Page 115 of A Helpin g Hand for the Village Nurse

‘I don’t know about that,’ Ottilie said, but Heath nudged her.

‘You were – stop being so modest. You were bloody brilliant.’

‘We all were,’ Ottilie said. ‘Has Chloe decided on a name?’

‘Mackenzie.’

‘Oh.’ Ottilie laughed, nudging Heath again. ‘Sorry, but it’s not going to be Heath.’

‘Middle name,’ Stacey said with a wink, and Heath blushed in the most adorable way.

‘Seriously?’

Stacey nodded.

‘Seems like someone else appreciates you almost as much as I do,’ Ottilie said.

‘Want to come inside for a cup of tea?’ Stacey asked. ‘Chloe and baby are going off in the ambulance shortly, but I expect you’ll be able to see them before they go.’

Instinctively, Ottilie reached for Heath’s hand, savouring the contact as he wrapped it around hers. She looked up at him. ‘Shall we?’

He smiled down at her. ‘Ready when you are.’

And Ottilie was ready. She was ready for this, for her new life to finally begin, for another chance at love. Whatever was coming, she was ready.

With her hand in his, she led the way inside.

* * *