“Hey… I didn’t say earlier, but Dr.Harrison?He’s Dusty’s cardiologist.”
My hand freezes around the mug at the reminder.It totally slipped my mind.“I think you did…”
She nods, eyes glossy but smiling.“He’s been incredible.Stayed late to explain things, talked me through every scan, every blip on the monitor.Even called to check in on his off days.I trust him with Dusty’s life… literally.I don’t know what we would’ve done without him.”
I swallow, looking down at the dark swirl of tea.Suddenly, all I can see is him bent over a chart, steady hands and relentless focus, saving Dusty’s life.The image slips under my skin, warm and unexpected.
“He’s, uh… thorough,” I say, trying not to smile.
Scarlet raises an eyebrow.“You two working together okay?”
I shrug, standing and brushing non-existent lint from my sleeve.“He likes things his way.”
And yet...there’s something about the way he took care of Dusty, the way Scarlet says his name.It makes my chest feel tight in a way I don’t have time to examine.
I clear my throat.“Speaking of, I better get going, I’ve got another big day with him tomorrow.”
“Oh, I’ve missed you,” she says, walking me to the door.“Dusty, come say goodbye.”
He trots over, still shy.
I crouch down to his level.“Bye, Dusty.It was really nice meeting you.”
He lifts the truck like it’s part of the goodbye, then gives a small wave before darting off again, the toy rattling as he runs.
We both laugh, and I catch a glimpse of Dusty peeking around the corner, watching us.He looks so healthy; it’s hard to imagine him hooked up to monitors, recovering from surgery.But that’s what the new wing is for.To help other kids like him.Scarlet opens the door just as headlights wash over the front step.A black sedan pulls smoothly into the driveway.Greer, her husband, steps out, phone in one hand, briefcase in the other.
He looks every bit the high-powered professional, with his sharp suit, neat tie, and that slightly distracted expression of someone whose brain is still finishing work.But the moment he sees Scarlet, something in his shoulders relaxes.He closes the distance, brushing a kiss against her lips.
I glance away, pretending to check my phone, but the moment gives me a pang of longing.
“Regan,” he says with a grin.“It’s been way too long.How are you?”
“Good, really good.How are you?”I smile back, knowing I haven’t seen him since the baby shower either.
“Better now that I’m home.Are you heading off already?”he asks, making me look back up.
“Yeah,” I say, forcing a smile.“Gotta get back to my dad’s.”
“Well, we’ll catch up soon.”
“Sounds great.”I nod, stepping off the porch.“See you both soon.”
Scarlet gives my arm a soft squeeze.“Text me when you get in, okay?”
“I will.”
I walk down the path to my car, her voice and their low laughter drifting behind me.I don’t mean to, but I glance back just once, just long enough to catch her leaning into him, her smile easy, her hand still on his arm.
That used to feel possible.Maybe it still is.Just… not until I get back to the city.I can’t think about it here.Not in this town, not under dad’s roof, not when I’m trying to prove myself professionally.Here, I’m his daughter, whereas in the city, I can just be me.I can date without it becoming hospital gossip.I can build something that’s mine.
As I drive home, the familiar pit settles in my stomach.What kind of mood will Dad be in tonight?Will he be angry I stayed out?Disappointed I didn’t eat his dinner on time?Or worse, will he be silent?
But when I step through the front door, I’m hit by the smell of something warm and savory.I pause in the entryway, confused.He’s cooking?
“Smells good in here,” I say, unzipping my coat.
“Minestrone soup,” he replies from the kitchen.“Hope you’re hungry.”
