Page 36

“Great, I appreciate it,” I said. “And the opportunity. I never even expected it.”

Deb said, “You have something special, Fletcher.”

“An MD?” I asked.

She smirked, then shook her head. “You understand the people of this town, and you care for them like your own. Just like a family, we aren’t perfect, but we’re here for each other.”

The door chimed and Brenda said, “That must be our next patient.” She gave Deb a quick hug and then walked back to the reception area.

Deb stood with me and shook my hand. “I know this came sooner than you expected it, but if there’s something I’ve learned in sixty-eight years of life, it’s that destiny rarely calls within business hours.” She patted my back and walked toward the front door as I gathered myself for the next patient.

I was reeling for the rest of the day, trying to reconcile my responsibilities with this opportunity that wouldn’t come around often. If a bigger hospital system bought the practice, I’d likely never get a chance to have my own practice in Cottonwood Falls.

But Maya needed so much from me right now. Could I really handle the extra pressure that would come with owning a business like this?

I hadn’t come to an answer by the end of the day as we locked up and I went out to my truck. I used to dread going back home. When I was married to Regina, I would know another fight awaited. And then when Regina left, I worried what the nannies would tell me about Maya’s bad behavior throughout the day.

But with Liv, things were different.

The house always smelled amazing with whatever dinner she cooked. Maya ran to hug me. Liv’s smile warmed me from the inside out.

It was what coming home should feel like.

Today was no different. Maya came and wrapped her little arms around my body, and I kissed the top of her head. “How was your day, honey?” I asked.

“I got invited to a sleepover!” She bounced up and down.

I looked from her to Liv. “Really?”

Liv nodded proudly as Maya explained, “A girl from swim class is having a birthday this weekend. Can I go? Please? Please?”

I chuckled. “Which girl is it?”

“Luna,” Maya answered.

“Frieda Wilkins’s kid,” Liv explained.

Frieda’s mom had been head of the PTA and always volunteered around town. According to Dad, Frieda was just the same. Maya would be well taken care of at their house. “That’s okay with me,” I said. “When is it?”

“Saturday night,” Liv answered. “Which is perfect timing, because I have a date.” She shimmied her shoulders.

My stomach dropped, and I had to turn and slip off my shoes just to hide my face from Liv. “With who?”

Maya was clapping her hands together. “With Uncle Knox! If they get married, Livvy will be Auntie Livvy!”

Liv chuckled, oblivious to the weight settling in my gut. “Don’t get ahead of yourself, Maya. It’s just dinner and dancing.” She tucked Maya’s long hair over her shoulder. “Your dad and I went on a date in high school, and we aren’t married now.”

Maya pouted while I tried to make sense of what I was feeling.

Jealousy?

No. White-hot fucking rage that I wouldn’t be the one with Liv on my arm.

Shit. I was jealous of my brother for dating my nanny.

And I couldn’t ask her out myself. Because the way Maya adored Liv? I wouldn’t risk that relationship for the world. And I would need Liv to be here for Maya if I bought the practice.

Besides, if my past showed anything, it was that I’d fuck it up and Maya would have yet another woman leave her life.