by Marie Force
“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 weekend, 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.”
Returning home from the clinic, Seamus insisted on carrying Carolina into the house, where his mother was brewing a cup of tea in the kitchen.
“There you two are. I was beginning to wonder where you’d gotten off to.” She did a double take when she saw the scratches on Carolina’s face. “For the love of God! Whatever happened to your face?”
“I had an encounter with a thorn bush last night. Tripped and fell.”
“Oh my Lord! What can I do for you?”
“She needs to rest, Mum. She’s been up most of the night, and we’ve just come from the doctor.”
His mother followed them to the hallway that led to their bedroom. “What did he say? Are you all right?”
“I will be,” Caro said, putting up a brave front for his mother. “My pride is more injured than anything else.”
“That’s not true, love,” Seamus said as he put her down as gently as he could. When she winced from the pain, Seamus felt as if he were the injured one. It killed him to see her hurt or in pain. And to know it was his damned fault that she’d gotten hurt in the first place… Well, that was almost too much to bear. “You’ve got some very serious wounds, and you’re under doctor’s orders to take it easy until they begin to scab up.”
Caro looked up at his mum. “Which is not at all what I had planned for your visit.”
“Oh, pish. Don’t you worry about me. I’m nothing if not resourceful. Seamus and I will take care of everything, won’t we, son?”
Seamus felt torn in a thousand different directions after getting a call from Joe earlier, letting him know about Janey’s bed rest. He was out of commission and off the schedule for the foreseeable future, which meant there was no way Seamus could stay home with Carolina, where he yearned to be.
Caro reached for his hand. “What’s wrong?”
“I hate to say this, love, but I’ve got to go to work. That call I took w
hile we were at the clinic?”
She nodded.
“It was Joe. Apparently they were in another exam room at the same time we were there, and Janey has been put on full bed rest for the remainder of her pregnancy.”
“Oh no! Poor Janey. How awful for her, especially this time of year. And look at me, all banged up and of no use to her.”
“You’ll be back on your feet in no time, but you heard Dr. David. You need to take it easy until the worst of the wounds scab over. You don’t want them to get infected.”
As they talked, Nora bustled around the bedroom, folding abandoned clothes and straightening up. Seamus knew that Carolina would hate that his mother was cleaning or working on her vacation. “You don’t have to do that, Mum.”
Carolina sent him a grateful smile. She’d probably been about to say the same thing herself.
“Not to worry. Now off to work with you, my boy. I’ll be here with your Caro to make sure she takes it nice and easy. Go on along. We’ll be just fine, won’t we, Caro?”
“Of course.” Carolina took his hand and smiled up at him. But he saw the strain she was trying hard to hide from him.
Seamus bent to kiss her. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“I know.”
Lowering his voice to a whisper, he added, “I owe you big for this.”
“Yes, you do.”
He barked out a laugh and kissed her again. “Love you.”
“Same. Be safe on the water.”
Seamus straightened and had to summon the wherewithal to leave her. But Joe was counting on him, and letting his boss down was never something Seamus wanted to do. Joe had been very good to him and far more understanding than Seamus had expected over Seamus’s relationship with his mum. Keeping the business running smoothly so Joe could focus on his pregnant wife was the least Seamus could do for him.
His mother followed him to the kitchen. “Sorry this happened right when you got here, Mum.”
“You know there’s nothing I’d rather do than putter around the house anyway. Caro and I will be fine.”
“Where do you suppose Shannon spent the night?”
“I’m sure he found a warm bed and a warmer woman.” She clucked with disapproval. “I’ve despaired of that one ever settling down, but then again, I once said the same about you, and look at you now.”