Page 52 of (Not Really) Faking It With My Best Friend's Brother

As lunchtime approached, we put Michael in his stroller and took a break outside in the clinic’s small garden area. I had recently added a bench beneath the oak tree, making it a perfect spot to unwind.

“It’s so nice out here,” Susan said, closing her eyes and tilting her face towards the sunlight. “Peaceful.”

“One of the perks of the job,” I agreed. “A place to catch your breath.”

We sat in comfortable silence for a few moments before Susan spoke again.

“I had an idea for expanding the clinic’s outreach programs.”

I turned towards her. “Oh yeah? Let’s hear it.”

“Well, I was thinking we could start doing more events at the library on weekends and school vacations. We could have story time, arts and crafts, and basic checkups. We could engage with more families who can’t make it here during regular business hours.”

Susan’s passion for community building never ceased to inspire me. “I love that idea. It would be great PR for the clinic, too,” I said.

“Exactly! And I might have some connections there to help get things started,” Susan replied enthusiastically.

“You’re brilliant, you know that?” I said, kissing her temple. “Let’s move forward with it.”

The baby cooed from his stroller as if in agreement. We both laughed.

“Looks like it’s unanimous!” Susan clapped her hands together.

We sat for a while, eating and enjoying the fresh air. Susan had added a small garden, and butterflies fluttered back and forth on the lantana. If we didn't have to work, I could spend hours out here. "Are you ready to head back inside?" Susan nodded, her eyes bright with excitement for our new project.

“Always on the go, aren’t you, Dr. Reynolds?” she teased as we returned to the clinic.

As the afternoon wore on, the clinic was filled with the usual sounds of chatter and laughter from the kids’ reading in Susan’s nook, occasional cries from children getting their vaccines, and the comforting hum of activity.

Emily popped in for a surprise visit, and our son’s face lit up as his auntie scooped him out of his stroller seat.

"Look at you, growing like a little weed!" Emily cooed, tickling the baby's chubby belly. She stopped by a couple of times a week to help out for a few hours. Her nanny company was just a couple of blocks away. Susan enjoyed the break. Emily always joked about her lack of domestic skills, but she was amazing with Michael. It was an ongoing joke that she had opened a nanny placement service but never worked as a nanny.

“Oh, you two!” Emily's eyes bounced between Susan and me. “Making such beautiful babies. I should hire you as my official poster family.”

Susan giggled at that, her cheeks coloring a light red.

Just then, Ethan walked in with his wife, Lizzie, each holding the hand of their three-year-old son, who had a stuffed dinosaur clutched in his tiny grasp. He ran to the reading nook, eager to read his new picture book.

Ethan had decided to join us at the clinic and would be starting next week. He was excited to bring Lizzie in and show her the place.

“It’s wonderful, Nate,” Lizzie said, eyes scanning the bustling clinic. “You and Susan have done such a fantastic job.”

I looked down at Susan as she squeezed my hand, her beaming pride reflected in my heart. I turned to take Lizzie on a tour of the clinic. I couldn't wait for Ethan to start. I knew he would make a great addition to the team and free up some of my time.

Later that evening, Susan and I were tidying up the clinic near closing time. I watched as she efficiently straightened chairs and shelved books in the reading nook. Even after a long day, she had such dedication and care in every task.

As she finished, Susan came over and nudged my shoulder playfully. “So, rock paper scissors for who’s on diaper duty tonight?”

I chuckled, raising an eyebrow. “Oh? Feeling brave today, are we?”

“Always,” she said, grinning back. We faced off, hands poised for combat.

“One-two-three!” I said.

Her paper covered my rock before I could even blink. I breathed a deep sigh of faux defeat, stretching out the suspense before admitting, “Alright, alright. You’ve bested me fair and square, my queen.”

“Oh, yes, I have,” she replied with a dramatic air, complete with a regal wave of her hand. I laughed again at her antics, making a mental note to up my game for our next round of rock-paper-scissors. I gave her a mock bow, and she playfully swatted at me before she turned towards the door.

---