Page 91 of Doctor Neighbor

Ovenbird

264 S State Street

8:12 pm

I open the door for Cole as we enter the inviting, lively space. The restaurant's warm, rustic ambiance envelops us immediately. Exposed brick walls, reclaimed wood tables, and soft, amber lighting create an intimate, sophisticated, and cozy atmosphere.

As we're led to our table, I can't take my eyes off Cole.

She's radiant tonight, wearing a deep blue wrap dress that accentuates her curves and brings out the sparkle in her eyes. Her hair falls in soft waves around her face, and there's a lightness to her step that I haven't seen in weeks. The cocktail we shared before coming here has given her cheeks a rosy glow, and she's practically glowing with happiness.

I feel a warmth in my chest that has nothing to do with the Old Fashioned I had earlier. Seeing Cole like this, carefree and joyful, after everything we've been through with Maddie, it's like seeing her for the first time all over again. I squeeze her hand as we sit down, and she flashes me a smile that makes my heart skip a beat.

"This place is amazing, Buster," she says, looking around in awe. "How did you manage to get a reservation on such short notice?"

I wink at her. "I have my ways."

As we peruse the menu, filled with locally sourced ingredients and innovative dishes, I can't help but marvel at how close I feel to Cole. The trials we've faced together and the vulnerability we’ve shared have created a bond between us that I've never experienced before. I realize, sitting here in this moment, that I'm falling hard for her.

I consult with Cole on her wine preferences before ordering a bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. As the waiter pours our glasses, I feel a mix of excitement and nervousness bubbling up inside me.

"Cole," I say, reaching across the table to take her hand. "I have some news. Something for us to celebrate."

She looks at me expectantly, her beautiful blue eyes bright with curiosity.

I take a deep breath. "The paternity test results came back this afternoon, just before I left the hospital."

Cole's grip on my hand tightens slightly, her slender fingers intertwining with mine. I can see a flicker of anticipation in her eyes. The candlelight dances across her face, highlighting the subtle tension in her jaw. I feel my pulse quicken, knowing that the next few moments could change everything between us.

"It's confirmed," I continue, my voice filled with emotion. "I am Maddie's father."

For a moment, Cole is silent, processing the information. Her eyes widen slightly, and I can almost see the wheels turning in her mind as she absorbs the weight of my words.

Then, a broad smile spreads across her face, lighting up her features in a way that takes my breath away. I see tears forming in the corners of her eyes, glistening in the soft candlelight. My heart races as I watch her reaction, relief and anticipation coursing through me. I've never seen her look quite like this, and it’s beautiful and terrifying.

"Oh, Buster," she says softly, squeezing my hand. "I mean, we suspected, but to have it confirmed. I can't think of anything better than to know Maddie will have the best father in the world."

She stands and walks over to me, her eyes never leaving mine. In an instant, her lips crash against mine with an intensity that takes my breath away.

The kiss is full-throated, right in the middle of the room, and I feel my knees go weak. It's not just a kiss but a declaration, an outpouring of emotion that makes me dizzy.

As she pulls me closer, I can taste the salt of her happy tears on her lips. The passion between us ignites, and for a moment, the world fades away until there's nothing but Cole and me, locked in this incredible, life-changing embrace.

I nod, feeling a lump form in my throat. "I know. It's overwhelming, but in the best possible way."

She takes her seat, wiping under her eyes, and we raise our glasses, clinking them together gently.

"To Maddie," Cole says.

"To our daughter," I add, the words feeling foreign and incredibly right on my tongue.

As we sip our wine, I can't help but marvel at how much my life has changed in such a short time. From a chance encounter at a theme park five years later to becoming a father and falling for an incredible woman—it's more than I ever could have imagined.

"You know," I say, setting down my glass, "I never thought I'd be ready for this. Fatherhood, I mean. But with you and Maddie... it just feels right."

Cole's eyes shimmer with unshed tears. "You've already been amazing with her, Buster. How you stepped up during her illness and have been there for both of us. You're already a wonderful father.”

Epilogue

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