But not today.
Today he worried about the proposal he’d sent to Marco. He needed his investment. Needed to make this new endeavor a reality if he had any hope of returning to vet school. But more than that, for helping to secure his family’s financial well-being.
Like a certain doctor, he had plans for his future.
Fourteen months ago…
Dear Nicole,
Jenna rode George all by herself today. The kid is a natural with animals and I couldn’t help but think that our kids would have been, too. Jenna’s joy was contagious, thank goodness, because I’m sad to say Bethany had another miscarriage. She and Cole are such amazing parents that I don’t understand why this is happening to them.
Then again, I didn’t understand why you got sick, either. I’m dwelling less on that, though, and remembering all our good times. You asked me to do that, and I’ve been slow on the uptake. Whenever Jenna catches me looking sad, she says, “Uncle Mav, turn that frown upside down.” If I don’t listen immediately, she takes her little hands, squeezes my cheeks, and tilts the corners of my mouth up. She does the same with her dad and mom. Although less with Bethany because Beth is strong like you were, and focuses on the one amazing child she is blessed with instead of dwelling on her losses. To keep from thinking too much about the bad stuff, I’m watching and learning and spending every waking hour to make the ranch better.
One day, things will be different. They have to be, right?
Miss you like crazy,
Maverick
Chapter Fourteen
Three days until the wedding
Dr. Weaver wanted her in Boston.
Dr. Weaver wanted her in Boston.
DR. WEAVER WANTED HER IN BOSTON!
Kennedy read the email one more time to be sure her eyes weren’t deceiving her. She had an in-person interview on Tuesday. Six days from today. One hundred and forty-four hours.
She did a happy dance, then called Ava to tell her the news. Her sister didn’t answer, so she texted, Have good news! Call me! When Ava didn’t call back right away, Kennedy ran out of the room to search for Andrew.
She was bursting with excitement and in such a hurry that she shut the door behind her without taking the key, and she bumped into someone in the hallway.
The someone being Elle.
“I’m so sorry!” Kennedy said as the pitcher of lemonade in Elle’s hand slipped out of her grasp and crashed to the floor, spraying them both with pale yellow liquid before it landed with a thud.
The two stared at each other in shock.
They looked at the floor and the clear plastic pitcher lying in a puddle on its side surrounded by several matching cups.
They glanced back up…at the wet marks on their shirts…and laughed. They laughed so hard they slid to the floor, seated across the hall from each other, to…Kennedy wasn’t sure to do what, but the moment seemed bigger than them walking away from each other.
“I’m sorry,” she said again. “I was in a hurry and not watching where I was going.”
“It’s okay. I was on my way to one of my bridesmaids’ rooms. We were going to add some vodka for a little cocktail hour.”
Kennedy leaned over to gather the cups and right the pitcher. “I’ll get you a new pitcher and cups and deliver it.” Right after she found a mop to wipe up the spill so no one slipped and fell.
“That’s nice of you, but…” Elle said sincerely. “Mind if we just sit here for a minute?”
It sounded like Elle had something on her mind, and they were alone in the hallway, so Kennedy didn’t see why not. “Okay.”
“I’ve seen you around, but I know you weren’t invited to the wedding,” she said.
Kennedy should have read Wedding Crashing for Dummies or at least googled what to do in this type of situation. She never shied away from confrontation, though, and prided herself on being a straight shooter—until this week at least—and she felt this accidental run-in had happened for a reason.
“I’m Kennedy. It’s nice to officially meet you.”
Name recognition shined in Elle’s green eyes. “You’re Reed’s friend and ex.”
“Yes, but please don’t be upset with him. He didn’t know I was coming.”
“Why are you here?” Her voice wobbled. “Wait. Don’t answer that. I’m not sure I want to know.” She looked down at her lap. “He’s been distant since his bachelor party and I’m afraid…” She lifted her head. “Are you why?”
“No,” Kennedy answered quickly. She didn’t want Elle to doubt Reed’s faithfulness for a second. “We’re friends, that’s all.”
Elle sniffled. “Okay. I’m hoping it’s just cold feet, then. I’m not the best at sharing my feelings, and the last couple of weeks, I know I’ve been clingier than Reed likes. Than anyone would like.”
Over the years, many patients had talked to Kennedy, confided in her about things that were easier to share with a stranger than a family member or friend. Every person had a right to their feelings, and Kennedy never judged. Her coworkers, especially the attendings, told her it was one of the things that made her a good doctor. People felt comfortable talking to her.
“Is there a reason why?” she asked.
Elle let her eyes close for a moment. She had thick, dark eyelashes. A friendly oval-shaped face. A long side braid and a cute off-the-shoulder blue top, even with lemonade on it. “There is. Or was. It’s not an issue anymore, and so I thought things would go back to normal, but they haven’t.” She met Kennedy’s concerned expression with equal parts shame and apology. “There’s something I’ve never told him and I should have.”
Kennedy stayed silent, hoping Elle would continue.
“He thinks I kept calling him the night of his bachelor party because I didn’t trust him. But that wasn’t the reason at all. It’s true I’m insecure now and then, like when he wanted to invite you to the wedding and I said I wasn’t comfortable with it. But aren’t we all a little bit? Relationships are hard and precious, and occasionally my confidence wavers.” She ran a finger over her engagement ring. “Reed’s bachelor party was supposed to be a day on the golf course, but then his brother changed the plan and I panicked. I panicked because I was worried something might happen to Reed.”
“Like an injury?”
“Or worse.” Elle waved her hand like she was being ridiculous. “The thing is, my mom was engaged before she met my dad. On the night of her fiancé’s bachelor party, my mom got this terrible feeling. She knew something was wrong and she was right. He died in a bar fight.”