Page 15 of Healing Hazel
“Thanks,” I said, pulling the gloves on and instantly appreciating the warmth they provided. “You better hope Moira’s baby is a girl because if Georgie hears you calling me that, he’s gonna be sad.”
“Naw, he’s made of strong Montana stock. Even if he winds up the only boy with a dozen sisters, he’ll protect them with his life. Oh, and Derek said we need to talk.”
“Did he now?”
“Yep, and when Derek suggests a meeting?—”
“You don’t show up late.”
“Exactly! Breakfast tomorrow in the café. He’s already checked with Quincy to make sure any patients who can’t be taken care of by him are rescheduled for later in the day.”
That had me giving my brother a long look. I wasn’t actually surprised he’d found me on the side of the road. I figured Tiago wasn’t as silent as I’d thought. Hearing Lawson had spoken to Derek didn’t come as a shock either. The people of Rawhide were individuals but they were first and foremost a community. But involving Quincy meant that whatever subject Derek wanted to discuss wasn’t one that could just be chatted over and considered done. Still, I nodded. “Okay, thanks. See you in the morning.”
“Sounds good, night, Nigel.”
I waited until he’d made a U-turn and headed back the way he’d come before I reached into my coat pocket to pull out my phone.
Robyn—I won’t be down for breakfast in the morning. Since I’m your only guest till the weekend, I say take advantage and let your rooster make you crow. Nigel
I’d taken only a dozen steps before my phone dinged.
Cock-a-doodle-do!!! Love, Robyn.
My grin was brief as I sent another text.
Hazel, I just want you to know that no matter what, I’ve got you—forever and always. Yours, Nigel.
Only then was I able to start walking again, knowing that truer words had never been spoken. Even if she decided againstcontinuing with me, all she’d ever have to do is call my name and I’d be there for her until the day I died.
Chapter Six
Hazel
Hazel, I just want you to know that no matter what, I’ve got you—forever and always. Yours, Nigel.
If I’d read his text once, I’d read it a thousand times since it had come in last night. While it caused a surge of hope to flair the first read through, perhaps that was only because I’d been so absolutely sure I’d walked away from the best thing that had ever happened to me. But with each subsequent read, doubts began to creep back in.
Hazel.
The fact he’d used my name was the first clue. If he’d addressed it to Zellie, it would mean… well, to be honest, I wasn’t sure what, but I would have felt better if reading the name he’d begun calling me within a few weeks of our dating.
But you’re not a Zellie. That’s a sweet nickname for a Little, and you’re?—
“I know! I don’t need you to constantly remind me I’m just a Hazel!” A Hazel who evidently had no problem practicallyshouting at a voice that had no existence except for inside her head. Forcing that truth aside, I’d concentrated on the next words of the text which didn’t offer me much solace either.
No matter what…
What exactly did that mean? It actually told me nothing. Hell, I didn’t even know if he’d stuck around long enough for Sadie to pop his fantasy bubble or if she’d just sat there with a blank look because she had no clue what I’d meant for her to convey. Hadn’t Brooke reminded me that men weren’t mind readers? That also applied to women, right? So why in the world I’d expected Sadie to read mine and know exactly what I wanted her to say was ridiculous. I’d begun at least a dozen texts—none to Nigel—but that hadn’t really mattered as I’d not actually sent those I’d written to Sadie either. I’d started this fiasco and no matter how I regretted doing so, I was also the only one who could clear it up.
All of this played in a loop in my head, again and again as I drove. The only reason I hadn’t made this same drive the night before was because I’d had trouble seeing the road. Not because I needed glasses or because it was dark. The days were growing shorter as winter approached, but that also meant the moon came out sooner. It hung low in the sky, illuminating the landscape from its place against a stunning midnight-blue backdrop. My view was restricted by the constant blinking required to stop the tears that seemed determined to fall. By the time I’d made it home, I could no longer keep them at bay and had simply set them free.
I knew that Nigel not only woke far earlier than most people, but while the majority of us chose to gradually come awake with a jolt of caffeine, he exchanged snuggling in his warm bed for actually running through the cold air. And not just a little jog around the block either. No, Dr. Berringer’s day began with a ten-mile run. I’d not known him to miss a single day, even thosewhen he’d awakened in my double bed. He also never failed to ask me if I’d like to come with him and I’d never failed to roll my eyes as I rolled over and fell back to sleep like a normal person.
I was counting on the fact he wouldn’t miss today either. As I turned off the main road from Porter’s Corner, I slowed after the first rise as I approached the gate. Once the gate began to open after the electronic eye read the sticker on my windshield, I began scanning the road ahead of me for Nigel. I actually had no clue what route he took but figured that since the B&B was the first building one came across when entering Rawhide Ridge, there was a good chance I’d find him pounding the pavement.
Despite the logic of my plan, the only thing I saw even close to the road was a deer who stepped out of the trees. I was very grateful she didn’t dash out into my path, or perhaps she had sense to return to her own bed in the forest. I topped the rise and saw Robyn’s Nest on my right. Its yellow façade reminded me of the sun, welcoming visitors to another beautiful day in Montana. I pulled into the drive and then realized that mine was the only car in sight. I double checked the time and confirmed it was indeed early. Nigel couldn’t be out running, not if his truck was missing.
A list of expectant mothers ran through my head as babies were notorious for choosing to arrive in the middle of the night, but as far as I was aware, none of our patients were close enough for that to be a possibility. Add in the fact that Robyn’s car was also gone told me she wasn’t inside preparing breakfast for her guests either. I debated what to do and finally threw logic out the window and climbed out of my car. My knocks went unanswered which wasn’t a surprise but still left me feeling adrift. I had a couple of hours to kill before I reported for work and didn’t know how to fill them. When standing on the porch of the B&B didn’t provide any answers, I returned to my car. I could always gohome, but that just seemed sad. Instead, I decided to go to the one place I knew I wouldn’t be alone.
