Page 93 of Champagne & Handcuffs

A lump started to form in my throat as I felt our worlds breaking apart again.

“The difference though, baby, is you have friends here too. I moved to Miami and only had my grandma, and she’s all for knitting and shit. That just ain’t my thing.”

I chuckled slightly. “But I’m supposed to take over my father’s practice.”

“Is that what you want?”

I blinked. It was always the plan, but I hadn’t really thought about it being what I wanted. I went to school to be a dentist so I could take over the practice. I enjoyed dentistry, and I wanted money like my dad. I had nothing else to fall back on.

“Think about it. I want to make the decision together, but this is an opportunity that will save lives. I’ll help you start your own practice here if that’s what it will take. I’ll make the entire precinct go to you. I don’t care. I love you, and I want to marry you.”

“I want to marry you too.” A tear slid down my cheek. He was right, this could help save lives, but I didn’t want to let my dad down.

Seth kissed my lips. “We’ll work this out. It’s not the end of the world.”

Things weren’tthe same after our talk. Whenever we kissed, touched, had sex, it felt as though we poured everything into it because it could be our last. When we got back to Miami, I went back to work, and Seth did whatever it was that he did all day. I wasn’t sure if he was looking for a job or not. Things were just off.

“You’re becoming quite the traveler, Ruthie.” I looked up from my desk to see my dad standing in the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest.

“I think that’s coming to an end.”

He uncrossed his arms and moved to sit in the chair in front of my desk. “Why’s that?”

“Seth got offered a job in Vegas with VICE. I feel like we’re going to break up.”

Dad sighed, nodding his head slowly as though he was trying to come up with what to say. “The world works in mysterious ways, Cat. You’ve wanted this guy for your entire life. I know it, your mom knows it, and you know it.”

“I don’twantto break up with him,” I corrected.

“Then what’s the problem?”

I blinked rapidly, confused. “Um … This.” I waved my arm around to indicate the office.

“So you take the boards in Nevada and get licensed there.”

“Wait. What?”

“What’s the confusion about?”

“You!” I hissed. “You want me to take over the practice so you can retire. I don’t want to disappoint you.”

Dad reached forward and placed his hand on mine. “I’m retiring next year even if you take over or not. I’m sure I can find someone to take over a successful practice.”

“So you don’t need me?” I leaned back in my chair and crossed my hands over my chest.

“Of course I need you. You’re my daughter, but this is just a place to work. Is it worth giving up the love of your life for a job?”

“It’s not just a job, Daddy. You’ve had this place practically my entire life. I know it like the back of my hand.”

“So go start your own. You’ll know that one like the back of your hand too.”

“Seth told me that he’d help me.”

“Let him. I’ll loan you money to start it. I’m on my way out. Your mother and I will be traveling. Don’t do this for me. Do it for you.”

I thought for a moment and then said, “Well, I guess I’m moving to Vegas.”

Three Months Later