“You bought a truck.” Wonder surrounded the statement.
“Somehow it’s better suited to life here. I may even buy a four-wheeler.”
Shay just looked at him in disbelief.
Matt cleared his throat. “Can we talk? Would you invite me in?”
“I guess I can do that. Would you like to come in?” She turned toward the door.
He grinned. “I would like that.”
Shay stood in front of the fireplace where a gentle blaze burned.
Matt took one of the chairs. His gaze met hers as he patted the arm of the other chair. “Will you come sit?”
She sat in the chair still looking unsure about what was happening.
Matt turned so he could see her clearly. “I went by the house and saw the for sale sign.”
“Yeah. I decided it was time to move on.”
“I’m proud of you. Not so much of myself. I’ve spent too much time thinking about what I thought I wanted without any consideration of others’ feelings—especially yours. When I left here I didn’t understand that this land, this world, these people were ingrained in you, making you who you are. I didn’t grasp what it was like to have those types of connections because I’ve never had them until you showed me they existed. I became a better person by knowing you. I have discovered where I want to be, to belong. Please tell me you’ll forgive me and will give me another chance. If you don’t want a future with me, I’ll remain your friend. I think Jackson is large enough that we don’t have to see each other if we don’t want to.” Matt took her hand and she allowed it. “But I’d rather you take pity on a misguided surgeon and take him back into your life.”
Her face brightened. “I think I can do that.”
“Just think? Would it help if I said I love you?”
“That would make it a sure thing.” She flung herself into his arms and kissed him.
Matt’s heart soared. Shay smelled fresh and healthy. All that he remembered and more, better.
“I love you too,” she said against his lips.
Her kiss was honey to a hungry man. “Even though our lives have been driven by different ideas I want us to move forward together.”
Shay blinked then blinked again. “You do?”
“Of course, I do.”
“That’s not what it sounded like during our last conversation.”
“I think I was too scared of my feelings to admit them to myself, much less you. I’ve spent so much of my life pushing people away I didn’t know how to let you in. I thought you could never really care for me. That there was too much for us to overcome to have a future. I promise that I’ll work to make up for all the pain I caused you over the last few months, even if it takes the rest of my life.”
She cupped his cheek and stroked his beard. “You don’t have to make up for anything. I needed to make some changes in my life too. You forced me to see that. I’ve lived too much by what had happened in the past. I needed to be my own person. My parents were worried about me and confronted me about what I wanted out of life. Truthfully, they were worried about me moping over you.”
“You moped over me?” He grinned, but it pained him to think about what he’d put her through.
“Hey, don’t get too full of yourself.”
His arm tightened around her waist. “I’m really sorry I hurt you.”
“I needed to hear what you said. I’m selling the house which should have been done years ago. I’m living here where I belong. I’ve given up clubs and committees I was doing just to be doing. I told the committee wanting to put up a statue to John that they were welcome to it, but that I’d not participate. Believe it or not I’ve given up some control at the clinic. I was even planning a trip.”
“You have been busy.”
He grinned as she raised her chin in satisfaction. “I’ve never felt better in my life. Until now. You were right. I needed to do it. It’s like having a weight lifted off me.”
“I’m proud of you. You’re a brave woman. Where are you going on your trip? Could I maybe come with you?”
Her gaze met his. “I was coming to see you.”
“In Chicago?”
She nodded. “I was waiting on you to return my call. I wasn’t sure you’d want to see me.”
Matt kissed her deeply. “I’ll always want to see you. More than that, I want you. That’s not exactly right either. What I want is you if you’ll have me.”
“I’ll have you.” She whispered into his neck.
He kissed her not with the hunger he would’ve imagined he would have, but with the tenderness of knowing he’d almost lost her. And that it would’ve been his fault. He poured his feelings into caressing her lips, her cheeks, her eyes, and nibbling at her ears.
Shay returned his affection with enthusiasm.
They broke apart, breathing heavily.
“I have missed you so much.” Matt gave her another quick kiss. “But I have something more to tell you. I’ve made some changes too. I went to see my mom and stepfather on the way down here. It wasn’t easy, but it had to be done. My stepfather even said he was proud of what I had done in LA.”
“I know that meant the world to you to hear him say it.” Shay hugged him.
“It did. I don’t know where things will go from here, but I know I’ve tried. I can’t fix years of hurt feelings overnight, but I’ve made a step forward and it feels good.”
“I’m proud of you. That had to have been difficult.”
“It was, but worth it. I’ve only been more scared when I drove down your drive not knowing what reception you’d give me. After having you in my life I understand why my mother married again. Why finding true love is important. Maybe I was responsible for closing my stepfather out, but I’m doing what I can to open that door again.”
Shay cupped his face and looked directly into his eyes. “All you can do is try. I’m not worried that he won’t recognize what a special man you are, just as I do. Are you sure you’ll like living here and working with Dr. Roper? I want you to be happy too.”
“I promise I’ll be happy here. I want to be here. I think I can build a real and successful career here. Best of all you’ll be here beside me.”
“I don’t want you to regret leaving Chicago for me. Ever.”
“Are you trying to get rid of me?”
“No, no, no.” She kissed him. “You’d just had your heart set on someplace bigger.”
“That’s because my heart didn’t know what I really wanted and needed. I found myself in Jackson, with you.”
“I just want you to know that I’d leave here for you. I wouldn’t like it, but I love you more than any place or person.”
“That’s good to know. But I’m staying right here. Just so you understand, I’m not giving up anything, I’m gaining everything. I had nothing before finding you. You’re my present and my future. The past doesn’t matter. This is me happy. And in love with you.”
She kissed him from the depths of her full heart.
“I do have to leave in a few weeks. I told my mom I’d be at her house when my brother and sister plan to be at home. Will you go with me?”
“Of course, I’ll go with you. I’d love to meet your family.”
“Great. I think it’s a good idea for them to meet you as soon as possible. I don’t want them to get to know you for the first time at our wedding.”
“You’re pretty sure of yourself, Dr. Chapman.”
He grinned and kissed her. “I’m not letting you get away.”
“I’m glad to hear it. I promise I’m not going anywhere without you.”
EPILOGUE
SHAY STEPPED OUT of the SUV with her father’s help. She picked up the front of her wedding dress and let it drop, then fluffed it out. She felt like a princess in the boatneck dress with capped sleeves and a tight
bodice that fell into a full skirt. Her mother’s pearls encircled her neck.
She looked at the glimmering ring on the finger of her left hand. It sparkled in the late-afternoon light. It had been the one Matt’s father had given his mother.
Matt had said, “Now everyone will know you are mine.”
Shay liked the idea of being his.
Taking her father’s arm, they walked together toward the river. The setting sun had turned the sky to pink and orange. The horizon made a picturesque backdrop to the handsome man with the beautiful smile waiting for her. Dressed in a dark suit, Matt stood at the end of the aisle created by their families, including his stepfather and a handful of their friends. Matt had issued a special invitation to Ms. Gladys, who was providing the apple pies instead of a groom’s cake.
Matt stood tall and strong and steady. Shay didn’t doubt he would be there for her during the good times and the bad. She’d always know his love and support. He’d already shown her that in so many ways. She could count on him.
Shay would continue her work at the clinic, but with two additional doctors, not just one. Soon she would start the process of expanding. But for now, enjoying time with the man waiting on her would be her focus. They planned to travel to see all the places they had talked about. Their first stop would be Paris for their honeymoon.
They had agreed to live at the farm. When they had children, they’d build a home somewhere on the property, but the farmhouse would remain their private getaway.
Her gaze locked with Matt’s. Those green eyes never wavered. She gripped her bouquet of daisies tighter. She would soon be joined with him forever. He would soon be all hers. Not the town’s, not the country’s, not the world’s—but hers.
Shay had never been happier in her life. Her smile broadened as she approached her future. Matt returned it with a twinkle in his eyes. Her father kissed her cheek and left to stand beside her mother.
Matt took Shay’s hand. “I love you. When I’m with you I’m home.”
“And I love you. Where you are is where I belong.”
Together they turned to the preacher.
* * *
If you enjoyed this story, check out these other great reads from Susan Carlisle
Reunited with Her Daredevil Doc
The Single Dad’s Holiday Wish
Pacific Paradise, Second Chance
The Neonatal Doc’s Baby Surprise
All available now!
Keep reading for an excerpt from A Single Dad to Rescue Her by Sue MacKay.
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A Single Dad to Rescue Her
by Sue MacKay
PROLOGUE
KAYLA JOHNSON COUGHED out a mouthful of snow and forced her eyes open enough to blink into yet more snow. Her arms were jammed against her sides, preventing her from wiping her face clear. What the hell? This was weird. Frightening. She was immobilised, not sure where she was. Scary. What had happened?
Wake up, Kayla. It’s a nightmare.
Except her arms didn’t move. This was real.
‘Help. I—I’m stuck,’ she shouted, except it came out as a croak.
How long had she been out for the count? Was she really awake? Or was this truly a nightmare? Trying to move proved she was awake and this was real. Didn’t it? Deep breath, pain in her lungs. ‘H-help.’
‘Hello? Anybody there?’ A booming voice cut through the cracking sound of restless snow.
‘H-here.’ Waving might catch someone’s attention, but she needed her arms free for that. The weight holding her immobile felt enormous and expansive. Her legs couldn’t move, and from their direction a trickle of pain was making itself known. More damned snow. Her teeth chattered. She was so, so cold. If she ever got out of here she was moving to an island in the sun.
What the hell happened? Slowly it came to her, one image at a time. She was skiing. Then a deep rumble like an approaching road train. Her feet going from beneath her. Hurtling down the slope, head over boots, head, boots, tossed about like a pebble on the side of the mountain. An avalanche maybe...? All she knew was that she was stuck.
‘I’m over here,’ she yelled, putting everything into it and managing a little better than the previous croak. Why couldn’t she move? If she didn’t get someone’s attention soon she would be in big trouble. Panic rose. She was helpless, unable to do a thing. Except keep squawking. ‘H-help.’
‘Hey, I see you.’ A dark shape reached her, covered her with a shadow as he blocked out the little sunlight left, chilling her further even as relief rose.
‘Hello,’ she croaked. Get me out of here.
‘I’m Jamie.’ He looked over his shoulder and waved. ‘Over here, guys.’ Thankfully he turned back to her. ‘There’re teams out looking for people caught in the avalanche. How many were with you?’
She thought about it. ‘Two. Women from the club.’ So it was an avalanche. With the confirmation came the horror of having been thrown about totally out of control and fearing for her life, swamping Kayla as she stared at the giant of a man kneeling beside her. She tried to hang onto his presence and the sense of reality he brought. She wasn’t alone any more. Or was this still a nightmare she had yet to wake up from? Or worse. ‘I am alive, right? I mean...’ Her voice petered out as she began shaking harder. What was wrong? Why was she unable to move? She hadn’t broken her back, had she? Panic rose. Her mouth dried, her heart banged erratically.
The man locked a strong gaze on her. ‘Yes, you are well and truly alive. What’s your name?’ He began scooping snow away with his gloved hands.
My name? Think.
She tried to clear her mind with a shake of her head, and a throb started up.
Think. Got it.
‘Kayla Johnson. I’m a paramedic.’ Like that was of any use right now. She needed a paramedic helping her, not to be one, because that pain was racing now, taking over, beating the cold aside. ‘Something’s wrong with my legs.’ At least her mind had cleared.
‘Easy now, Kayla.’ A large gloved hand tapped her shoulder. ‘First we’ve got to get you out of the snow and wrapped in a thermal blanket.’
‘Don’t move me until you’ve checked me over.’ Once a medical brain, always a medical brain. She didn’t think her spine was injured or surely she wouldn’t be feeling this pain from her legs? But her rescuer had to be careful until she was certain. ‘Who are you?’ she asked. What had he said his name was? He looked a little familiar. That deep voice also struck a chord. ‘Do we know each other?’
‘I’m Jamie Gordon. The local fire chief. I do search and rescue in my spare time.’ Other people were now working with him to shift the snow. Her saviour took off his gloves and reached for her first freed hand, wrapping it tightly in his strong, warm fingers. ‘Are you visiting Queenstown?’
Was she? ‘No. I’ve moved back permanently.’ Of course. She had come home three weeks ago to kick-start her life, to put the debilitating sadness behind her and find some of her old zest for living that had died with her husband.
Doing a great job of that, Kayla. This is going to set you further back.
‘Kayla? Are you with me?’ A deep, tense sound was like sugar to her ears, warmth to her cold.
Opening her eyes, she stared up at a concerned face. ‘I think so. My head’s thumping and I feel like I’m coming and going.’ She understood why he was making her talk; it would help keep her focused.
Jamie nodded. ‘You’re doing well. I’ll check your vitals shortly but first we need to get you out of this snow and warming up. We’re nearly done.’ Another squeeze of her hand then he withdrew his touch, put his glove back on.
Leaving her feeling alone despite two other people working to free her.
Come back, Jamie. Hold me.
‘There’s a doctor waiting at the chairlift building for anyone we find. Also a helicopter on standby.’ He hadn’t gone anywhere.
Relief again filled her. It was great having a man at her side when she was feeling so out of control. She hadn’t had that, or allowed that, since Dylan had died. Dylan? Why think about him now? He’d been gone three years, and she was still trying to get back on her feet and move on, but not like this. Was she going to be all right? ‘I’m not joining Dylan, am I?’ Was Jamie a figment of her imagination? She tensed, squeezing her muscles to see if she was alive. Pain ripped through her legs up into her abdomen, telling her, yes, she was very much alive. Her head swam. Her eyes seemed to roll backwards. Was she dying?
‘Kayla. Stay with me.’ A deep voice. Jamie What’s-His-Name’s voice. Nothing like Dylan’s. She was alive.
Her eyelids were too heavy to lift.
‘Kayla.’ Sharp now. ‘It’s Jamie.’ Her hand was being squeezed. ‘Your rescuer.’
Her eyes refused to open. But she could hear the man, could hold onto his presence by digging in deep to stay with him.
‘Come on, Kayla. You can do this. We’ve lifted you onto the stretcher and wrapped a thermal blanket around you and are carrying the stretcher to the building where there’s shelter and a doctor. We’re looking after you, Kayla. You’re going to be all right.’
That voice was a lifeline giving her strength. Finally she was staring at him.
Thank you.
The words were tangled in the thumping in her head and the need to hold onto the sight of this amazing man stomping through the snow, holding her hand, sharing his warmth while urging her to stay with him as others carried the stretcher. When had they moved her? Had they been careful? How had she missed all that? Concussion, said her medical brain. She preferred not knowing, chose to keep staring at Jamie Whoever and go with his words, ‘You’re going to be all right.’ Except it wasn’t true. The pain in her legs was killing her. What did it mean? Fractures? Bad ones? So bad she—
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