Page 140 of The Ampersand Effect

Glancing around to orient herself, Tobin realized they were almost to the clearing.

“We’re almost there,” she said, tugging Grier’s hand gently. “C’mon.”

Tobin quickened her pace, leading Grier through the tree line, watching her from the periphery as they returned to the clearing where they’d spent their first date.

She hadn’t planned tonight with the intention of handing over her heart—but somehow, it felt inevitable. Like coming full circle.

Tobin watched as Grier took in the clearing, now lush with summer growth. Grier gently unlatched their fingers and walked a few paces into the open space. She spun slowly, trailing her hands along the tops of the tall meadow grasses as they rustled in the breeze.

Tobin’s stomach flipped when she heard the joyous, unrestrained laughter dislodge itself from Grier’s soul.

Grier looked at her—caught her, really—staring in wonder as she twirled through the meadow.

“You brought me back to our clearing! If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re trying to woo me, Captain Maes.”

Tobin wanted to respond with a predictably witty retort. But she couldn’t today. Grier had just called thistheirclearing.

She liked that idea—that this could be theirs.

“I think it’s working, Dr. Savage,” she said, her voice soft, “judging by that smile on your face.”

Tobin walked to Grier and pulled her in for a brief kiss, willing her knees not to buckle with the sensation of Grier’s lips on hers. She needed all the resolve she could muster today—to keep this inside until the fireflies surrounded them. She wanted Grier to remember this night forever, and she wasn’t about to let a premature declaration alter the course of her plan.

They moved into the center of the clearing, and Tobin stomped down some patches of tall grass to make space for a couple of blankets. Within minutes, she’d created a cozy little nook for their picnic—where they could talk comfortably as the sun set, then snuggle into each other when the temperature dropped.

She felt Grier’s eyes on her while she worked, the hairs on the back of her neck prickling with the warmth of affection radiating from her—even from yards away as she explored the meadow.

She sat on the blanket, wrapping her arms around a bent knee, trying—futilely—to settle her nerves.

Then Grier appeared behind her, the warmth of her body pressing against Tobin’s back as she knelt down and wrapped Tobin in her arms, instantly grounding her in the way only Grier could.

“Are you hungry?” Tobin asked, lightly stroking Grier’s arms. The sensation beneath her fingertips helped calm her racing heart as she reached for the container of sandwiches she’d packed for the occasion.

Grier’s lips grazed Tobin’s ear before she settled her cheek against Tobin’s.

“I’m famished,” she said softly, then shifted to settle beside Tobin on the blanket.

“How are things going with Dr. Vanders—were you able to undermine his subterfuge?” Tobin asked, finding it surprisingly easy to talk with Grier, despite the emotions swaying inside her like an unmoored boat.

She was genuinely intrigued by Grier’s work and enjoyed getting updates about her day—particularly about her patients. It was obvious Grier connected deeply with each one. And while she held a fondness for some more than others, Tobin didn’t question Grier’s ability to give each treatment, every case, her concentrated effort.

It was in those moments—when Grier spoke about her work— that Tobin couldfeelher passion radiating off her. Grier’s dedication was evident in everything she did, but it was most unmistakable in the way she talked about the kids.

Even if Tobin hadn’t experienced firsthand just how adept Grier was as a practitioner, she wouldn’t have been able to ignore the fervor in Grier’s voice or the way her eyes shone just a little brighter when she talked about her patients.

It was captivating—to watch her, and to listen to her.

Tobin was utterly defenseless against Grier’s charisma. And she was a willing captive.

So, when Grier expressed troubles at work, Tobin wanted to be her sounding board. She knew she couldn’t fight her battles for her— Grier was neither incapable nor was Tobin under any delusions that her interference would be beneficial, or even welcome.

But she did want to be a safe place for Grier to vent. And when needed, a distraction from it all.

When Grier had problems, Tobin wanted to help her find a solution—in whatever way Grier would allow.

And Tobin knew Dr. Vanders was a problem. A big one.

She hadn’t met Dr. Vanders, but her distaste for him grew with each interaction Grier described. Tobin understood why he could feel threatened by Grier—especially after Grier won Physician of the Year.