Page 125 of Dr. Weston

“This was so nice of you to do, Poppy,” my mother adds, her voice lower as she inspects the items in her little gift bag.

“This was all Broadie, Mom. We delivered things to every single resident at Hanover Haven.”

“You did?” Now her eyes match mine, filling with unshed tears.

“I don’t know what happened over the last few months, Missy. But you better lock this fella down,” Agnes bellows. “I already checked. He wasn’t on Bumble Bee.” She winks at Broadie.

I laugh, crossing my arms over my chest. “Were you checking for me or for you?”

Agnes simply shrugs.

“Okay, we probably need to head out before the girls lose any more weight from all the sweating we’re doing under these gowns.” Technically, we should’ve been taking them off and on between each patient to protect the spread of germs from one room to another, but we never touched anyone, and we’re covered more than the dietary staff.

Broadie gives my mother a broad smile. “She’s right. Plus, we’ve broken enough rules for one day. Better get out while the getting is good.”

“Thank you, son. You’ve made our week.” My mother seems happier and more alert than I’ve seen her in ages. But I admit, this man has that effect on me too.

I can’t stop smiling as we disrobe our gowns and gear into a trash bag Porter is holding out for us. Who could’ve imagined the last twenty-four hours could’ve gone this way?

“When’s the next one, Dad?” Lauren blurts.

“Awe, I’m so glad to see you so exuberant about this. Leaning down so he’s at eye level with Lauren, he continues. “This is what I was trying to tell you. You’re capable of so much more. It doesn’t have to be a full-time job, but I hope you two will consider participating in some type of charity work where you can share your gifts with others. You’d make your old dad proud.”

They come in for a hug, and my heart swells. Looking at the three people beside me, I have no doubt this is where I belong.

This is the family I’ve been longing for.

CHAPTERFORTY-ONE

POPPY

“Can I see you later?”

I spin on my heel to find the most handsome surgeon on the planet standing behind me.

“Who? Me?” I beam. It’s been almost a week since our crazy caper at Hanover Haven. Returning to real life has been disappointing. He still sends sweet texts to start my day, but now I get phone calls as well. “Have you got room in that busy schedule for me?” I tease.

“You’ve got it all wrong, pretty lady. I’m working my busy schedule around you.” He bends down to put a chaste peck on my cheek. “Is eight o’clock okay?”

“Can we make it eight-thirty? I don’t get off work until seven and want to look nice for my date.”

“You could wear an isolation suit and turn me on.” He waggles his brows at me, causing an unattractive snort to fly from my lips. “You’re so hot.”

I laugh. “Okay, I’ll be ready by eight-thirty. You picking me up in that fancy car of yours?”

“Yes, ma’am.” He winks before walking off, his hands tucked in his pants pockets. His hot ass is covered by his starched white lab coat, but I can picture it.You can’t hide a body like that.Agnes was right.

Lifting my hand to feel the heat radiating from my blush-stained cheeks, I look up to see multiple nurses and staff members staring at me with their mouths slack. Yep. He just outed us to everyone.

“Poppy Danforth. You better fill me in right this second.” Katarina squeals.

“About what?” I laugh.

“You know about what.”

She loops her arm through mine and drags me with her as we head to the ER.

“I think we’re going the wrong way. My department is that way.” I point.

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