by Lucy Clark
‘I promise to tell you every day—even if we’re having an open and honest disagreement—that I love you. I could never want another woman, CJ, because you’re all I need. Well...you and Elizabeth.’ He laughed. ‘The two of you have brought me back to life and I can never thank you enough for opening your life and letting me in. I know you’re scared and you have every right to be but you must feel how different things are this time.’
‘Yes. It’s very different. Before you went to Sydney, I wasn’t sure if I could trust you with my heart but when you weren’t here, not only was the house so dark and lonely, my life was dark and lonely.’ She pulled back to look at him. ‘You’re right. I’m scared. I’m scared to take another chance at love, at marriage—especially as I have Elizabeth to think about this time—but I’m even more scared to live my life without you.’ Her lower lip trembled. ‘Oh, Ethan. I need you so much.’
Ethan couldn’t stand it any more. He crushed her to him once again and pressed his mouth to hers. She was his—and he was never letting her go. She and Elizabeth were his family. His heart had known it for a while but his mind had taken a little while to catch up.
Eventually, he released her and she smiled up at him. ‘I still can’t believe you’re really here.’
‘I am and I’m never leaving you again. I must have been mad.’
‘You’re really staying? Here? In Pridham?’
‘If you’ll marry me.’
‘Married? Are you sure?’
‘One hundred percent. My life is...meaningless without you.’ He paused and stared into her eyes, showing her every aspect of his vulnerabilities. ‘Please, CJ? Marry me. Be my partner for life. We’ll love our Lizzie and we’ll love any other children we might have.’
‘You want more children?’
‘I do. I really do. I want to fill this house with fun and laughter and noise.’ He paused, sadness creeping into his words. ‘I’ll always love Ellie, and Abigail, but they were my past. You are my future. You and Lizzie-Jean. I love you. Will you? Will you marry me?’
CJ’s heart overflowed with love for the man before her. ‘Yes. Oh, yes, yes, yes. I need you, Ethan Janeway. I need you and I trust you.’ She placed her hand on his cheek. ‘In fact, I adore you.’ She kissed him again, then drew back with a gasp. ‘But what about your job in Sydney? What will you do here?’
‘Firstly, I’ve resigned from the hospital.’
‘What?’
‘Secondly, I’ve decided to set up a private practice here, in Pridham. A permanent general surgeon for the Pridham and Whitecorn district hospitals. Also, I’ve started negotiations for my next research project, which will be a collaboration with a few of my colleagues at the Royal Sydney Children’s Hospital.’
‘FAS?’
‘Yes, and no doubt we’ll be wanting your input, too.’
‘Really? I get to have my name on a published paper?’ She giggled. ‘This really is a night of dreams coming true.’ CJ sighed, content and happy and amazed that she could feel this good.
Elizabeth shifted beneath her covers, sniffling a little before starting to cry. Ethan released CJ and bent to pick the baby up. ‘That cry doesn’t sound good. Is she all right?’
‘She’s been a little unsettled for the past few days.’
‘What?’ He picked her up and kissed her forehead. ‘Are you all right, my darling?’
CJ’s heart melted at the way he genuinely loved their Lizzie. ‘She’ll be fine...now.’
‘Now?’
‘We’ve both been a little unsettled for the past few days. We’ve been fretting.’
‘Fretting?’
‘Over you.’
His concerned look disappeared as he held out his other arm to CJ. ‘Come here.’ He held her close. ‘You’ll never have to fret again. Either of you. We’re a family and we’ll be sticking together for ever.’ Then Ethan kissed her in such an intense and passionate way that she knew their love would last for ever.
The baby slept on.
EPILOGUE
THE WEDDING WAS the most glorious day of her life. The night before she’d insisted on spending the night at Donna’s place while Ethan had stayed at her home—their home now. They’d made plans to alter the renovations that CJ had not long finished but as both of them enjoyed renovating and restoring old things, it would be a challenge they could do together.
Ethan, as well as covering CJ’s clinics, had already started his own general surgical practice. Consulting at both Pridham and Whitecorn hospitals, his clinics booking up so fast he thought he might need to add an extra day in the future. For now, though, he was more than happy playing Mr Mum while CJ eased herself back into part-time consulting. They both enjoyed their days at home with Lizzie-Jean and doing things together as a family at weekends.
‘Are you sure you’re happy?’ CJ had asked Ethan a few days ago.
‘I’ll be happier when you’re legally my wife.’ He’d hauled her close and kissed her soundly. ‘I love you so much, CJ.’ He’d laughed with such carefree abandon that any minor concerns she’d harboured had vanished. ‘I can’t believe how incredible I feel being here, with you and our Lizzie-Jean and the people of the community.’ Ethan had shaken his head in bemusement. ‘I never thought I’d say it but... I’m glad I had that minor heart attack.’
CJ had shuddered at the mention of it. ‘I’m not.’
‘If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have re-evaluated my life, I wouldn’t have come here, I wouldn’t have found you, I wouldn’t be blessed with another family to love and cherish, for ever and ever, until death us do part.’
‘Practising your vows?’
‘I don’t need to practise them. They’re tattooed on my heart.’
And so when the time came for CJ to marry her beloved Ethan, the ceremony being held at Donna’s small vineyard, her heart had been sure and confident. Ethan loved her. Ethan loved Lizzie-Jean. She loved Ethan and Lizzie-Jean...well, Lizzie-Jean seemed to love whoever was cuddling her. The little girl was a delight and one that had only enhanced the happiness CJ had thought she’d never feel.
As she stood facing Ethan, holding his hands and gazing into his eyes, while Lizzie-Jean slept on nearby in Aunty Melody’s arms, CJ couldn’t help but laugh.
‘What’s so funny?’ Ethan stared at her and slowly shook his head, his own lips beginning to twitch. ‘You’re supposed to be saying your vows, not laughing.’
‘But I’m just so happy.’ She giggled again. ‘You make me so happy, Ethan. You came into my life when I needed you most—and then stayed. You stayed. I want you to know that I will always be here for you, that I will do my very best to always communicate with you, to share my thoughts, my feelings and my concerns with you. Good and bad. Happy and sad... But here’s hoping it’s mostly happy. I think we’ve both had enough sadness.’
‘And I promise to do everything I can to keep that smile on your face, to keep that giggle bubbling up and your eyes shining with delight. I adore you, Claudia-Jean. I love you. My heart is yours for ever...except for the part we share with Lizzie-Jean—’
‘And any other children we might have.’
Ethan nodded. ‘We’ll build a home filled with thoughtfulness, kindness, love, patience and—’
‘And a thousand other good things,’ she interjected once more.
‘Will you let me finish?’ he demanded, and a chuckle rippled through the crowd that was gathered around them, helping them celebrate this wonderful union.
‘In a minute.’ She leaned forward and kissed him firmly on the mouth.
‘Uh... I haven’t got to that bit yet,’ the celebrant said, but no one seemed to mind.
CJ pulled back and looked at her beloved. ‘I love you, Ethan Janeway.’
‘I love you back,’ he responded, then, after kissing her once more, he settled her a small way from him, his han
ds still firmly holding hers, and turned to the celebrant.
‘OK. Get to the part where you pronounce us a family—because we’ve got some serious celebrating to do!’
The celebrant chuckled but did as she was bidden and a short while later CJ was officially Ethan’s wife and Ethan was officially CJ’s husband. And both of them were officially ready to start their new life together.
For ever.
* * * * *
Look out for the next great story in the SYDNEY SURGEONS duet
ONE WEEK TO WIN HIS HEART
And if you enjoyed this story, check out these other great reads from Lucy Clark
THE FAMILY SHE’S LONGED FOR
REUNITED WITH HIS RUNAWAY DOC
ENGLISH ROSE IN THE OUTBACK
A FAMILY FOR CHLOE
All available now!
Keep reading for an excerpt from ONE WEEK TO WIN HIS HEART by Lucy Clark.
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One Week to Win His Heart
by Lucy Clark
CHAPTER ONE
DR MELODY JANEWAY brushed her hands apprehensively down her calf-length blue skirt and ensured her embroidered white blouse was tucked neatly into the waistband. Next, she smoothed a hand over her unruly auburn curls, ensuring her hair was still secured in the clip at the nape of her neck. She was ready to meet the dignitary.
Melody started to pace in front of her desk, taking deep breaths. ‘Cool, calm and collected.’ She whispered her mantra in an effort to calm her nerves. When the intercom on her desk buzzed, she almost hit the roof with fright. She pressed the button. ‘Yes, Rick?’
‘The delegation is here.’
‘Show them in, thank you.’ She closed her eyes for a millisecond. How had she ever let herself be talked into this job? Acting head of the orthopaedic department? It was ridiculous. Not that she minded the administrative side, but many other aspects of the job, such as lecturing and playing host to delegates, weren’t her cup of tea. She was a doctor, not a tour guide!
Melody opened her eyes at the sound of her office door opening. Should she be sitting behind her desk? Would that look more official? Oh, well. It was too late to move so instead she stood like a statue in the middle of the large office with a fake smile pasted onto her face.
The smile, however, became genuine when she found herself staring up at a man with the most gorgeous brown eyes she’d ever seen. He was tall—a lot taller than she’d expected. Probably about six feet three inches. His hair was a rich dark brown, militarily short and starting to grey at the temples.
‘I’m George Wilmont.’ He extended his hand as he walked towards her.
‘Welcome, Professor Wilmont.’ She quickly recovered her composure, pleased with herself for not openly gaping at the man. ‘I’m Melody Janeway.’ She placed her hand in his, the touch sending a jolt of electrifying tingles up her arm. His fingers gripped her hand firmly, warming not only her hand but the rest of her as well.
She’d been unprepared for such a reaction to this stranger, especially as he held her hand for a fraction of a second longer than was necessary. Melody felt something wild and untamed pass between them. His gaze locked with hers and she saw a flicker of surprise register in his eyes before they both dropped their hands and took a small step backwards.
Whoa! What on earth was that? According to the dossier she had on him as part of the preparation information for this tour, he was a married man. Melody cleared her throat, desperately trying to regain her composure. ‘Uh...welcome to St Aloysius Hospital, Professor Wilmont.’
He cleared his throat. ‘Please, call me George.’
She nodded. ‘I’m Melody, and if you want to make any jokes about singing or asking if I can carry a tune, the answer is yes. I sing very well and often in key.’
George smiled at her attempt at humour, a real smile, not a polite I’m a professional type of smile. The effect was real as she noted his eyes spark with a glint of merriment. They stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity, the hours ticking by, yet in reality it was no more than five seconds. Still, it was enough to make her feel highly self-conscious. The smile slid from George’s lips and he shifted back again, as though needing to put even more distance between them.
‘Melody Janeway, allow me to introduce you to the rest of my staff.’ George introduced the people who were responsible for helping him keep to the strict timetable he lived by. As a visiting orthopaedic surgeon, George had been touring the world for almost twelve months and had now returned to his homeland of Australia. He had two administrative assistants, one research assistant, one technical consultant and a personal aide.
Melody’s own PA, Rick, was hovering by the door. She beckoned him in and introduced him. ‘Rick and I are both at your service this week. If there’s anything you need to know or can’t find, please don’t hesitate to ask.’ Melody addressed the group as she spoke but her gaze kept returning to George.
‘Thank you,’ he responded, smiling politely as their gazes held once more. Melody gave herself a mental shake and checked her watch. ‘I guess we should make a start. Have there been any changes to the agreed agenda?’
For the past few months, information had been emailed back and forth between Professor Wilmont’s organisers and Rick, ensuring operating theatres and lecture halls were booked, as well as confirming catering arrangements and restaurant reservations. Throughout this week, Melody’s job was to be the official representative for St Aloysius Hospital, to be the master of ceremonies at some events, or to simply be there to field questions and introduce Professor Wilmont where necessary. It would be a long, arduous week and if there had been any changes to the agenda, it was best to find out now, rather than at the last minute.
Professor Wilmont’s delegation had been organising these types of events in hospitals around the globe since the beginning of the tour in January, so they were very experienced at what they did. That was another reason why it was important for Melody and Rick to ensure St Aloysius measured up to the standards of professionalism the professor would have received from other medical institutions.
‘Not that I’m aware of.’ George answered Melody’s question but turned and raised an inquisitive eyebrow at his personal aide. ‘Carmel? Any changes?’
Carmel consulted the leather-bound book in her hands, then shook her head. ‘No.’ She was a small, thin woman who wore very high-heeled shoes and a tailored business suit, with her almost jet-black hair pulled back in a tight chignon. The consummate professional.
‘Excellent.’ Melody nodded. ‘Well, then, we’d better get started to make sure we don�
��t fall behind schedule.’
‘Carmel would never let that happen,’ George remarked as Melody walked towards the door and held it open. ‘She’s a hard taskmaster but a necessary one.’ His words were spoken with affection and joviality. Carmel’s answer was to provide a polite smile in their direction. ‘I’d have been lost without her during this tour.’
George was the last person to exit, apart from her, and Melody inclined her head towards the door. ‘After you, Professor Wilmont.’ She gestured, indicating he should precede her.
‘Ladies first,’ he insisted, and the smile he aimed in her direction was one that turned her insides to mush.
She was knocked off guard by the sensation, so mumbled a ‘Thank you,’ as she went through the door before him.
As they headed towards the operating theatres, Melody pointed out different areas of the hospital, trying to regain her inner composure. It had been quite some time since she’d reacted like this to a man’s charming personality, and the outcome of that experience had been one of heartbreak. If she was focusing on playing host, on being professional and imparting information, then her mind couldn’t dwell on the unexpected way she was responding to Professor Wilmont.
Once in Theatres, they did a tour of the operating room George would be using when he taught. It had a viewing gallery positioned on a mezzanine floor surrounding the operating table so that students, interns, nursing staff and doctors could easily see what was happening.
‘It’s also equipped with microphones and miniature cameras. There are two television monitors in the viewing gallery and, as would be expected, we’ll be recording the procedures for further study of your techniques.’
‘An impressive facility,’ George murmured.
‘I’m delighted to hear that. I’ll pass your comments onto the CEO,’ she responded, before they continued with their tour. They headed down yet another long corridor and it was only when George spoke that she realised how close he was to her.