Page 183 of Heart of Frost and Scars

“I missed you,” I whisper.

“We all missed you.” He looks over my shoulder at Monty. “Good to see you, Monty.”

Monty moves off to the side, hands clasped behind him, watching the reunion. For the next few minutes, I’m absorbed in the warm welcome of friends I haven’t seen in a year. The chatter, the hugs, the familiar faces, it’s overwhelming in the best way.

“You knew I was coming?” I ask Rhett.

“Monty called earlier. Said he’d bring you by to fill out the paperwork for your employment. As you can see…” He gestures at the crowd of nurses and doctors. “We’re thrilled you’re returning to work. It hasn’t been the same without you.”

Monty did this for me, knowing how much I needed it.

The backs of my eyes ache as I glance at him over my shoulder.

Thank you, I mouth.

He nods, his expression severe. But I see the love in his gaze, a devotion so deep it nearly topples me.

After I catch up with my friends, Rhett guides Monty and me to his office, where the paperwork awaits. I take a seat, my heart still racing as Monty sits beside me.

“All right.” Rhett hands me a stack of forms. “Let’s get you set up.”

While I fill out the documents, Rhett steals glances at the guards in the hall.

“We need to talk about security.” Monty straightens the cuffs of his sleeves, his tone all business.

I look up from the forms, my anxiety surging again.

“I know about the stalker.” Rhett captures my gaze. “Monty explained the situation. We have protocols in place, but we’ll adjust them to allow your personal security detail to remain with you at all times.”

“How will that work? They can’t come into patient rooms with me.”

“No, but they can wait right outside the door like they’re doing now.” He looks at Monty. “I’ll make it my priority to ensure her safety.”

“As will my security team.”

“I don’t want to be a burden,” I mutter.

“Not at all. We’ll take care of everything,” Rhett says. “Just focus on getting back into the swing of things.”

As I make my way through the forms, Rhett and Monty step into the hall to discuss the logistics with the guards. They talk about shifts, security rotations, and the adjustments needed to ensure my safety without compromising patient care. It’s a lot to worry about, but I’m grateful for their thoroughness.

Finally, the paperwork is done.

“I think that’s everything.” Rhett stacks the documents into a folder. “I’ll add you into the rotation this week. Oh, and I’m heading to Seattle tomorrow.”

“Still traveling for the new cardiac program?” I ask. “How’s that coming along?”

“It’s going great.” His eyes sparkle. “But yeah, I’m out of town frequently to collaborate with other specialists and secure the necessary funding.”

“What kind of travel are we talking about?” Monty leans against the doorframe, arms folded across his chest.

“Mostly to major cities. I’ve been working closely with top hospitals in Seattle, San Francisco, and New York. They’re helping me develop protocols and training programs to bring our cardiac care to the next level.”

I nod, understanding the importance of his work. “I’m so happy for you, Rhett.”

“Thanks. I’m also considering partnerships with medical research institutions to conduct joint studies. That means more travel, but it’s necessary to ensure we provide the best care possible.”

“With all this travel, who manages things here in your absence?” Monty narrows his eyes.

---