Page 50 of My Montana Valentine

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Craig interrupted him and turned toward Vivian. “It’s a big deal. He was on Portland’s morning show to talk about his story although”—he grinned—“he ended talking much more about a certain doctor in town than about the little boy.”

Before Vivian could react, someone touched her arm from behind, and pulling her hand from Aiden’s, she turned around.

Tommy was standing behind her with a huge bouquet of red roses in his hand. His mother was behind him, her eyes on her son.

“Hello, Tommy,” Vivian said softly. “Are these for me?”

Tommy seemed to be struck speechless. With a quick look in his mother’s direction, he handed Vivian the roses.

“They are beautiful. Thank you, Tommy,” Vivian said, inhaling the smell. “And they smell so good.”

“I’m glad you like them. He said”—Tommy pointed at Aiden—“you’ll like them. ’Cause it’s Valentine’s Day, and I…” He took a step closer and small arms folded around her neck. “Thank you for fixing my arm,” he whispered.

The lump in her throat prevented Vivian from speaking so she hugged the little boy back. “Thank you, Tommy,” she finally got out.

The little boy beamed. “Can I go now, Mom?”

Everybody laughed, and with a wave, Tommy turned around and sped away.

Vivian got up and crossed over to the mother. “Thank you so much, Mrs. Williams. It really wasn’t necessary for the huge bunch of roses; I was just doing my job.”

The woman smiled, her eyes bright with tears. “You were so wonderful with him; he wants to be a doctor ‘just like Doctor Vivian’ he tells me. And I didn’t pay for the roses.” She grinned, motioning with her head in Aiden’s direction. “I think a certain visitor had something to do with it.”

Aiden shook his head. “Not me. The transaction was between Tommy and Risa from the flower shop.”

“Thank you for putting Tommy’s story in the paper,” Tommy’s mom said to Aiden. “It’s beautifully written.”

“He’s a very special little boy; it was my pleasure,” Aiden said.

“Well, enjoy the rest of your evening.” Tommy’s mom smiled before she left.

Annie and a sullen Mitch danced past them. “Tell them about your house,” Annie called out.

Vivian could cheerfully throttle her own sister at this point.

“What house?” Riley asked as Vivian and Aiden sat down again.

“My appointment at the hospital is temporary. I’ve been thinking of having my own office where I can see patients. I love working with children, and hopefully, this way I’ll be able to do that. So I’ve been looking for a place where I can live and have my office.”

“It sounds as if you’ve found it?” Riley asked.

Vivian nodded, aware of Aiden’s eyes on her. “It’s near Annie’s house, which is good, but it’s not in a good condition… Actually, it needs a lot of TLC and money, but it just looked like my house when I saw it the first time.”

“I’d love to see it.” Riley smiled. “Maybe tomorrow morning before we leave?”

Leave. Were all of them leaving? Or would Aiden be staying? Swallowing against the huge lump forming in her throat, Vivian nodded.

The band moved on to a slow song, and Aiden got up. He held out his hand to Vivian. “Wanna dance?”

Shakily, she nodded and took his hand. The heated look in his eyes was enough to melt her on the spot. With her heart in her throat, she got up and followed him. His hand was familiar and warm. He was leaving tomorrow, she had to remember that.

On the floor, he pulled her close. “You look stunning. I’m trying my best to behave, but”—his eyes darkened—“damn, woman, you’re killing me.”

The warmth of his breath caressed her cheek as his words heated her blood. For a few milliseconds, her heart still bounced around aimlessly before it settled back in place. Her hands found their way around his neck, and with a sigh, she put her head against his chest.

Spinning, spinning,crooned the singer as they danced. The chatter of the people around them faded away. Her whole being was focused on the man who was holding her so tightly and on the lyrics of the song.

’Cause when you’re home, I’m home…

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