by Lori Ryan
Three words rolled through Aaron’s mind—Boston high society. The woman oozed an air of old school money that bred supremacy.
Kayleigh rolled her eyes before turning, still in her brother’s arms.
“Mother,” her brother scolded.
“What?” The woman shrugged one shoulder.
Hunter looked ready to say something, but Kayleigh patted her brother’s chest and smiled up at him. She released Hunter and stepped forward, extending her hand.
“Mother.”
Her mother stared down her nose at Kayleigh, her gaze traveling from the top of her head to the toes of her shoes, her lips curled in disappointment.
Aaron wanted to stand up and defend Kayleigh, but he knew that’s not what Kayleigh needed.
The reunion between the two women was so formal and awkward, not a trace of emotion or familiarity like with him and his brothers.
“Hello darling,” she finally responded. Aaron watched as the two women squeezed hands. It wasn’t a shake, but it wasn’t something he expected to see among family. Jeez, was she not even going to hug her mother?
Kayleigh leaned forward, pressing her cheek to her mother’s on one side, then the other, making delicate kissing noises. Were those actual air kisses? He thought those only happened in movies, not in real life.
“I hope you brought a change of clothes for this evening.” Her mother tucked a wayward strand of Kayleigh’s hair behind her ear. “And Margarite is here to do Brittany’s hair if you want me to schedule something for you.”
Kayleigh stepped back, flinging her hair from behind her ear. “No thank you, I’m fine. And yes, I have a change of clothes.”
“Oh, thank goodness.” Her mother patted her chest. “I wasn’t sure if you’d be covered in horse manure.” She laughed but stopped when no one joined in.
Awkward silence ensued as her mother seemed to look anywhere but at her daughter.
“Lee Lee!” A large man raced down the steps, arms extended. He was tall with salt and pepper hair and blue eyes that matched Kayleigh’s.
“Hey, Dad,” she said, side stepping her mother.
“Oh, you’re a sight for sore eyes.” He scooped her up in his arms and twirled her around much like her brother had. Quite a different reception from her mother.
Suddenly Aaron was thankful for his own mother. Even though he and his brothers often complained about how much she doted on them, even as grown men, he would take her affection over Kayleigh’s mother’s cold demeanor any time.
“Robert, put her down,” Kayleigh’s mother said. “You’re going to make her sick and that hair is already wild enough.”
Her father stopped and set Kayleigh on her feet, holding on to her hands. “She looks perfect.” He smiled down, cupping one hand against her cheek. “Perfect.”
“Thanks, Dad.” She returned his smile, although hesitantly at first.
“Well, let’s get inside before your brother polishes off Mrs. Anderson’s brownies,” he said.
Kayleigh glared at her brother. “You didn’t.”
Hunter shrugged. “It’s my wedding.”
“I’m not sure you should eat any of those, Kayleigh Marie.” Her mother glanced at Kayleigh’s backside.
Aaron stepped to Kayleigh’s side and laced her arm through his, glancing at her ass. “Backside looks good from here,” he said.
Kayleigh turned, smiling. “Oh, my gosh. Mom, Dad, this is Aaron Sumner. Dr. Aaron Sumner,” she added with a smirk. “Aaron, this is my mother, Debra Montgomery, and my father, Robert Montgomery.”
Her father came forward, smiling, his hand outstretched “Your reputation precedes you, Dr. Sumner.”
Aaron studied the man, his brows furrowed but shook his hand. What did her dad mean, reputation preceded him?
“I served as the department head of surgery for Mass General for many years,” her father said.
Aaron released his hand and continued to stare.
“We collaborated with Northwestern many times over the years. You’re in cardio thoracic medicine, correct?”
“I used to be,” Aaron answered, the words tasting like acid on his tongue.
“Used to?” her mother asked.
“Aaron’s taking a break,” Kayleigh said, squeezing his arm.
“Must be nice,” Hunter laughed, but Aaron didn’t hear any malice in the sound.
“I’m actually taking a medical leave of absence, sir,” he said.
“Medical?” Kayleigh’s father said. “And please, call me Bob.” He studied Aaron for longer than he was comfortable. “What’s going on with you, son?”
Aaron was taken aback by her father’s genuine concern. And his own admission. He hadn’t planned to announce his condition to anyone.
“So you’re not a surgeon anymore?” her mother asked. Her expression was bland, but there was something under her question. Judgment?
“A surgeon is always a surgeon, Deb,” her father said. “It’s in your blood as soon as they place that first scalpel in your hand, right Aaron?” He slapped his back.
Not wanting to have this discussion now—or ever—Aaron nodded once.
“Shall we?” Her mother waved a hand up toward the house.
“Come on.” Kayleigh stared up at him. “At least you’re not a pet doctor,” she whispered, with a grin.
“Right.” He laughed. “Now that would be a travesty.”
She hit him in the gut.
“Ow,” he rubbed his stomach.
She leaned her head against his chest. “Sorry.”
“No, you’re not, brat.”
“Hey,” she held up her hand again, but he curled in, protecting himself.
“Kayleigh,” her mother yelled from the doorway. “Come. I want to show you your rooms.”
“Rooms?” Aaron whispered. “How the hell am I supposed to find my way around this…” He had no words. “Maybe they’ll put me next to you so I won’t get lost. Do you think there’s a connecting door?”
She laughed. “No, but my mother does have a fancy library I’ve always wanted to make out in.”
He raised a brow. “We can’t have sex in your parent’s house.”
She stared up at him. “Why not?”
Well, now that he thought about it, yeah, why not?
“She’s got this old Victorian mahogany desk that I’ve always fantasized about being bent over and—”
Aaron covered her mouth, afraid to hear more as he glanced up at the house to make sure no one else was within ear shot. Then he focused on practicing sutures in his head. The last thing he needed was to walk into her parent’s mansion sporting a boner.
He could feel her smile underneath his hand. “Sorry,” she mumbled.
“You’re not sorry.”
She shook her head, her blue eyes sparkling.
Who was he to deny this woman anything?
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Aaron had been to fancy parties before but this one took the cake. Kayleigh’s parents had gone all out for the rehearsal dinner. She told him earlier that the bride’s parents—who, of course, were also her ex’s parents—were just as loaded. She warned that tomorrow’s wedding would be over the top for sure.
Kayleigh’s father stood at one of the round tables inside their country club dining room.
Aaron could see the anxiety flickering in Kayleigh’s eyes. What was she afraid of?
“I’d like to thank everyone for coming this evening,” Bob said. “Especially my daughter, Dr. Kayleigh Montgomery, who traveled a long way to be here for this wedding.” He beamed. “And welcome to her special friend, also a doctor, Dr. Aaron Sumner.” He winked.
Oh, shit. He winked. What was that about?
Kayleigh blushed and nodded. That was new. She seemed embarrassed by the attention. There were few times he’d ever seen her blush. Maybe reading her dirty romance novels. He bit back a laugh.
“They came all the way from Colorado,” her father added, like airplanes were somethi
ng new.
“Thanks so much for coming, Kayleigh.” Her brother’s fiancée, Brittany, reached over the table and squeezed her hand and smiled. “You too, Aaron.”
The girl seemed nice enough, even though she was related to her dick of a brother.
Aaron listened as Kayleigh’s father talked about Hunter and Brittany. How they’d met and how right they were for each other. How he was so happy to have her join their family.
Aaron tuned out her father’s words and watched Kayleigh’s reaction. No one else would know the stress she was feeling by being back home, but he saw it. It was there in the tightness of her jaw, the way her hands were clasped tight in her lap, the brittleness under her smile.
Her father gazed down at Hunter and Brittany and raised his glass. “To the happy couple, I wish you years of happiness. May you create a life and a family who always feel loved and respected.”
Kayleigh choked. “In other words, different than the one we grew up in,” she whispered, leaning into him.
“And may you always find passion for whatever you do in this life,” he continued. “That’s the definition of true success.”
“Even if that means working with animals,” her mother said, chuckling.
A few others joined in.
What. A. Fucking. Bitch.
When Kayleigh remained still, her mother waved her off. “Oh, Kayleigh, I’m just teasing.”
But she wasn’t, anyone could tell.
Aaron slipped his arm around Kayleigh and pulled her tight. “Do you know how many species of animals there are, Mrs. Montgomery?” He couldn’t help it but defend Kayleigh, even though he knew she’d be furious.
Kayleigh shook her head. “Don’t worry about it.”
Her brother’s face puckered as he reached for his glass. “And here’s to living independently and not off the wealth of others. That’s also success.” He raised his glass. “Right, Mother?”
Score one for the brother.
Kayleigh’s mother frowned at Hunter.
Aaron bit back a laugh. “I’m pretty sure the fireworks in your family have nothing to do with you, Lee Lee,” he whispered in her ear.
She glanced up at him with huge eyes and nodded. “Who knew?”
“Anyway,” her father said louder this time. “Here’s to the happy couple. Congratulations Hunter and Brittany. Welcome to the family, dear.” He smiled at Brittany before glancing down at his wife then back. “Enter at your own risk.”
Everyone burst into laughter.
Everyone except Debra Montgomery.
“Enjoy your meal, everyone,” Bob said.
The guests seated in the swanky room raised their glasses, a chorus of well wishes echoing around the table.
“Congrats, big brother,” Kayleigh said, leaning over and hugging Hunter around the neck.
“Proud of you, sis.”
Kayleigh backed away, smiling bigger than Aaron had never seen. No matter what she’d ever said, she wanted her family’s approval.
“Hey, Kay Kay.” Someone said behind them.
Kay Kay?
Aaron turned and studied the tall, lanky man standing behind them. His beady eyes, pointy nose and thin lips gave him the appearance of an obnoxious bird. This had to be Van-dick.
Aaron leaned in close to Kayleigh, one arm going around her as his mouth went to her ear. “Really? This was the guy you were going to marry?”
Kayleigh turned and stiffened. “Hey, Bryce.”
The douchebag surveyed Kayleigh like she was a piece of meat he could order and have cooked in front of him. “You look good, Kay Kay.” It didn’t sound like a compliment.
Kayleigh’s smile was stiff.
Bryce dragged a chair over from another table. “So you did it, huh?”
“Did what?” she asked.
“That whole animal medicine thing. You finished. Your dad’s really proud of you.” Bryce’s words were congratulatory, but there was a hint of dismissal in his tone that echoed the fact he wasn’t exactly thrilled Kayleigh had accomplished her goals.
“It’s called veterinary medicine, Bryce,” Hunter said, correcting the asshole.
Dipshit grinned, big and toothy. “I know that, Hunter.”
Brittany leaned over Hunter and stared at her brother. “Then say it next time, Bryce. It’s not animal medicine.”
He chuckled and Kayleigh snorted, covering her mouth.
Brittany turned and stared at the two of them then looked at Kayleigh and smiled. “Proud of you, girl.”
“Thanks.” Kayleigh smiled but ducked her head. Aaron couldn’t believe this shy woman in front of him. Why wasn’t she reveling in their accolades?
“You seriously like that small town you’re in? Creekside Canyon or something?” This dipshit wasn’t going to let up.
“Yes.” Kayleigh’s responses was succinct. Probably better.
“I thought you wanted to do big city stuff?” He asked as if he had intimate knowledge of her dreams and desires.
“Some things change,” Kayleigh said. “I like it in Canyon Creek. The mountain is gorgeous and the air is clean. You can breathe fresh air and walk outside without hearing traffic or the sounds of thousands of people talking around you.”
Bryce laughed. “Didn’t take you for the rugged, outdoors type.”
“Apparently there were a lot of things you didn’t take me for, Bryce.”
Yes! She was throwing a few punches of her own now. That was the Kayleigh he knew and loved. Wait, loved?
“And who’s this, your boyfriend?” Bryce turned to Aaron, extending a puny hand.
Kayleigh shook her head. “No—”
“Yes,” Aaron corrected. “Aaron Sumner. Doctor Aaron Sumner.”
“Another doctor in the family.” Hunter chuckled, fist bumping Aaron.
“Appears so,” Aaron said. “I’m here to profess my undying love for this beauty,” he said, placing his hand over his heart as he stared down at Kayleigh, suppressing a grin.
“Stop,” she hit him. “He’s kidding. We’re just friends.”
Aaron hated her answer. Did he seriously want to be more?
“I’m sure Kayleigh’s told you I’m an attorney,” Bryce said, sitting back and smirking, like being a lawyer was the most impressive thing ever.
“Actually, no,” Aaron shook his head. “Kayleigh’s never mentioned you. Were you two close?” He watched in delight as the fucker’s smug expression fell.
Hunter snorted.
Kayleigh turned her head and he could see her biting back a laugh.
Bryce’s brows knitted together but something dangerous flickered in his eyes.
Aaron sat up straighter, his body going on high alert. This douche was about to strike.
“Kayleigh’s mom mentioned you aren’t practicing medicine anymore,” Bryce said, with a condescending smirk. “What’s up with that?”
What the hell had Kayleigh been thinking, almost marrying this asshole?
“That’s not true,” Kayleigh said.
“He’s actually taking a leave of absence,” Kayleigh’s father answered for Aaron. Where had Bob come from? “I’m going to try and talk him into joining us on an Operation Smile trip this summer. I bring all my students once a year.” He chuckled. “We can always use more doctors.”
Aaron had heard of the organization but knew the physicians operated on patients with cleft palates. He couldn’t operate any more. He’d have to tell Kayleigh’s dad the truth before he recruited him.
Kayleigh squeezed his hand.
“There are a lot of opportunities for surgeons outside of the operating room,” her father said as if he already knew Aaron’s situation. Had Kayleigh told him?
“That sounds amazing, Bob,” Aaron said, wanting to change the subject. “I’ll think about it.”
“Hope you do.” Bob smiled with a nod. “And we’re always looking for guest lecturers at Boston University. Maybe you and Kayleigh could return sometime for a working visit.”
/> Aaron had never thought about teaching before.
Kayleigh smiled. “That would be nice, Dad.”
“Well, anyway,” Bob waved his hand in the air. “Just something to think about. There are always options. You know what they say about one door closing.”
Yep, Aaron didn’t know how, but Bob Montgomery knew his situation.
“I think it’s, when one window closes,” Bryce said.
“Whatever,” her father waved him off, his dislike for the man evident.
“Thanks, Bob,” Aaron said. “I appreciate it.” And he did.
“As long as you’re happy, doing what you love. Right pumpkin?” He glanced at Kayleigh.
She nodded. “Right.”
“She still stubborn as hell, Aaron?” Bob asked, his words directed at Aaron but his smile all for his daughter.
Aaron laughed. “Yes, sir.”
Bob reached across the table and grasped Kayleigh’s chin. “Glad to see some things never change, Lee Lee. It’s good to have you home.”
Kayleigh smiled. “It’s good to be home,” she said. It sounded like she meant it.
“You know if you ever need anything,” her father paused, “anything, you can always count on me, okay?”
She swallowed and nodded.
He shook his head and laughed, looking at Aaron. “Hard headed, this one.”
“I learned from the best,” she said.
“That’s true. Well, on that note, let’s get to drinking.” Her dad raised his glass. “Where the hell are those waiters I’m spending an obscene amount of money on?”
The people around them erupted in laughter at his words as a waiter moved in with a tray of fresh drinks.
Kayleigh squeezed Aaron’s thigh.
He glanced down at her. Her eyes were wide but the joy on her face was unmistakable.
“Thank you,” she said. “You were right.”
He cupped his ear. “Say that again?”
She swatted his chest. “Shush.”
“I usually am.” He grasped her hand and held it up to his mouth, gently kissing her palm. “You’re very welcome, pet doctor.”
She giggled.
“You want to know how you can pay me back?”
The cutest dent creased between her brows. “How?”