Page 43 of Last Wish Wedding

“Clinic days are fast-paced; we see so many people. It’s why I like home visits better. You can spend more time with your patient, get to know them better.” She took a bite. “We got a new gadget to call for help in the field and I had a conversation with Dr. David about my conflict of interest in caring for Truman.”

“Truman would raise hell if they tried to replace you. You’re the only one who stands up to him.”

“But at the same time, I needed to acknowledge it professionally. He said it’s inevitable in a town this size. As long as it doesn’t affect my decision making, we’re fine.”

Mac stilled. This was something he hadn’t considered. “What then, though? I wouldn’t want anyone else for him.”

“I would just reach out to David, have him go over my plans. It shouldn’t be an issue at all. You should be aware in case you question something I’m doing.”

Mac gathered the empty wine glasses while Kelsey wrapped the leftover pasta in foil. She hummed something graceful under her breath. The domesticity of it all should have made him uncomfortable but instead, he felt settled. Right.

The thought stopped him mid-reach for a container lid.

Trust.

It had crept up on him so gradually he hadn’t noticed. But there it was, solid and undeniable as granite. He trusted her. Not just with Truman’s care, though watching her handle his grandfather’s stubbornness with that perfect blend of firmness and compassion had been something to see. Competent. Kind. Strong.

No, he trusted her with… himself. With everything.

“Mac?” Kelsey’s voice pulled him back. She was looking at him curiously, head tilted. “You okay? You went somewhere else just now.”

“Yeah.” He surprised himself with how steady his voice was, considering his world had just shifted on its axis. “Yeah, I’m good.”

Better than good, really. For the first time in years, he felt like he could breathe properly. Like some weight he’d been carrying had finally eased. Relieved, Mac helped her clear the dishes.

After the kitchen was tidied, they migrated to the couch, a plush navy thing with too many throw pillows. The TV cast flickering shadows across Kelsey’s face as she curled against the pillows with her feet tucked under her. He was close enough that he could breathe in the scent of her shampoo, something citrusy and fresh, like summer.

“Can I ask you something?” she said softly after a stretch.

“Anything.”

“Did you ever want kids? Before?”

The question hit him like a wave, unexpected and strong. He took a long breath, watching the wind stir the branches outside her window. “Marlene was four months pregnant when she died.”

Kelsey’s hand found his and squeezed gently. Her skin was soft, but he could feel the strength in her fingers. “I’m so sorry, Mac. I can’t imagine losing even the thought of a child. Losing Noah would…”

He heard the catch in her voice, her eyes now more gray than blue in the dim light. “Has there been more activity in your custody issue?”

“I talked to my lawyer yesterday. Prescott’s attorneys gave her a courtesy heads up that they are pulling together a filing. They didn’t give details. But I did share with her what you found out about Noah’s inheritance.”

“What was her reaction?”

“Not good. Says it gives them incentive to put a lot of resources behind winning.” She started to worry her bottom lip between her teeth.

He’d seen enough of Noah and Kelsey together to know separating them would destroy them both.

Over his dead body would he let that happen.

The strength of such a response frightened him. Who was he becoming?

Chapter 16

Surprising her the next morning, Mac stood on her porch with takeout coffee from a local shop. “Heading out so soon?” he asked, handing her a cup.

“Some of us have to work. I’ve got two visits before Truman’s.”

“About that. I need your help with something.”