“That’s good. Keep going,” I urge her on and bite into a crisp dill pickle.
“So, I went to the bathroom, as you know. When I was finished, there were these beautiful paintings in the hallway that I was admiring. Out of nowhere, someone grabbed me from behind and drug…”
“What?” I cut her off, sitting up and putting the bowl on the table.
“Calm down, I’m okay. Yes, he dragged me into the supply closet.” I jump up from the couch and am now pacing. She’s watching me but trying to get the story out before I flip the fuck out. “It was Allen and Rebecca.”
“And Rebecca?”
“Yes, okay, so there’s my scared and angry parts. Cause seeing them together and knowing they were up to something infuriated me. Then it got weird.” I stop my pacing and come back to sit by her.
“They didn’t hurt you in anyway, right?”
“Right, I was not hurt.” I place my cheese coated hand in his spice coated one to reassure him. “They both apologized for cheating on me.”
“Damn straight they should.”
“But then.” She pauses and sucks in another breath.
“Awe, hell.” I’m up pacing again. Whatever is coming, I’m not going to like.
“They ask me to be in their group,” she says shyly.
“What do you mean? What kind of group?”
“Their threesome or foursome or I don’t know how many group. They just said it’s a group where they share partners.”
“And, what did you say?”
“I said that I was happy with you and only you. That you are the only one I want to be with, and they can go and be happy with their friends, clique, crew, posse, I don’t know whatever the hell they call it.” One step lands me right in front of her, and I kneel so that we are eye level.
“Is that truly what you want? No one else at all. To be committed to me and only me.”
“Yes, Clay. You are all that I want. My only fear is that we won’t get to see each other that much with our work schedules and me having a long commute back and forth.”
“Then move in with me.”
“What? I can’t do that.”
“Why not?”
“Because, what about my house?”
“Romi, I love you, and this would be the best way to have you close, so we can truly give this thing a go. An honest shot by taking out the biggest obstacle. We can worry about all the little details as they come up. But, there is one major thing you should know.”
“Oh, what’s that.” She’s hesitant and pulls away from me a little, but I pull her back and hold her hands.
“I sold half of my practice to another doctor, so I will only be half as busy.” My smile hurts my cheeks when I see the gleam of happiness in hers.
“Oh my God, Clay. Really? Is that what you want? You didn’t do that because I was scared, ran off and thought you were too distracted, did you? Oh, no, I would feel horrible if this is not what you want.” She closes her eyes.
“Stop. Look at me.” She flutters them open with tears pooling in them. “No, absolutely not, I did not do it because you thought that I was not focused. I know for certain that was not the case to why I lost those patients that day. I’ve been doing this a long time, and I’ve been pulling hours just like that day on an ongoing basis. About a year ago, a doctor had called me and said that he wanted to move to Texas from Oklahoma and wanted to partner with me. I shot him down but have always kept it in the back of my mind. What else did I have to do other than work? Who was I really if I wasn’t working all the time? Work is who I am. It is, or was, my identity. Then when I met you, you opened my eyes and let me see that there could be life outside of work. I called him last week, and he was still interested, so I had my attorney draw up the deal.”
“That’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you. Let’s do this. I would love to move in with you.” I cup her cheeks and stare into those crystal blues and see nothing but happiness and my future.
Epilogue
It’s a packed house. I think every single resident from Heartville is here tonight, squeezing into the event center out at Casie’s place. We are having a town barn dance to celebrate the grand opening of Lone Star Dude Ranch. It took a while to bring it all together and doing all the design work was an unbelievable experience. I love seeing everyone. In the last year that I’ve lived here, they have all made me feel so welcome. This small town is like one big, loving family.
It took my parents awhile to come around, but they even showed up tonight and are over there talking with the Winters; looks like they are having a good time. The newlyweds, Marty and Sara, also came, looking tan from their honeymoon in Bora Bora.
“Hey, lady. How are things?” Summer greets to check in on me.
“I would be dead if it wasn’t for you. Thank you so much for volunteering to help me out with decorating and baking all these goodies for the table.” I reach down and take a small cookie to bite into.
“Anything to get me out of the house for a little while.” She grabs one as well to munch on.
“That’s right. How’s Beau doing?” Summer filled me in on his injury that he recently had during a competitive rodeo. He was close to the end of the circuit run, and all the hype was about him winning this year’s championship. Everyone was sure that he would too, until he was wheeled off in the ambulance. Hayden and Summer flew out to be with him while Hank stayed back and looked after the ranch.
“The doctor said he won’t compete again. There’s a weird vibe around the ranch now, especially when Beau pours a whiskey at midday.”
“That must be rough.” My heart breaks for them, I know it’s a tough time for the family.
“Yeah, well, he’s on the mend and Hayden has his big brother home.” She waves her hand in front of her face like she’s shooing away the negative talk. “Anyways, tell me how things are going between you and Dr. Wrangler.”
“You know he hates that,” I respond and laugh. “But I love it. It’s perfect with that fine-lookin’ ass in those jeans. It’s all going great. The new vet finally got here and began working at the clinic, so Clay has been able to be home more. He even brought home a cute little kitten last week and said we are keeping her. Since I finished up this place, I have a few things lined out, but I’m not looking to overload my schedule. Clay and I plan on taking a much-needed vacation in the next few months.”
“That’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you guys. If you need help planning any vacations, just holler. I’ve traveled a bit.” She leans in and gives me a quick hug. “I’ve got to run, but we’ll talk soon.”
“I’ll hold you to that. Have a good night. Thanks again.”
The rest of the night I mingle with everyone and dance. I will never tire of being in Clay’s arms, but this time around he is willing to share me on the dance floor. I think I dance with each one of our friends and even little Beck. I’m so happy to be a part of this great group. Yeah, they’ve known each other their entire lives, but they have not once made me feel like I was an outsider.