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“But your animal sanctuary.”
“Being together as a family is more important.”
She purses her lips, obviously not liking the decision I’ve made, but I already know the sacrifice will be worth it. Erin has just started an important new job, and I can’t ask her to leave it behind.
“How about we don’t make any big decisions right now?” She fists my T-shirt in her hands.
I drop my forehead against hers. “Then what do we do right now?”
She smiles wickedly. “Right now? I think we celebrate.” Her fingers trail up my chest, sending shivers down my spine. “We have a lot to be happy about.”
I can’t help but grin. “I like the way you think. Care to show me your bedroom?”
Still grinning, she nods.
Without another word, I scoop her up in my arms and carry her down the hall. As I lay her down on the bed, I realize that this is the start of a new chapter in our lives. One filled with love, family, and the promise of a brighter future.
And as we lose ourselves in each other’s embrace, I know that no matter what challenges we may face, we’ll always have each other.
EPILOGUE
ONE YEAR LATER: ERIN
“All the tests came back good, Mr. Dawson.” I take a seat on the stool in the exam room. “My guess is it’s stress. How has work been going? Have things been busy at the store?”
The older man sighs. “Yeah, it’s been pretty hectic. We’re expanding and hiring new employees, so it’s been a lot to manage.”
“Well, try to take it easy when you can. Maybe try some relaxation techniques or meditation. Even just fifteen minutes of meditating in the morning can have a big impact on stress levels throughout the day.” I smile at him reassuringly. “And if you aren’t into meditation, perhaps you could go fishing.”
He nods, then pauses for a moment before speaking up. “You know, Erin, you and your mother are always so kind to me. I can tell how much you both care about your patients.”
I feel my cheeks heat up. “Thank you, Mr. Dawson. We just want to make sure everyone is taken care of.”
“Well, you two are doing a great job. And congratulations on the new addition to your family.”
The baby in my lap coos as if in response.
“Thank you.” I shift Gabe to my other knee. “Let me know if you need anything.”
“Will do. Thanks again.” He leaves the exam room, and I’m about to follow after him, my son in my arms, when the door opens and my mother barges in.
“Erin Toomey.” She frowns at me, her hands on her hips. “What are you doing in here?”
“Sorry. I was just stopping by to see if there were any messages for me and I saw Mr. Dawson in the waiting room. Janice said you were with another patient, and I wanted to catch up with him, so…” I trail off, hoping she’ll forgive my transgression.
She shakes her head. “You said you wanted six months of maternity leave.”
“I know, and technically I’m still on that.” I stand and use Gabe’s bib to swab at some of the drool on his chin. “I was only popping in.”
“Uh-huh.” She purses her lips, but it also looks like she’s trying not to smile. “Well, you better not make a habit out of it. You’ll be back in here working soon enough, and then you’ll have more patients than you’ll even want once I retire. But the time when Gabe is little will fly by in the blink of an eye. You can’t get that back.”
She’s right. His first few months seem to have gone by at light speed. But even though I love staying home with him, I also can’t wait to get back to work.
Joining my mother’s practice was, surprisingly, the best decision I ever made. Well, second best.
First best was moving back to Fort Williams and starting a family here with Josh.
“We should get going.” She checks her watch. “The ribbon cutting is in thirty minutes.”
