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Lia was glad she’d asked Tansy to bring in a change of clothes for her. She’d been leaving some clothes here, but she wanted something more than a t-shirt and jeans or leggings for today.
She’d ordered more clothes online and had become comfortable in dresses. Not only were they easy to put on and take off, but they made her feel feminine. Not something she’d never thought much about until Joe.
Today she wore a soft blue dress that she figured was both professional and fun. That gave her the confidence to come down the stairs to open her office.
Joe was going to hang out with her for the day in case no one showed and she wanted to cry. Tansy and Sam had planned to come for moral support anyway, so asking her friend to bring her bag hadn’t been a big deal.
The stairs led directly to the back waiting room, so it didn’t take but a moment to see that no new clients were waiting for her. Which was silly to think because there were another ten minutes before opening time.
Tansy bounced up from where she’d been playing on the floor with Moose and Jetson. “You look great. Now I want to be the first patient registered. Even before Joe. Unless you registered him already?”
Tansy sent a mock-glare to her brother who shrugged with a grin. “I’m still number one, Sis. You’re too late. Besides, I have to steal Lia for a minute.”
Sam chuckled. “If it only takes a minute, you’re doing it wrong.”
Lia felt her cheeks heat even as she laughed and took the hand Joe held out for her.
He led her into an exam room and closed the door behind him. “I figured we met each other in a room kinda similar to this. You were this badass surgeon who was in complete control of not only your patient, but everyone around you. Even the kid with the gun. I think I started falling for you and those fierce eyes of yours from that moment.”
He lifted her left hand and slipped a ring on her finger. “I’m not going to ask again because two proposals are enough for anyone, but I wanted everyone to know that we’re engaged. I love you, Lia.”
She threw her arms around his neck and lifted on her toes to kiss him. “I love you, Joe, and no matter how many times you propose, the answer will always be yes.”
Then she brought her hand down to look at the ring. Simple, elegant and striking. Her eyes filled with tears. He knew she wouldn’t want something big or ostentatious. “It’s perfect, Joe. Like you.”
That made him laugh. Then he lifted her hand and kissed it. “I thought it suited you. Tansy made sure it’s ethically sourced and all that stuff.”
“It’s perfect.”
Before the next kiss could become too wild, Joe slowed it down and then pulled her in for a hug. “You ready for the day?”
She let his warmth and his strength fill her. She had what really mattered and that’s all she needed. “Totally ready. Even if no one comes, I’ve got everything I need.”
The next kiss was interrupted by the bell they’d installed over the door. A pleasant chime that wouldn’t grate on her nerves. Moose let out a bark and then Jetson joined in.
Joe laughed and opened the door. “Sounds like your cue, Dr. Moreno.”
They walked hand in hand to the waiting room to find it filled with everyone from Midnight Lake.
“Hey Doc, you got customers. No time for kissing in the exam rooms.” Flynn laughed.
Josie let out a whoop. “You’re engaged! Congratulations.” Of course, the artist noticed the ring immediately. That brought on a round of hugs and lots of laughter and teasing.
Lia wiped her tears away when she’d been hugged by everyone. “Thank you everyone. And thanks for coming. I can’t believe you all came.” Her voice thickened and she swallowed hard to keep more tears from flowing.
Tansy hugged her again. “We’re family. Of course we came.”
Family.
A bang from the front room had Lia flinching and the dogs barking. “What was that?”
She was running down the hallway before anyone could stop her. Had something fallen? Broken?
But nothing had been touched in her office space. The bang sounded again and she realized it was a knock on the door that led to the saloon. A loud knock.
“Hey Doc, open up.”
Troy. Was he hurt?
