Page 11 of Blessings in Disguise

“But emotionally he could hurt you.”

Harlan gave Caleb a knowing look. “He already has.”

* * *

Caleb came to the door of Gemma’s office after his meeting with Harlan. Her first glimpse of him in a T-shirt made her take note.The blue matched his eyes and stretched against his shoulders, showing the breadth of them.

She said, “Hey, there.”

“Hi.”

“Another hard session?”

“Yeah, but a productive one.” He motioned to his clothes. “I’m ready to go.”

“Me too.” She’d changed into a summer top and shorts and sneakers.

“Let’s do it.”

“How was the session with Harlan?” she asked as they stepped out of her office and she locked her door.

“I prepared myself for seeing him so it wasn’t as depleting as the last time.”

“I do that too, so I know what you mean.”

They walked to the front of the mental health building and took the few steps to outside. “Gemma, did you know that he draws? He’s got a book full of sketches.”

“I didn’t know that. But lucky you. They could be a roadmap to his feelings.”

“They are.” Caleb sighed. “Let’s not talk about him the whole time. Okay?”

“Of course. As long as you know if his physical safety is at risk, you have to alert Jackson.”

“I know that from my practice.”

She smiled and linked her arm though his. “Let’s not use the track. I’d rather run around the campus. The grounds are so pretty.”

“Sure.”

The wind picked up as they started out and in her peripheral view, she saw how the sun highlighted the blond strands in his hair. The air was warm so they fell into a slow jog down a pathway that led to the open area on the campus.

“How’s Maisy today?” she asked. “Jackson told me what happened when she went to the doctor.”

“She’s fine. They heard the baby’s heartbeat at the doctor’s office so there’s nothing to worry about.”

“I’m glad to hear that. They went through so much to be together.”

“True love is never easy.”

“Well, you can’t see them together and miss how much they love each other.”

He chuckled. “I did some counseling with the two of them the night before Diego and Annie’s wedding. They were in love long before they admitted it. I helped facilitate a discussion that was overdue.”

“You must be very good at your job.”

“Lots of practice.”

She didn’t ask him to elaborate.

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