Page 34 of The Secrets We Built Together

I ran a hand through my hair, the stress I'd been trying to ignore bubbling up. "I know. It's fast. But the demand is already there and I’ve had hospital and clinic directors contacting me to see what our capacity is going to be. People in this region have been driving two hours each way for decent PT services. There’s nowhere else in this state that offers what we’re offering here. Turning people away is something none of us like, and personally, asking them to sit on a waiting list that’s years long doesn’t feel great either."

"I understand the need," Billie said carefully, "but rushing can lead to mistakes. The equipment alone takes six to eight weeks for delivery, not to mention installation."

"We've expedited the orders," I replied. "Paid extra for priority shipping."

Billie's skeptical look mirrored my own internal doubts. "And the staff? You mentioned needing mental health professionals too."

"I have interviews lined up for next week," I said, the words sounding hollow even to my own ears. The truth was we were pushing too hard, too fast, and I knew it. "But I'm concerned about finding the right people in time. Quality shouldn't be sacrificed for speed."

"You sound like you're trying to convince yourself more than me," Billie observed. She set down the folder and leaned forward. "Look, I'm excited about this project. I believe in what you and Booker are trying to do. But you're setting yourselves up for burnout before you even start if you try to meet these deadlines."

I sighed heavily, acknowledging the truth in her words. "I know. But Booker's so invested in this timeline, and the early bookings—"

"Will still be there if you open a month later with everything properly in place," she finished for me. "You're a doctor, Xander. Would you rush a patient's treatment just because the waiting room was full?"

"Of course not," I said firmly.

"Then don't rush this either. Do it right."

We fell into reminiscing for a bit, catching up on the years since she'd left Willowbrook. We talked about her aunt, Mrs. Schulster, the formidable eighth-grade teacher who'd terrorized generations of Willowbrook children, including all of the Farrington boys.

"How is she? Still have that weird dog?" I asked.

"Titus? Oh yeah. That dog is immortal, I swear. I thought you'd been back in town for a while."

"I've been keeping to myself mostly. Figuring some stuff out." I shrugged as I evaded the real question and I could see Billietrying to put the pieces together in her head. The fact that she didn't try and pry reassured me that she was the perfect addition to the team we were putting together.

We wrapped up the paperwork, and as Billie gathered her things, she fixed me with a thoughtful look. "Are you planning to extend your practice into town? Willowbrook could really use a full-time doctor."

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. It was a question I'd been asking myself a lot lately. The town desperately needed medical care beyond what they currently had. The closest hospital was an hour away, and the only doctor in town had retired meaning everyone now had to travel to the next town over. I knew I should say yes, that it was the right thing to do, but something was holding me back.

"I don't know," I admitted. "I'm focusing on the rehab center for now. With how quickly everything's moving, I'm not sure I could take on anything else without dropping the ball somewhere."

Billie studied me for a moment, something knowing in her eyes. "You know, Xander, it's not selfish to make choices that serve you. It's not selfish to choose what makes you happy."

"Even if other people need me?" I asked quietly.

"Especially then," she said firmly. "Because you can't help anyone if you're running on empty." She shouldered her bag and headed for the door. "Think about it. But don't do it just because you think you should."

I nodded, her words hitting closer to home than I wanted to admit. I'd spent most of my life doing what I thought I should, being who I thought I should be. Look where that had gotten me.

As she walked out, I checked my phone again. This time, there was a missed call from Blake. A confusing feeling surged to life in my chest as I stared at her name on the screen.

How did I feel about her? The question rose unbidden in my mind, encouraged by Booker's teasing and Billie's advice. Did I have feelings for Blake beyond wanting to help her? Yes, I was attracted to her, but was it already so much more than that? Was that why I'd proposed this crazy scheme?

I pushed the thoughts away with a shake of my head. It didn't matter right now. We had time to figure it all out. The important thing was helping her keep Amelia. Everything else could wait.

I pressed the call button, my heart still doing that strange flip as it rang. I didn't even want to think about the smile that spread across my lips at the sound of her voice.

I was in so much trouble.

Chapter 14

Blake

Ipaced back and forth on Delaney's porch, stopping to peer down the driveway every few steps on the lookout for Xander's truck. Every minute felt like an hour. Surely the fact that I was so nervous about this was evidence that we were doing something wrong. I kept rehearsing what I was going to say to the others who were waiting inside, but the words sounded ridiculous even in my head.

Hey everyone, Xander and I are engaged! No, we haven't been secretly dating. Yes, we're doing this so I can keep my niece. Surprise!

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