by Force, Marie
She clapped her hands together and continued to giggle and squeal as David sat in his desk chair, wishing he could take back the last ten minutes of his life. “We didn’t ‘bump uglies’ as you put it, but we bumped a few other things.”
“In that case, you’re right. That card is lame in light of recent developments. You need to do better. Can you still fix it?”
“I asked them to deliver the flowers late this afternoon when she gets home from work, so I guess there’s still time.”
She sat in his visitor chair. “We need to give this significant thought.”
“No, we don’t. I’ll think of something.”
She gave him a horrified look. “You thought ‘Thanks for being you’ was good enough!”
“You may have a point.” Her snort of laughter drew a smile from him. “So dazzle me. What should it say?”
“You were great last night, baby?”
“Victoria…”
“I love messing with you. It makes me happy.”
“I live to serve you.”
“How about, ‘I can’t wait to see you again.’”
David thought about that. “Does that send the right message?”
“Well, can you wait to see her again?”
As David scrubbed a hand over his face, the mostly sleepless night caught up with him. “God, I walked right into that, didn’t I?”
Victoria bounded to her feet. “It does the job and apparently it’s the truth, so call the florist.”
“I will. So what’s going on with the Irishman?”
“I’ll tell you all about him, but first I want to do something else.”
“What?” he asked, perplexed as she came around his desk.
She bent and kissed him on the cheek. “Welcome back. It’s high time you forgave yourself and decided to move on with someone else.”
“I wasn’t aware that I hadn’t forgiven myself.”
“You hadn’t. Until recently.”
“Well, thank you for letting me know. I appreciate that insight.”
“I’m serious. It hasn’t been easy as your friend to watch you beating yourself up for a mistake you made two years ago while Janey and Joe and everyone else involved have moved on with their lives.”
“I haven’t been doing that, Vic.”
Hands on her hips, she tilted her head, calling him out on his bullshit without saying a word.
“Okay, maybe I did some of that.”
“A lot of it.”
“If you say so.”
“I do.”
He fiddled with a pen on his desk. While Victoria was often an annoying pain in his ass, she was also insightful. And she was female, and he desperately needed her perspective on what’d happened last night. “So, the reason we didn’t… was because she panicked at the moment, if you get my drift.”
“Oh jeez, really? What did you do?”
“Tried to comfort her, but it was bad. She was crying and trembling.” Just thinking about it made him ache for being the cause of such distress, even if he knew logically that he wasn’t the real cause. He could thank Truck Henry for the damage he’d left in his wake.
Victoria looked at him thoughtfully. “What happened after she panicked?”
“We talked it out, and I stayed with her.”
“Until she fell asleep or all night?”
“All night.”
“That’s good. You did the right thing staying with her.”
“I only left because I had to get to work, but I’m going back after work and tomorrow night and the next night.”
As he spoke, Victoria nodded. “That’s what you need to do. After a while, hopefully she won’t associate the act with him anymore.”
He glanced at her. “What if she always associates the act with him?”
“She won’t. You have to remember it’s only been a few weeks. She may be healed on the outside, but on the inside she has a ways to go. But just like the bruises on the outside faded with time, so too will the bruises on the inside—especially if she knows she has all the time she needs. That’s going to be really important to her.”
“I told her I’m not going anywhere and that I want to be with her.”
“Then that’s what you do. Be patient and supportive and understanding. All of those things will help her heal.”
“You won’t say anything about this to anyone, will you?”
“Of course not. I may bust your chops relentlessly, but you know you can trust me. Or at least I hope you know that.”
“I do, and I appreciate your advice. Anyway, about the Irishman…”
Hands over her heart, she said, “The Irishman is divine. Lovely, sexy, and oh the accent.” She fanned herself dramatically. “The accent really does it for me.”
“What is it with women swooning at the sound of an Irish accent?”
“We can’t help it. The swoon is in our DNA.” In an exaggerated Irish accent, she said, “We hear the lyrical sounds of Ireland, and we’re putty, I tell you.”
“And what happens when your Irish boyfriend goes home?”
“He said he might stay longer than the two weeks he and his aunt came for. He likes it here.” Her saucy grin indicated that Seamus’s cousin liked it here largely because of her.
“I’d hate to see you fall for a guy who lives on the other side of the ocean.”
“I’m not falling for him,” she said, as if that was the most ridiculous thing she’d ever heard. “I’m using him for sex. Really good sex.”
“Ahh, I see. I’m glad you cleared that up for me.”
“Any time. Gotta get back to work.”
“Hey, Vic?”
“Yeah?”
“Thanks.”
With her hand propped on the door frame, she said, “For what?”
“For being a good friend. I haven’t had a lot of them since everything happened with Janey, so I appreciate the ones I do have.”
She smiled. “I’m happy for you that you’ve found Daisy. I hope you’re happy for yourself, too. She’s really good for you.”
“Yes, she is.”
“Call the florist.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She walked away, and he picked up the phone. After he took care of the lame message on the card, he made the call to Boston to see what his oncologist wanted with him. By the time Dr. Garrity came on the phone, David was having a full-blown panic attack.
“David. Thanks so much for returning my call.”
“No problem, but I’ve got to tell you, I’m in a bit of a sweat over here. You said last week everything was fine…”
“And it is. Better than fine. Your remission is holding steady, and I see no need for concern.”
David blew out a deep breath as his extremities trembled from the adrenaline that whipped through him. Right when he was finally getting his life back on track, the last thing he needed was the possibility of another health crisis.
“I apologize if I made you uneasy,” Garrity said.
“Uneasy is a good word for it,” David said with a laugh.
“I’m actually calling with some news that might be of interest to you.”
“What’s that?”
“We’ve had an opening in our department, and your name came up as a possible candidate for the position. You left a favorable impression after your rotation. That, combined with your personal experience as a patient, has us thinking you’d make for a damned fine addition to our team. Any interest?”
“I, ah, wow, you’ve caught me completely by surprise.”
“I’m sure I have, since I just saw you last week and never said a word about this. However, one of our staff physicians has decided to relocate, so it leaves us with an opening. Have you given any thought to a career in oncology, David?”
“To be honest, I’m so busy with my general medicine practice here on the island that I barely have time to eat, let alone ponder my career.”
Garrity’s guffaw of laughter reminded David
of why he’d chosen the jovial, upbeat doctor to see him through treatment. “I remember those days. Did I ever tell you I was a general medicine physician in a small town in Wyoming at the beginning of my career? I’ve never worked harder in my life.”
“It’s pretty demanding, especially when you add in the isolation factor out here.”
“So what I’m hearing, and feel free to correct me if I’m wrong, is that you’re happily settled and not looking to make a change.”
“Your offer took me entirely by surprise, and I wonder if I could have a day or two to think it over.”
“Absolutely, but not much longer. We need to get someone here ASAP. Our caseload is unfortunately bigger than ever.”
“I understand. I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. And thank you for the offer. I appreciate you thinking of me.”
“You’re our top choice, David. Ball’s in your court. I’ll talk to you soon.”
David turned off his phone and sat at his desk contemplating the implications until Janice, the receptionist came to the door to tell him his one o’clock appointments had begun arriving. “I’ll be right there.”
A few weeks ago, Dr. Garrity’s offer would’ve appealed greatly to him. He’d begun to tire of feeling like a martyr in his hometown and was yearning for a fresh start. He never could’ve imagined that his fresh start would come in the form of a lovely woman who made him feel whole again.
How could he possibly consider leaving now that they’d found each other? One thing he knew for sure was that after the disaster with Janey, he’d never again attempt a long-distance relationship. They didn’t work for him, and he had no desire to ever go down that road again.
For now, had had to focus on his patients for a few hours. He could figure out the rest of his life later.
* * *
Tiffany decided to wait for Blaine to leave for work before she called Maddie to ask permission to hijack the barbecue.
Dressed in the uniform that got to her every time she saw him in it, Blaine clomped down the stairs. He was so hot, so sexy and so in love with her that at times she still wanted to pinch herself to believe he was real, that they were real.
His arms came around her, his big, muscular body surrounded her, and Tiffany relaxed against him. He was as real as it got, and he was hers to keep forever. The thought filled her with an unreasonable feeling of relief. Nothing had actually changed between them, and yet it felt like everything was changing—for the better, if that was possible.
“What’s on your mind, baby?” he asked as he placed kisses strategically on her neck.
“Oh, this and that.” She pushed her hips against the erection that seemed to be ever present when they were together.
The low rumble of his laugh pleased her. “You haven’t had enough of that after last night?”
“I’ll never get enough.”
“And that, right there, is one of a thousand reasons why I love you so damned much.”
“You’ll have to tell me about the other nine hundred and ninety-nine reasons.”
“I’ve got the rest of my life to tell you all about them and to find new ones.”
Tiffany turned so she was facing him. “Are we really going to do this?”
“Hell yes, we are. When are you going to call Maddie?”
“This morning.”
“Why are you doing that worried thing with your eyebrows?” He kissed the furrow between her brows. “I told you I never wanted you to do that again.”
“You’ll have to cut me a little slack if you expect me to be worry free and marry you in two days.”
“We’ve got no worries, baby. It’ll be great. I know it will, because you’ll be there and Ashleigh will be there, and I’ll be there. What else matters?”
“Can we even get a license that fast?”
“Leave that to me. The mayor owes me a couple of favors.”
“If he doesn’t come through for you, let me know. He owes me a couple, too.”
His scowl was comical. “What the hell kind of favors does he owe you?”
“I can’t tell you.” She kissed the outrage off his sexy mouth. “Customer confidentiality.”
“If Upton or his wife are shopping at your store, I’d rather have my eyes poked out with sharp spears than hear those details.”
Tiffany burst into laughter. “Tell me how you really feel.”
“I’d be happy to.” He pulled her in as close to him as he could get her and laid his lips over hers. “I love you. I love Ashleigh. I can’t wait to marry you in two days. And I can’t wait to have forever with you.” He kissed her again and gave her a swat on the rear as he released her. “Now call you sister so you can stop worrying that she’s going to say no when you know damned well she’ll go batshit crazy over this plan of ours.”
“Yes,” Tiffany said with a smile, “she will.”
“That’s more like it. I want to see more smiles and fewer frowns. You got me?”
“I got you.” She grabbed a fistful of his shirt, not caring that she was wrinkling him. “And I’m going to keep you.”
“Let me go to work, you saucy wench. I have a family to support.”
“Wait.”
“What?”
She flattened her palms over his chest and looked up at him. “I want you to know that even if I’m a bit anxious about having two days to plan a wedding… Who I’m marrying? Not one single doubt. I love you madly.”
“Aw, baby,” he said, letting his forehead rest against hers, “you know how to hit a guy where he lives. I love you, too. I want you to relax, enjoy and accept that whatever happens happens. Who the fuck cares what goes wrong? As long as we’re married by sunset on Saturday, I’ll have everything I’ve ever wanted. I’ll have more than I ever dreamed possible.”
She smiled up at him, determined to follow his advice and chill about the details. He was right. Who cared if the whole thing was a mess? She’d still be his wife, and that was all that mattered. “So when are you going to tell your parents that you’re getting married on Saturday?” Was it her imagination or did he go a little pale?
“Um, today, I guess.”
“Might be a good idea, since they may have other plans.”
He blew out a deep breath. “Hopefully they’ll change whatever plans they have.”
“I’m sure they will. Now go to work. I’ll see you later.”
With one last kiss, he released her and headed for the door. “Call your sister!”
“Tell your mother!”
His chuckle followed him out the door.
The time with him had turned her nervousness to giddiness. She’d never done anything quite so spontaneous in her life—other than open a store full of sex toys, she thought with a giggle as she called Maddie.
Her sister answered on the first ring. “Hey! I was just going to call you! You’ll never believe it, but David has put Janey on full bed rest for the remainder of her pregnancy. How bad does that blow?”
“So bad. Is she okay?”
“I guess so, but her BP is up a bit, protein in the urine.”
“Those are signs of preeclampsia,” Tiffany said, recalling the books she’d read while pregnant.
“They’re trying to keep it from becoming that by prescribing the bed rest. Anyhow, what’s up?”
“Um, well, I need a favor. It’s kind of a big favor, and you should feel free to say no.”
“Spit it out, Tiff,” Maddie said, laughing. “Whatever it is, you know I’ll do it for you if I can.”
“I was wondering…” Tiffany’s heart pounded erratically. “Would it be okay if Blaine and I took over your cookout this weekend?”
“What do you mean? You want to have everyone over there?”
“Not exactly. We were hoping your cookout might double as a wedding reception.”
Maddie let out a bloodcurdling scream that had Tiffany holding the phone away from her ear.
“OhmyGod! I think I’m hyperventilating. This weeke
nd, as in two days from now?”
“Apparently so.”
Maddie went quiet on the other end of the line until Tiffany heard the distinctive sound of sniffling.
“Are you crying?”
“Maybe a little. This is so bloody exciting! But are you sure you’re ready, honey? I mean, you just got divorced, and I know you’re crazy about Blaine and vice versa—”
“It’s probably way too soon, but we have a bit of an ulterior motive with Jim digging in about Blaine living with me.”
“Ugh, he is such an asshole.”
“Yes, he is, but we figured if we were married, he’d have much less of a case than if were living in sin, and Dan agreed. It was Blaine’s idea to do it this weekend to take the wind out of Jim’s sails, and because he can’t live without me. Blaine, that is.” Tiffany giggled nervously. The whole scheme sounded ridiculous as she relayed it to her sister.
“Oh, Tiff. That’s so romantic. Of course you can take over my cookout. Have at it! This is so exciting!”
“Blaine said you’d be all for it.”
“I love my new brother-in-law. He’s so smart. What can I do? Anything! Oh my God! I can’t wait to tell Mac. Have you told Mom?”
“I’ll go over there later to see them,” Tiffany said, encouraged by Maddie’s excitement.
“How about Ashleigh?”
“She was at Mom’s last night and Jim’s tonight. We’ll tell her tomorrow morning when she gets home.”
“I’ll come over later, and we’ll plan everything. Will you be at home or the store?”
“Home. I’ve already realized I’ll have to turn the store over to Patty if I’m going to pull off a wedding by Saturday.”
“This is going to be so awesome. Wait until everyone finds out they’re there for a wedding! Oh! Mac’s Uncle Frank is coming, and he’s a judge. He can marry you!”
“Are you sure he won’t mind? He barely knows me.”
“He’d love to do it. I know he would. I’ll have Mac ask him, though.”
“You don’t think it’s crazy, Maddie?”
“I think it’s over-the-top crazy wonderful. You’re getting a great guy who worships you and who’d do anything for you and your daughter. What else is there?”
“Nothing,” Tiffany said softly. “Absolutely nothing.”