets the same respect. It’s one of many things I admire about him.
I don’t want to leave.
When Thad announced he needed to be on the mainland for his career, what choice did I have but to agree? He’s promised me a future, marriage, and a family. And supporting the one you love is what you’re meant to do, isn’t it?
Even if it does sometimes feel like that support is very one-sided.
I make my way around the room, stopping to talk with all my coworkers who came out to say goodbye. Gradually, the room empties because everyone is going back to work.
“Seems like you’ll be missed.” The quiet deep voice vibrates through me. Pivoting on my feet, I see Max Donnelly standing casually to the side, his hands in his pockets.
“They’re wonderful people. It’s such a great team here.”
“It is. I feel quite fortunate to have started working here. Too bad it’s just as you’re leaving.” His lips quirk up into a smile.
“Yo, babe. You ready to blow this place?”
Thad’s voice announces his arrival and Max’s eyes harden. His lips draw into a thin line. I may not know the man well, but you’d have to be blind not to recognize the walls going up around him. Confusion makes a frown form between my eyebrows, but before I can say anything, Thad throws his arm over my shoulders.
“What the hell are you doing here?”
The low growl surprises me. I’ve never once heard such anger coming from Max. Thad squeezes me tighter, almost uncomfortably so. “Picking up my girlfriend.”
Max’s spine goes ramrod straight and I get the distinct impression I’m between two bulls, locked and ready to fight. And I don’t want to be in the middle of this — at all.
His eyes go to mine, and there’s a coldness in them I’ve never seen before. “How long have you two been together?” His words sound forced, as if he doesn’t really want the answer.
“Three years.”
His nostrils flare. He’s basically a stranger to me, but it’s clear Thad isn’t. And Thad has to be my priority. Pressing gently on Thad’s chest, I give Max one final smile before turning to my boyfriend. “Come on, let’s go home. There’s a lot left to pack still.”
“I thought you finished last night?” he says sharply, but thankfully, his attention is on me, not Max, who makes a swift exit. I feel a little bad for whatever just transpired, but at the same time, I’m completely in the dark over what exactly it was. And right now, Thad is my focus.
“I didn’t have time to finish the kitchen. We can just order some takeout and tackle it together.”
