Page 88 of Doctor Second Chance

My phone buzzes, and I nearly drop it in my haste to check. But it’s just a promotional email, and I groan in frustration.

"Come on, Shep," I mutter. "Check your messages."

I know I'm being impatient, but I can't help it. This news could change everything for us. I need to hear his voice, share this moment with him, and know if this is the sign we need to take to the next step.

I flop onto my couch, staring at the ceiling. My hand still aches a bit, which is a reminder of how this all started. Who would have thought a cut hand would lead to this?

My phone rings, and I snatch it up. My heart leaps when I see Shep's name on the screen.

Monday, August 19

McWane Science Center

8:01 am

I take a deep breath as I step into the McWane Science Center for my first day as Chief Scientist. The familiar scent of the exhibits and the excited chatter of visitors fill the air, but today, it feels different. Today, I'm not just a visitor but part of the team.

Sarah, the HR director who offered me the job, greets me warmly and hands me my new ID badge. Seeing my name and “Chief Scientist” printed below it is surreal. She gives me a quick tour, pointing out my office and introducing me to key staff members along the way.

My office is spacious, with large windows overlooking the main exhibit hall. I can't help but smile as I set my bag down on the desk. This is happening.

The morning flies by in a whirlwind of meetings and introductions. I meet with the research team to get a rundown of their current projects. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and I get even more excited about the possibilities.

As I'm sitting at my desk, trying to make sense of a complex grant proposal, there's a knock at my office door. I look up to see Shep standing there, a bouquet of vibrant Gerber daisies in one hand and a picnic basket in the other. My heart skips a beat.

"Surprise," he says with that irresistible grin of his. "Thought you could use a lunch break."

I can't help but laugh. "You have no idea how much I need this right now.”

Shep is so handsome in his worn jeans and a button-down shirt. I’m used to seeing him dressed up or in scrubs, but I’m digging this in between.

We make our way to the garden area, where we enjoyed ice cream with Opie on our first visit. It feels like a lifetime ago, yet it was only a few weeks ago. As we sit down on a bench, Shep hands me the flowers.

"Gerber daisies," I say, inhaling their sweet scent. "You remembered."

"Of course I did," he replies, unpacking sandwiches from the basket. "So, how's it going? Feeling like a big-shot Chief Scientist yet?"

I chuckle, but it comes out a bit hollow. "More like a fish out of water, pun intended. There's so much to learn and so many people to meet. I feel like I'm barely keeping my head above water."

Shep reaches out and takes my hand, his touch comforting and familiar. "Hey, enough with the drowning metaphors, it's only your first day. Give yourself some time to adjust. You're going to be amazing at this job, Elle. I know it."

His confidence in me warms my heart. "Thanks, Shep. I hope you're right."

"I know I'm right," he says, squeezing my hand. "And Elle... I want you to know how proud I am of you. The sacrifice you made to move here and make this relationship work means everything to me."

I feel tears prickling at the corners of my eyes. "Shep..."

He takes a deep breath, his eyes locked on mine. "I love you, Elle. I’m pretty sure I never stopped loving you, and I was reminded of that the moment I saw you again in that hospital room. I just... I needed you to know that."

Epilogue

July 4, 2025

8:18 pm

I lean back against Shep's chest, feeling the warmth of his body as we sit on the dock of our new lake house on Lake Martin. The night air is thick with humidity, but a gentle breeze coming off the water keeps us comfortable.

Opie sits cross-legged at the edge of the dock, his eyes wide with wonder as fireworks explode across the sky, their colorful reflections dancing on the dark water.

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