“No, that’s not what I meant. I think it’s time I strike out on my own a little more. I’ll always be close to my family, and I’ll want to visit them often—but I think I should follow Molly’s example and move away for a while. I think it would be good for me.”
“So…where?”
“I could be very happy in this area,” he admitted. “I love it here. Maybe we could set up a small practice here in East Tennessee.”
“I love it here, too. I always have. Of course, we both still have family here, so it’s not like we’d be totally separated from them.”
“That’s not such a bad thing, either. At least we won’t be right in the middle of my whole clan. We’ll have room to breathe, freedom to establish our own routines and boundaries.”
“I like the sound of that.”
“So do I. It’ll be a challenge, of course. Starting a new practice is going to be expensive and risky. It’s going to be a while before we see much profit.”
“I’ve always enjoyed a challenge.”
He chuckled. “So have I. Maybe that’s why I was drawn so strongly to you.”
“Mmm. So…what will it be? Lofton and Walker? Or Walker and Lofton?”
“So you’re keeping your maiden name? After we’re married, I mean? That’s fine with me, if it’s what you want, I’m just—”
“Wait a minute.” She lifted her head, staring at him. “We’re getting married?”
“Sooner or later,” he said with a grin. “I’d prefer sooner, but I’ll settle for however long it takes me to convince you. I’m interested in much more than a business partnership with you, Natalie. I want it all. I love you.”
“Oh.”
Her rational, logical mind immediately filled with all the reasons they shouldn’t be talking about this yet. It was too soon. They hadn’t known each other long enough. They should probably work together for a while, maybe live together to make sure it would all work out.
But when it came right down to it, there was only one thing that really mattered. “I love you, too.”
Casey drew her upward to seal that sentiment with a long, thorough kiss.
She decided to worry about the details later. The new Natalie wasn’t ruled by doubts and fears and other people’s expectations. She went after what she wanted without hesitation. And she very much wanted the life she and Casey had just envisioned together.
Out on the warm, soft hearth rug, Buddy sighed contentedly and settled in for a cozy winter’s night sleep.