Page 4 of Tempted By the Handsome Doctor (Curvy Wives of Cedar Falls #3)

"He has two. My brother Jake and I, but Jake went to the military and never came back.

" Daniel shrugs. "Most people in town just know me as 'the doctor one' if they remember me at all.

I left for college and med school, only came back for the residency program because it's actually one of the best in the state. "

"I'm surprised you came back at all," I admit. "Most people who leave Cedar Falls don't return."

"Grandpa Lou needed someone close by. He'd never admit it, but he's getting older." Daniel's expression softens when he talks about his grandfather. "And the hospital here offered me autonomy I wouldn't get at a bigger program. They were desperate for new blood."

Our food arrives—enormous burgers on toasted brioche buns, a mountain of crispy fries, and little cups of coleslaw on the side. My stomach growls at the sight.

"So," Daniel says as we dig in, "tell me about your job. You're the head librarian?"

"For the past year and a half. I came back to Cedar Falls when Dad got sick, and just... stayed after he died. The library needed someone, and I needed a purpose."

"Do you like it?"

"I love it," I admit. "It's not exciting or glamorous, but it matters. Especially the children's programs. You should see their faces when they finish their first chapter book."

He smiles, a genuine smile that transforms his tired face. "I can imagine. You must be good with kids."

And just like that, the elephant in the room trumpets its presence again. Kids. A kid. Our potential kid.

I take a large bite of my burger to avoid responding immediately, savoring the perfect blend of smoky sauce and melted cheese.

"Maya," Daniel says after we've eaten silently for a few minutes. "I need to know what you're thinking. About the pregnancy."

I set down my burger. "Honestly? I don't know yet. Part of me is terrified. I'm barely keeping myself afloat financially. My house needs a new roof. I still have student loans. Having a baby would change everything."

He nods, listening.

"But another part of me..." I take a deep breath. "Another part feels like this might be my only chance. I’ve always wanted children."

I pause and blink rapidly, determined not to cry in Madeline's Diner over a half-eaten burger.

Daniel reaches across the table, his hand hovering over mine before retreating. "Whatever you decide, I meant what I said. I'll support you. And not just financially."

I look up, surprised. "What do you mean?"

He seems to be choosing his words carefully. "I mean, if you decide to have this baby, I want to be involved. Really involved. Not just writing checks."

"Why?" The question is blunt, but I need to know. "You don't know me any better than I know you."

"Because it would be my child too," he says simply. "And I... I want to be there."

The conviction in his voice is unmistakable. He holds my gaze, and for the first time since seeing those two pink lines this morning, I feel something like hope flicker in my chest.

"I need time," I say finally. "To think about all of this."

"Of course." He signals for the check, and Madeline herself brings it over, eyeing us with curiosity.

"Everything tasted good?" she asks, looking between us like she's trying to solve a puzzle.

"Perfect as always," Daniel says, handing her his credit card before I can protest.

"Tell your grandpa to stop by when he can," she says as she walks away. "I've got a new pie recipe I want him to try."

Daniel fakes his smile. "Will do."

The evening has grown cooler outside. I wrap my cardigan tighter around myself as we walk to our cars.

"I'm off this weekend," Daniel says as we walk to the library parking lot where my car still sits. "If you want to talk more. Or just... I don't know. Get to know each other a little better."

The idea is both appealing and terrifying. "I'll think about it."

We reach my car, and I unlock it, turning to face him.

In the dim glow of the streetlight, his face is all angles and shadows, beautiful in a way that makes my heart ache.

For a moment, I remember what it felt like to kiss him, to feel his hands on my skin, to believe that something magical was happening between us.

"Thank you for dinner," I say, breaking the spell.

"Maya," he says, and there's something in his voice that makes me look up. "I know I have no right to ask this, but... whatever you decide about the baby, can we start over? As friends, at least?"

The question catches me off guard. "Why would you want that?"

Daniel takes a step closer, his eyes never leaving mine. "Because that night wasn't just physical for me. There was something... I felt connected to you in a way I haven't felt with anyone in a long time. Maybe ever."

My breath catches. "You have a funny way of showing it."

"I know. I'm an idiot." His smile is self-deprecating. "But I'd like a chance to be less of an idiot, if you're willing."

I should say no. I should protect myself from this man who has already hurt me once. But something in his eyes makes me hesitate.

"I'll think about it," I say again, but softer this time.

He nods, accepting the non-answer. "Good night, Maya."

"Good night, Daniel."

I get into my car and watch in the rearview mirror as he walks back toward his flashy Audi, hands in his pockets, shoulders slightly hunched against the cool night air.

And despite everything—the shock, the anger, the fear—I find myself hoping, just a little, that we might find a way forward together.