by Lori Ryan
“Okay,” she smiled, “maybe a little nookie.”
“Baby, there’s nothing little about this nookie.” Ben glanced down between his legs.
“Oh, yeah,” Aunt Sally held up a hand.
Maggie smacked it with a huge smile.
“Oh, God, please, no talk of your sex life.” Aaron shook his head.
Sally surveyed the long table they hadn’t filled yet. “So you asked the whole family, huh?”
“Join us,” Ben said.
Aunt Sally stared at Aaron with a raised brow. He knew she’d only come to drop off pies but didn’t mind if she joined.
“Sit,” he said. “I have some news for everyone.”
She slid in next to him. “Oh, tell me you’re staying and you and Kayleigh are going to get together and create tons of beautiful babies.”
“What?” He choked on his water.
He noticed the glower on Maggie’s face and had no idea why she was so upset about him and Kayleigh being together. They’d both known from the start it was temporary.
Temporary. The word seemed to slice away at his gut each time he thought it.
“I don’t think any of my girls are going to give me grandbabies any time soon,” Aunt Sally said. “I have to live vicariously through you boys.” She turned to face Ben and wiggled her brows.
He held up a hand. “No, no more begging me to knock up Maggie.”
She turned her expectant gaze to Maggie.
“Nope.” Maggie shook her head. “We’ve got a lot of stuff still to do with the lodge before that happens. And I don’t need your advice on positions that help with conception either,” Maggie said with the kind of look that said Sally had tried to have that conversation in the past.
Aaron and Ben groaned.
Sally threw up her hands. “Yoga helps. That’s all I’m saying.”
He knew it wasn’t all she’d be saying. That woman had no filter.
“Okay,” Ben said, shaking his head. “That is gross and if you say anything like that ever again I will never help you wipe viruses from your computer again. God only knows what sites you’re visiting that infects your devices.”
“Fine,” she huffed, unrolling her silverware. “So what’s the big meeting about?”
“I want to wait until everyone else gets here,” Aaron said.
She cocked a brow. “That big, huh?”
Yes, he wanted to say but remained silent. Thankfully the bell rang above the door and he watched as Emmett, Max and his mother strolled in.
He waved at them. “Over here, guys.”
“Hey, Aunt Sally,” Max said, sliding in next to her and giving her a kiss on her cheek.
“Now here’s a man who knows how to procreate,” she said, thumbing toward Max. “Twins.” She held up two fingers. “That’s some powerful sperm.”
Max held his fist up and Aunt Sally bumped it with her own as they made an explosion noise. “Blew up that egg like a heat seeking missile,” Max said, puffing out his chest.
The table gave a collective groan.
Valerie turned toward Aaron. “So what’s this big news you have for us?” She smiled as if anticipating something good.
He stared at her blankly, wondering how to share his diagnosis.
As if understanding this wasn’t good news, his mother’s smile fell when she noticed he didn’t mirror her own enthusiasm. “Aaron, what’s wrong?”
He glanced down at his lap, holding tight to his napkin as he willed away his tremor.
A hand clasped his shoulder and Aaron glanced up. He wasn’t surprised to see Ben watching him with a smile, giving him a single nod.
Aaron drew in a deep breath and turned to face his family.
Before he could speak, the door to the diner flew open, the bell above clattering loudly.
Kayleigh.
Part of his heart eased, knowing it would be easier to share this news with her by his side. She’d never judged him, not once, and had been his biggest supporter.
He smiled, anticipating her arrival.
Her eyes roamed the diner before they found his.
Oh shit.
Max echoed the sentiment under his breath.
Kayleigh stalked toward Aaron, jaw tight, fingers flexing by her side. Her normally bright blue eyes blazed hard and cold.
He stood, trying to block her so they could talk privately. “Kayleigh,” he said.
“Stop.” She held out a hand. “How could you do it?”
“Do, what?” he asked, staring at her then back to his family.
“Did you have a good laugh at my expense?” She seethed.
Aaron’s brow furrowed. “What are you talking about?”
“I told you those things about my clinic in private, in confidence.”
Oh, no. Mr. Rutherford must have talked to her before he could.
“Kayleigh, I didn’t… I only meant to help—”
One lip curled in a twisted snarl “Help?” She practically cackled the word, her eyes burning with anger “Oh, that’s rich. Doctor. You’re trying to help me?” She slapped her hand to her chest. “By telling everyone in the fucking town that I can’t make it on my own?”
Maggie stood. “Kayleigh.”
Kayleigh brushed off Maggie’s interruption. “Save it. I don’t need everyone butting in to my business.”
Aaron couldn’t help but notice she wasn’t worrying about airing this fight in the middle of the diner. The other patrons had gone quiet, all but riveted to the scene.
He stepped closer but she stepped back. “Kayleigh, Mr. Rutherford had some good ideas and asked how I thought you would take it. I didn’t tell him anything about your situation.”
Her eyes narrowed and he could tell she wasn’t hearing him, she was seething mad.
“And you didn’t think to come and talk to me before you told him everything?” she said.
Aaron shook his head. “I didn’t tell him everything.”
“Oh no?” She raised a brow. “So him going to the town council telling them I’m a failure and they need to help me wasn’t your idea?”
“You’re not a failure,” Aaron said, stepping closer. He glanced around the diner not surprised that he had everyone’s attention.
“Kayleigh, you’re not a failure,” Maggie said, rushing toward her.
Kayleigh shook her off. “Whatever, it doesn’t matter now. I’m sure you all had a good laugh at the girl who couldn’t make it work in your small town.”
“That’s not it at all,” Aaron said. “You don’t need to hide this, Kayleigh. If you’re honest with people, they’ll be more than happy to support you, to be there for you.”
“Because you’re so honest with everyone, right?” she said, sarcasm dripping from her words. “Why haven’t you been honest with your own family, Dr. Sumner?” She waved her hand around the table. “Have you told them why you’re really here? Or are you leaving all your honesty for me, spreading around my dirty laundry so you don’t have to air your own?”
“Kayleigh,” he rushed toward her. “I just wanted to help.”
“Well why don’t you try helping yourself first, Aaron. Leave me the hell alone.”
She turned for the door and Aaron reached out, grabbing her arm.
“Don’t touch me,” she said through gritted teeth, yanking her hand away. “I knew this was a mistake. Maggie was right. Getting involved with a Sumner brother would never end good.”
“Kayleigh,” Maggie said.
Kayleigh turned to face everyone. “It doesn’t matter anyway. I’m out of here. When my contract is done, I’m heading back to Boston.”
“What?” Aaron stood silent, stunned. She would choose Boston over them? Over him?
Before he could stop her, Kayleigh Montgomery was gone.
He moved to rush after her.
“Let her go,” Maggie said, holding him back.
“Did you really tell her not to date a Sumner?” Ben asked, coming to stand beside Maggie. “Why wou
ld you do that?”
Maggie waved her hand toward the door. “Because of this. Because when it went bad, like it just did, I would be stuck between my friend and one of your brothers.” Without another word, Maggie dashed out of the diner and down the street toward Kayleigh.
“Aaron, what’s going on?” his mother asked. The conversation in the diner had started up again, but people were still watching him out of the corners of their eyes.
“It’s a long story, Ma,” he said in defeat.
“What’s wrong with Kayleigh’s clinic?” Emmett asked.
Aaron shook his head.
His mother grabbed his arm. “What’s wrong with you? Why are you back? You need to talk to me, Aaron Gregory.”
Well, hell, she’d brought out his full name. Aaron walked back to the table and sank down in the chair. He’d never felt more beaten down in his life. Not since he’d gotten the news that he could no longer operate. Now, he finally thought maybe there was something he wanted more than to get back in the operating room, and she’d just walked out of his life.
His family followed him and sat, all eyes staring at him.
“I have essential tremor,” he said quietly.
“What does that mean?” Max asked.
He glanced up. His family stared back at him, love and concern in their eyes. He caught his mother’s gaze. “It means I can’t operate anymore.”
“Oh, Aaron,” his mother snaked an arm around his shoulders. “For how long?”
He stared down on the table. “I’m not sure. Maybe months, if they can fix my meds, but likely never again.” He was starting to accept that and come to terms with it.
His mother tightened her hold and tucked her head against his shoulder. He felt other hands grasping his shoulders.
“We’ll figure it out man,” Max said. “It doesn’t mean it’s the end. Believe me, I know.”
Aaron glanced up at his brother who gave him a small smile.
“I know,” Aaron said. If anyone, Max would understand. He’d had to leave the NFL before he was ready. “I’m pretty sure it’s the end with Kayleigh, though.”
“What happened between you two?” Sally asked.
He drew in a deep breath and released it on a heavy sigh. “I meant to help.” It was funny how he cared more about the fact that Kayleigh had just walked out of his life than he did about his tremor just then.
“But you screwed it up?” Sally said.
He nodded.
“So, what are you going to do now?” Emmett asked. “Will you choose another specialty?”
“They’ve offered me another position in Chicago at Northwestern.”
“Are you going to take it?” his mother asked, loosening her hold.
“I’m not sure,” he said, shaking his head. “I’m not sure of anything anymore.”
He’d been thinking of settling down in Canyon Creek, maybe creating some sort of life in his home town. With Kayleigh if he were honest. But that wasn’t an option any more. Unless he could make her understand that his only intent had been to help her.
She was stubborn, he knew that, hell everyone did. She despised help of any kind. Maybe it was time for her to learn the lesson he’d already been forced to learn himself since he’d been home.
Being honest with the people you cared about was the only way to truly open yourself up to the amazing possibilities life had in store for you, possibilities you never even knew existed before.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Kayleigh all but ran from the diner, both embarrassed by what Aaron had told everyone and by her own outburst. It was unlike her to lose control like that, especially in such a public setting but something had set her off when Alan implied they’d laughed at her.
She didn’t slow down as the reality of what she’d just done hit her.
Her entire life all she’d ever wanted to do was make something of herself. On her own. She’d worked hard, putting herself through school so that she wouldn’t be beholden to her family. And now her stubbornness could cost her the one thing she truly wanted. Surprisingly, it wasn’t her practice that entered her mind first. It was Aaron.
Why had she threatened to leave Canyon Creek? Probably because it might be a reality if she couldn’t turn the clinic into a profitable business. If she couldn’t get herself to stop being so ridiculous and accept help. What was wrong with her?
As she wandered through the streets of Canyon Creek, making her way to Settler’s Park, she wondered if Alan’s offer wasn’t the best option.
While she loved every animal she cared for, she’d be lying if she didn’t say large animals were difficult for her. It meant being on the road instead of her clinic. She was petite and large animal work required a lot of physical strength and maintaining a breadth of knowledge that was taking a toll. But she’d been determined to make it work.
If Alan’s son, Dylan, came from Denver he could take over the ranch work and leave her more time for the small animals she enjoyed. And she’d researched the grants enough to know she had a good chance at attaining some.
Why hadn’t she seen all of that until it was too late. Until she’d attacked Aaron, accused him of betraying her trust, and likely pushed him away for good.
She walked through the playground and around the swings until she reached the benches set up next to the creek. She loved this spot, listening to the babbling stream that was flowing heavier now that the snow-capped mountain had melted some.
She stared down at her feet, kicking the dirt. How the hell was she going to get out of this mess? She’d always been stubborn her entire life and had often bitten off her nose to spite her face more than once. There was something about knowing people were talking behind her back about her failing company, that sent her reeling though.
“This seat taken?”
Kayleigh looked up to see a kind and very familiar face.
Mr. Ferguson stood next to her, his cat Pebbles in his arms, wearing a harness and leash.
She smiled. He loved his cat so much, he took it everywhere and even kept her on a leash to prevent Pebbles from running away.
Kayleigh scooted over. “No, not at all. Please, sit.”
“Are you sure?” he asked. “You looked deep in thought. I don’t want to disturb you.”
“No, you’re fine. I’d like the company actually.”
He nodded and sat beside her. “I went to the clinic, but they said you were out. Thought you might be making calls around the county. I know how busy you are.”
Kayleigh reached out and rubbed Pebbles on the head. “Is Pebbles okay?” she asked, glancing up at Mr. Ferguson.
“Oh, yes, she’s fine. It was more me this time.”
Kayleigh turned to face him, tucking a leg underneath her on the bench. “Are you all right, Mr. Ferguson? Do you need me to take you to the medical clinic?”
“Oh, no, nothing like that.” He tucked Pebbles closer to him and stroked her head.
“What’s going on?”
There were times it felt like Mr. Ferguson was as much a patient of hers as Pebbles. She wasn’t a counselor, but she wanted to be sure she got him help if he needed it.
“Well, I hate to admit this, but I heard a rumor.”
Oh God, not him, too. “What’s that?”
“That you might be leaving Canyon Creek.”
“Where did you hear that?”
He shrugged. “It’s a small town.”
She nodded and turned back to the creek. Yet another reason she needed to leave.
“Is it true?”
She shrugged. “I’m not sure right now.”
“Well,” he said, petting his beloved cat, “it would be a shame to lose you.”
She stared over at him, watching as he stroked his cat’s back lovingly.
“When I lost my wife,” he said, “people told me they were sorry and offered me words of sympathy. Which were nice.” He glanced up at her. “But you were the only person who really heard me, who listened to m
e. I know you understood that I wasn’t at your clinic because of Pebbles but because of me. And you never made me feel guilty or ashamed. You never sent me away even when you were busy. You just…listened.”
Kayleigh leaned back against the bench, thankful that she’d always taken her time with Mr. Ferguson. “I understood your pain.” And she had. She’d missed her grandmother terribly when she’d died and had found no one to empathize.
“You did,” he nodded.
Pebbles walked over to Kayleigh’s lap and she began stroking the cat behind her ear.
“I’m sure there’s not another doctor anywhere who would have taken the time to listen to me and pretend to take care of my cat.”
“I wasn’t pretending, Mr. Ferguson. I really do care about Pebbles, and you.”
“And that’s why you’re an amazing vet, Dr. Montgomery. You truly care.”
She did. It was one of the things she prided herself on.
“I wish we could put a price on the number of people you’ve blessed in this town, Kayleigh. If we could, you’d be rich beyond compare. But that doesn’t pay the bills, I get that. All I can tell you is this.”
Kayleigh swallowed a lump and blinked to keep her tears at bay.
“Those people who you’ve blessed want to be a blessing to you now.”
She nodded, feeling one lone tear fall down her cheek.
“When my wife was dying I wanted to do everything for her. I felt like if I let anyone do even the smallest thing it would mean I didn’t love her enough to do it all. I would fail her.”
Pebbles traveled back to Mr. Ferguson and he rubbed the cat under her chin.
“What I didn’t realize until a hospice nurse visited me was that I was running myself ragged. Yes, I was with my wife physically one hundred percent of the time, but I wasn’t one hundred percent there for her emotionally when I was with her. I was tired and worn out. Does that make sense?” He stared at her.
“I think so.”
“I think right now you’re spread so thin that you can’t give anything one hundred percent.” He held up a hand to hold off her objection. “Let me finish. I know you can do it all, Kayleigh. I’m just saying you don’t have to. When I let hospice take over some of the duties of caring for my wife during the last stages of her life, I was truly able to be with her, one hundred percent. And those are the moments that still stay with me.” He touched his chest. “In here.”