3
Smiling up at her, I answer. “Yeah, Doc, a date.” She seems to have lost her ability to speak again, which I find somewhat adorable.
I hand her a piece of paper with my number.
“Call me or text me once you’ve thought about it, but you better get to your appointments, Doc.
I wouldn’t want to make you behind on your day.
” She nods and enters the exam room where Kierstie is waiting.
I don’t know what it is about her. It’s more than just how beautiful she is.
She has a warmth and kindness about her.
Like it’s not an act, but just who she is on the inside, in her soul.
That calls to me, and it’s something I feel a desire and a need to explore.
I haven’t felt this pull to someone since Sarah, and that was thirty years ago.
Just a few minutes pass when the door opens, and Kimbra comes out and nods in my direction as she heads to Madison’s room.
I reach out and grab her hand as she passes me.
“I’m taking Kierstie home. Call or text me when you’re off, Doc.
” I can tell she wants to say something, but she bites her tongue and nods.
I let her hand go, and she walks to the other room, knocking once before opening it and stepping inside.
A door opens and closes. I turn and see Kierstie looking at me like she’s trying to study me or some shit.
“What?” I stand up. “You ready to go?” Kierstie nods but tilts her head, and I know something is going to come out of her mouth that I probably don’t want to hear.
I may not have spent a lifetime with her and her siblings, but being around them these last couple of years has taught me plenty.
One of those things is that nothing is off-limits to her and most of her siblings.
I reach the door to the lobby and open it for Kierstie.
She walks through and can’t keep her mouth shut anymore.
“You know the walls in this place aren’t that thick, and I heard what you said to Doc.
” I look down at her and wait for her to continue.
“I think you’d be good for her, but you’ve got an uphill battle with that one.
We’ve been trying to get her to come to a family day for over a year.
She’s a little skittish, but she’s good people.
I’m on your side in this and will help ya in any way I can.
I know Jane feels the same, Madison, too.
” I don’t say anything back because what the hell is there to say?
We get to my truck, and I open the door for Kierstie.
Before she gets inside, she looks at me.
“You know, my ma always says two things. The first is that a person is never too old to find the love of their life, and the second is that a person can always find it in them to love more people. Family is who we decide it to be, not what’s determined by DNA. ”
She gets in, and I close her door. I walk to my side of the truck, thinking about what she just told me.
The ride back to her place is surprisingly quiet.
When I pull up to her place, park, and get out, I go around and open her door for her.
She gets down and looks up at me. “You realize what I meant by telling you that?” When I don’t say anything, she gives me a playful shove on my shoulder.
“It means you’re more than just Jane and Logan’s uncle.
You’re family to all of us. If you want to pursue something with Doctor Hargrave, we’re all gonna support ya and would love to include her in our family, too.
You’re both good people who deserve happiness.
Now, I’m gonna go inside and hug my babies and my hubby.
I happen to know that the dear doctor is without her kids tonight, and I also know that on this piece of paper here is her number.
Use it and take that first step. She deserves a good guy, and I know you’re one. ”
She hands me a piece of paper and walks toward her front door.
I go to follow her, but she turns and holds out her hand to stop me.
“Get goin’, mister. You got wooing plans to figure out.
” I’m about to argue with her about safety and all when the front door opens, and Shane steps out.
He gives me a chin lift, and I give one in return before I head back to my truck.
I start the truck but don’t put it into gear.
Instead, I open up the piece of paper and stare at her number.
It’s been decades since I romanced a woman, and I can honestly say I barely romanced Sarah all those years ago.
We were young, horny, and both fell in love hard and fast. I’d like to think that if she had lived, I would have romanced her, eventually.
The guilt that used to overwhelm me whenever I thought of Sarah has lessened significantly over the years, but a little still tugs at me.
She would’ve had a longer life and maybe even been able to be a mom had she not totally embraced me and the club as she had.
I know this club ain’t anything like the Sangre Devils.
Even back then, we weren’t exactly living within the law.
I know Kimbra has kids and that it’s a package deal with her. I’m actually looking forward to getting to know her in every way I can. I know this ain’t gonna be just roses and wining and dining her. I’m gonna have to get a little creative. Time to start figuring out a plan.