Page 125 of Jagger

“Okay, you two. Save it for later. We have doors to open and a party to host,” Esme said from behind us.

Laughing, I bit Jagger’s lower lip before turning around. The fact she had her hand over Cally’s eyes made me laugh. “She’s seen us kiss before.”

“Yeah, Auntie Esme. I’m a big girl,” Cally blurted out and ceremoniously removed Esme’s hand.

Woof. Woof.

“See, Xena is in agreement. We have five minutes. Hopefully, we have a huge crowd waiting to join us. We have plenty of drinks and cookies as well.” I winked at my friend and fluffed up the fresh flowers I’d brought just this morning. I’d enjoyed painting and purchasing new pictures for the clinic. But mostly, everything else would stay the same. Including the two employees. And Doc Welby promised to be around if I had any questions.

This would take some getting used to, but I was excited and eager.

“Did you hear?” Esme asked as he moved closer, trying to keep her voice low.

“Hear what? I don’t watch or read the news any longer.”

“You should have. Joel’s no longer performing surgeries. The medical board revoked his license. I guess he botched a few and was caught doing plastic surgery. Can you imagine? And that’s the least of his worries.”

I darted a glance in her direction. “Well, I won’t wish ill will on the man.”

She planted her hands on her hips. “Oh, come on.”

“Okay, remember that conversation we had weeks ago at your place? I might take you up on calling that cousin of yours.”

We both laughed. Joel definitely wasn’t worth it.

“Now, how long are you staying?” I asked.

Esme shrugged. I could tell the woman had something up her sleeve. “Well… It depends on if I get the job at the resort or not.” She sucked in and puffed out her cheeks as she waited for my response.

“Oh, my God. You’ll get it. His brother Hunter is supposed to be here any minute. I’ll introduce you. You will adore the resort. I know you will.”

“Brother, eh?” She licked her lips. “Honey, if he looks like that gorgeous man, I will never leave.”

“Don’t get any ideas. No fraternizing with the hired help.”

“Oh, come on. Don’t want to be my sister-in-law?” She batted her eyelashes.

“We’re not getting married.”

“You are if the looks that man gives you are any indication.”

“No girl talking over there,” Jagger piped in. He was pretending to be grumpy, but I could tell how happy he was.

I gave him a watchful eye anyway.

The door was opened and Denise burst in with Hunter and Shephard in tow. In her arms was a huge bouquet of roses.

“To the great new doctor in town.” Denise pushed them forward, immediately motioning for Shephard. “Take a picture.”

For the next couple of minutes, photographs were taken of the monumental occasion, the precious time reminding me of what families were supposed to be like.

While they were still talking, I decided to allow any guests who’d showed up to come in and see the place.

I’d invited about thirty people and almost all had said they’d come. I was eager to get my practice started and it seemed like the best way to do so.

When I walked out onto the porch, a few things struck me, including how beautiful the flowers were that Jagger had hunted down, going to several stores in and around Danger Falls. Pansies. They would survive the early January cold.

The second was just how perfect the day was. It was cold, but there wasn’t a cloud in the sky.

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