Page 73 of Mistletoe and Christmas Kisses
“Where did you…” Iron cylinder, glass bulbs, metal electrodes. She touched the x-ray machine in wonder while envisioning what she could do with it. Setting broken bones without guessing where the break was and having additional knowledge for surgeries would be the most remarkable advance of her medical career.
Caleb left his post by the door. “Only one for a hundred miles. Exposure in ninety minutes, which I think means it’s good. Let Magnus Leland try to get one, the rat bastard. I had to promise to design a skiff for the hospital chief to even be able to place the order.”
She ran her finger over the oblong cylinder. “Crookes tube. A recent discovery. 1895. First used to locate bullets embedded in the body. My father didn’t have an x-ray machine, never dreamed of having one, I imagine.”
“You and Noah can have long discussions about tubes and scientific discoveries. Bore yourself to tears. Once he knows you have this thing, he’ll make your life a living hell. He’ll start operating on people if you let him.”
“Caleb…” She turned and pinned him with what she hoped was a penetrating gaze and not a lovesick one. “You have the money for this?”
He chewed on the inside of his cheek. “The boat business is going really well.”
“Should I be afraid of what you’ve put in the other room?”
“Surgical chair. Converts to a table for the exceedingly ghastly things you do to a body. Got it in Indiana. Best on the market.” At her questioning look, he continued, “I have a client in Morehead City. A doctor who loves spending money on sailboats. He helped me outfit this place, most I have no idea what it’s even used for. And I honestly don’t want to from the hideous names alone.”
“Caleb—”
“I know you’d have a whole hospital full of equipment in Philadelphia. If you’re determined to stay in Pilot Isle, even if you don’t marry me”—his eyes changed color, a flood of ashen gray—“I want you to have this office. Be the doctor you were meant to be. That you’vetrainedto be.”
She stepped in, bounced up on her toes, and threw her arms around him—just like that time in the cloakroom. Pressed her cheek to his chest as his wild heartbeat stampeded through her, no stethoscope required. “Why would I stay, working right behind your warehouse, if Ididn’tmarry you?”
“Because you’re too good for me.” He kissed the top of her head and drew her close. “But I make a mean cup of coffee and pretty good biscuits, which you should recall from our midnight picnics. You’d be over here all the time anyway. And I have no doctor except you to treat my numerous injuries. Boatbuilding is hazardous at times. Or I’m clumsy, take your pick. I hope I’m gradually working my way up to a family discount.”
“I love you, Caleb Garrett,” she said, the words muffled in the folds of his shirt. He and his family were, quite simply, the answer to her prayers. “So much that I’m having trouble believing I found you.”
“Say it again,” he whispered. “I don’t think I’ll ever tire of hearing it.”
She did, once, twice, until he stopped her when his lips captured hers. A kiss to stop clocks, she would tell her grandchildren one day.
He tipped her gaze to his. “You’re sure? As in, Dr. Elinor MacyGarrettsure. The answer better be yes, or I’m out a new sign.” He flushed, and her heart stuttered. “Top drawer, by the x-ray.”
She retreated from his hold and opened the drawer. Inside lay the new sign. And shoved in a back corner, sat a crimson velvet box. With trembling hands, she picked it up.
“The town jeweler’s been pestering me about a new boat, so we negotiated an earlier delivery date if he opened up on Christmas Eve, special circumstances and all that. Elle helped me pick it out. She said it was the most fun she’s had all year.” Caleb yanked a glove off and slapped it against his thigh. His voice shook, just a little, but she heard it. “Which says a lot about Noah, and not much of it good.”
She held her arm out, the box perfectly centered on her open palm. She chased his gaze around the room, delighted by his bashfulness. “Time to finish the job. I don’t believe I heard a question.”
Tucking his glove in his armpit, he took the box from her. It looked tiny in his hand, but he popped the top back with nary a stumble, like he’d practiced. He smiled shyly, his gaze finally meeting hers when she let out a breathless sigh. “It’s not a question, but marry me, and I’ll spend my life making sure you know how much I love you. Making sure you don’t regret it.”
She reached, then drew her hands back and twisted them together. Her heartbeat was drumming in her chest loud enough for him to hear. It would not be helpful if she fainted during the proposal. “Oh, Cale. It’s beautiful.” Simple. Elegant. Stunning. A round sapphire surrounded by a circle of diamonds, the most beautiful ring she’d ever hoped to be given. “Although there wasn’t a question, my answer, today and every day, isyes.”
“Hand out, Doc,” he whispered and plucked the ring from its velvet perch. “The next time we make love, I want you wearing this ring and nothingbutthis ring.”
She giggled and held out her left hand. Wiggled her fingers when he didn’t immediately slide it on. “Cale, you’re killing me! Put it on. I said yes!”
He placed the ring on her finger so sweetly. So carefully. For a big man, he had the lightest, kindest touch. “You like it?” His eyes had misted, the emotion shimmering there sending affection, love, and lust right through her. Oh, how she adored this man. “We don’t have to keep this one if you don’t.”
“I love it. I loveyou.” She tilted her hand back and forth, sending facets dancing across the pine planks. “I couldn’t have picked a ring I’d cherish more.”
“Truthfully, I wanted a stone the exact color your eyes turn when I’m deep inside you. When I found that, it was a done deal.” A burst of red flowed into his cheeks. “Course, I didn’t tell Elle that much.”
“Sure of yourself, weren’t you?”
He dropped his brow to hers and released a deep sigh that fluttered along the nape of her neck and straight into her heart. “No, Doc, I was only sure aboutyou.”
“You are my dream, Caleb Garrett.” She cupped his cheeks and brought his lips to hers. “But I think you need a little persuading.”
So she spent the rest of the afternoon making sure he knew exactly how much she loved him.