It took some convincing, but Hope finally gave in. She opened the door to step out and nearly collided with Karen.
Looking back over her shoulder, Karen slipped in and closed the door. “Your last appointment of the day is here, but it’s your ex. He has a kitten with him, and he wants to see you specifically. I told him that you were in surgery, so—”
Ivey laughed. “Thank you, Karen, but it’s fine. You can send him to one of the rooms. I’ll be there shortly.”
She got Hope on her way, texted Corbin that she’d be late, checked the cat one more time and then hurried to the exam room.
Geoff was there, waiting, a small kitten in his lap.
“Ivey, hello.” He got hurriedly back to his feet. “I’m sorry about this. I know it’s the end of your day and—”
“It’s okay. I planned to stick around a little while anyway to monitor my patient, at least until his anesthesia wears off.”
“I know you have techs, and Hope could have dealt with it, but I wanted to talk to you anyway.”
She gave a polite smile. “So. You got a kitten?” She took the adorable little fur ball out of his hands. It was an all-black male with blue eyes, looked to be three or four months old and had a very sweet meow.
Geoff cleared his throat. “It’s actually my girlfriend’s cat. She got called into work.”
Whoa, what was this? “Girlfriend?”
“That’s why I wanted to see you. To let you know I won’t be a pest anymore.”
She frowned. “I don’t understand.”
“Because I’m blundering.” He ran a hand over his hair. “I didn’t want you to think I was still being an ass. Like you suggested, I moved on. Now I’m with Amy, and...” He shrugged. “I just thought I should tell you.”
She saw the sincerity in his eyes and knew he needed her to really see him, to know he wasn’t still hung up on her. “What wonderful news. Geoff, I’m so happy for you.”
His gaze searched hers, then his smile came slowly. “I believe you really mean that.”
“Well, of course I mean it. You’re a terrific guy and you deserve the best. Tell me about her.”
“Her name is Amy. She’s pretty and smart, and she has a lot of style. You’d like her, Ivey. Everyone does. She’s a buyer for the department store. We’re, ah...living together.”
“Already?” Truly, Geoff looked madly in love. “Good for you.”
“I won’t screw up again,” he stated. “I’m sorry that I had to learn with you, Ivey. You deserved better. But I have learned, and I think Amy and I have the real deal.”
“I’m glad.” She really was. Now that she was so happily involved, she wanted the same for everyone.
Still with a smile, he said, “You never loved me, did you? Not really.”
Since he appeared so well-grounded, Ivey didn’t mind giving him the full truth. “No, I don’t think I did. At least, not the way I love Corbin.”
“He’s a good guy, isn’t he?”
“He’s...incredible.” She gave a soft laugh. “Don’t get me started or I’ll spend this whole appointment singing his praises.”
“I wouldn’t mind.” He smiled again. “His kid is cute.”
“I love him like he was my own.” She couldn’t wait to get home to see Corbin and Justin both.
Geoff tipped his head, studying her, then nodded. “I’m sorry I wasted two years of your life. I mean that, Ivey.”
“Nonsense.” She began to look over the cat. “It wasn’t a waste at all, because it helped me understand what I really wanted.”
“You didn’t already know?”
“Until I found it, I had no idea.”
Slowly, he grinned. “Same for me.”
This new, easy camaraderie with Geoff felt far more special than what they’d had as a couple. “If anyone should apologize, it’s me. In many ways, I used you. I wanted something specific in life, and even though our relationship wasn’t it, I was afraid to let you go.”
“I understand that. After you ended things...” He rubbed a hand over his face. “I felt like I’d been kicked in the teeth.” He gave a crooked grin. “I did love you, Ivey, but Amy is... She’s everything.”
Ivey touched his arm. “With her, you feel like the best version of you?”
Surprised, he lifted his brows, considered it and then nodded. “Yeah, that’s it exactly.”
“It’s a wonderful feeling, isn’t it? And who knows, Geoff? Maybe we needed that time together to figure it all out. I don’t regret it, I promise.”
“Whew. I’m so glad. And seriously, Ivey, I’m happy for you, too. Friends?”
This time she gave a firm “yes,” because she knew it wouldn’t be misconstrued. “Very good friends. Always.” She lifted up the cat to look at it. “Now, what’s the problem with this handsome fellow?”
“He keeps scratching at his ears and then crying.”
“Likely just ear mites. A little medicine will fix that.”
“Thanks. I told Amy I’d get him to the vet today if possible, so I appreciate you making time for me.”
“No problem.” Ivey hadn’t realized that the discontent of her breakup with Geoff had lingered, until they put it all to rest. She’d begun to feel bad about how she’d handled things, especially in light of how Geoff had taken it. Seeing him not only fully recovered but happily involved in this new phase of his life truly set her heart free.
All the stars had aligned—she loved Corbin and Justin, and the future loomed bright.
By the time she left the clinic, she felt like dancing. It was late, but Mrs. Tassie had rushed right over to collect her kitty once he’d recovered from his anesthesia. Ivey gave her instructions on how to care for the cat, then took another few minutes to close up the clinic.
It was nearing nine o’clock and the sun hung low on the horizon for her drive home. She should make it in time to visit with Justin before he had to go to bed.
Her new sense of peace shattered when she pulled into the driveway and saw the police car. Heart hammering, she gathered her belongings and jogged in.
The house felt unnaturally quiet, no animals running to greet her, no chatter from Justin—in the kitchen, expression grim, Corbin spoke quietly with two officers. His gaze briefly met hers, and she saw his torment.