Page 59 of The Cowboy Who Stayed

Vivica draws a shaky breath then stands up with shoulders squared. She holds out her hand.

“Come with me?”

I stand and take it, lacing my fingers through hers. “You sure you want me in there?”

The hint of a smirk I’d seen earlier finally blossoms across her face.

“Always.”

SEVENTEEN

Vivica

“Before I say anything else, Ms. Murphy, you can relax,” says Dr. Patel. She offers a kind smile. “We’re looking at a benign cyst. A bit of a pain in the behind, but in the grand scheme of things, mostly harmless.”

I let out the breath I’ve been holding, the relief that sweeps over me immediate and dizzying.

Though I’ve heard what she’s said, it’s difficult to process the words.

It takes me a second to catch up, a relieved smile coming to my face. As a doctor myself, you would think I’d be more poised.

But I’m still human. Even doctors are nervous when receiving medical news.

Dr. Patel brings up my ultrasound on the monitor beside her, pointing at the grayscale image with her pen.

“What you’re seeing here is a simple fluid-filled cyst. Smooth borders, no irregular features or cause for concern. These are very common, especially in the breast tissue and surrounding areas,” she explains. “They can cause tenderness and discomfort, which is consistent with what you’ve been experiencing. But otherwise they are no cause for concern.”

I glance over at Rhett, who looks equally as stunned as I do. I run a hand over my short blonde strands and allow a few seconds to pass.

For it to truly sink in.

It’s a benign cyst. It’s nothing to worry about.

“That’s some of the best news I’ve ever received,” I say.

The slender doctor nods sympathetically. “I’m glad I could ease your fears, Ms. Murphy. Given your history, I completely understand the need to be certain. We can schedule an outpatient procedure to drain it at your convenience, and I’d recommend continuing with your regular screenings, but there’s nothing here that should cause you alarm.”

“That sounds like a great game plan. I’d like to get on the calendar as soon as possible.”

“I had a feeling you would say that,” Dr. Patel says. She gives me a gentle pat on the shoulder. “Let this handsome cowboy take you home, Ms. Murphy. Get some rest.”

The doctor walks out of the room, leaving me and Rhett alone. I turn to face him with a look of shocked glee on my face. The kind of expression you make when you can’t believe the good news.

He grins back at me, and then his hands cup my elbows and he pulls me toward him.

“How’re you holding up, doc?”

I exhale yet again, practically breathless from relief. “Pretty damn good now.”

He laughs. “Good.”

We come together to embrace, with Rhett’s arms tight around me. I’m pressed snugly against his solid build, reminded how he’s been a literal pillar of support.

He’s been beside me the entire time, his presence and reassurance a much needed comfort.

When I look into his hazel eyes, my heart flutters inside my chest. I’m suddenly clear-minded about the moment.

About how I feel.