Page 70 of Finding Home

“But you don’t have a crush on him anymore?”Her tone was playful yet protective.

“I’m crushing hard on your brother, and only your brother.”

“Good. You make him happy. Keep it up.”

Nat finished her guided tour. The experience was reminiscent of Lizzie’s walk around Pemberley, seeing the little things that made Darcy who he was. Elle was seeing the things that had formed Clayton into the wonderful man he was, and she tumbled further into feelings for him.

Noah called them in from the deck for dinner. Clayton’s mom’s favorite holiday was Thanksgiving, so every year for her birthday they did a mini version of a traditional feast.Sliced roasted turkey breast, bowls of honey-glazed carrots and red mashed potatoes, platters of roasted squash, cornbread dressing, and dinner rolls covered the table. The savory scent of the dishes enticed Elle. It would be a struggle finding the balance of being a good guest and not overindulging.

After an introduction to Noah’s dad, Scott, and a very formal handshake reunion with Dr. Owens, Elle sat between Clayton and Nat, their parents sat at the opposite heads of the table. Noah across from Nat, beside his parents.

“Eleanor, I forgot to thank you for the Magic Bars. Very thoughtful,”Dr. Owens said between bites of cornbread dressing.

“Honey, she goes by Elle,” Heidi corrected with a warm smile.

“It’s okay.” Elle looked back and forth between them. “I only hope they are half as good as your turkey.”

“Thank you.” His blue eyes sparkled with pride.

“My aunt says to hold on to a man who can cook. No wonder you two have been married for so long.” Elle said and then winced wondering if it was an appropriate thing to say. The whoosh of laughter from Clayton’s mom eased her fear.

“You know, Chris taught Clayton to cook. He’s quite good, just like his father.” She winked at her son.

“I know.” Elle blushed.

Lively conversation crisscrossed the table. Clayton, his mom, and Maura discussed book club. Both women gushed when Clayton shared that he and Elle were reading that month’s book together. Noah and Nat went back and forth, teasing each other about her bad cooking and his obsession with puppy videos. Clayton’s dad sat quietly as Scott went on about all the things he was doing now that he was retired.

“You must be excited that Nat will be done with her residency next May,” Scott said, forking up a bite of carrots.

“We’re very proud.” Heidi grinned at her daughter.

“You’ll finally be able to retire, thanks to Nat,” Scott said.

Clayton gripped his fork tight, jaw clenched.

“Medical school can be a lot. It’s not for everyone.”Dr. Owens’ gaze flitted between both his children.

“Some people choose different paths,” Heidi said, her tone sweet on the surface but the narrowed eyes aimed at her husband held an undercurrent of indignation.

Elle’s gaze was fixed on Clayton’s right forearm, the fingers of his left hand traced the outline of the paw print tattoo. As if each caress of inked skin anchored him to the path he’d chosen.

His path. The right path.

Looking up, Elle cleared her throat. “I work with some of the best doctors in the country. I’m amazed by anyone that goes into the medical field helping others just like Dr. Owens, Nat, and Clayton. It takes a certain kind of person to give so much of themselves to heal others.”

"Clayton didn’t go to medical school,” Dr. Owens cleared his throat and stared at his son.

“He’s a doctor, though. He cares for his patients, just like Nat or you. Some may argue that in a town with more cows than people vet trumps human doctor.” Her hazel eyes narrowed into not quite a glare, but glare-adjacent at Dr. Owens.Not to mention he’s qualified to care for multiple species, not just homo sapiens.The thought danced in her head, but she bit her lip to hold it inside.

Forks paused halfway to mouths, eyes widened, smiles tightened, and hands clenched napkins. A strange tension engulfed the table with her words. Clayton’s hand left Elle’s lap. An icy shiver ripped through her body at the loss of his touch.

Dr. Owens lips were drawn in a firm line, his stare fixed on Elle.

“Who wants coffee and pie?” Heidi interrupted the silent standoff between Elle and her husband. A bit of desperation quavered in her voice as she changed the topic.

After helping with cleanup, Elle left the family downstairs and sought the safety of the closed bathroom door before releasing the bubbling over anger.How fucking dare he not see his son?Her blood boiled. She’d take back every nice thing she’d said about Dr. Owens and his stupid bow ties over the years. Clayton wasn’t a man to be found lacking; he was the man all men should be measured against. Sure, not everyone could go to medical school, but nobody could be Clayton with his quiet thoughtfulness, patience, kind heart, musical laughter, loving strength, and so many other attributes that she adored and could spend weeks listing.

Splashing cold water against her face, she washed away the lingering irritation. With a long exhale, she opened the door, finding Clayton standing there, his face unreadable.

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