“Ha,” KT says.
When we reach the ER, it’s quiet, and they take KT back right away. Levi hangs in the waiting room while I get KT settled.
A nurse takes all the information, then leaves.
“You can go,” KT says. “I don’t want to hold you up from Levi’s family.”
“It’s okay. I’ll just wait to hear what the doctor says.”
“No, really,” she says meeting my gaze deliberately. “You can go.”
She gives a little side-eye toward the nurse’s station, where the nurse who was just here speaks to a doctor in blue scrubs. He’s sandy-blond, square-jawed, and fit.
“Isn’t he a little too pretty for you?” I ask, knowing KT usually goes for rough-around-the-edges types, though she hasn’t gone for anyone since she’s been in Wildfire.
“After six months with no sex? No, he’s not too pretty. Now get out of here before Chloe comes. And tell her to wait outside for me.”
I shake my head. If KT’s well enough to think about flirting with the handsome doctor, I suppose it’s safe to leave her with the blond version of Doctor McDreamy. “Okay. Have Chloe call me when they figure you out.”
“That could take years.”
I laugh. “Maybe we can all go to Santa Barbara tomorrow together.”
“Sure, whatever,” KT says as the doctor approaches. “Get out.”
I turn and almost bump into the doctor. I don’t recognize him as a local, but I definitely see why KT would be interested. “Excuse me, sorry.”
“I don’t mean to run you out,” he says, his voice deep and smooth. He’s definitely got charisma. “You’re welcome to stay.”
I glance at KT, who’s giving me a very clear don’t-you-dare stare, and smile at the doctor. “No, I think she’s in good hands. Thank you.”
As I make my way toward the exit, I hear the doctor say, “Ms. Rivers, I’m Doctor Latham. KT?” he says with curiosity. “Are those initials from you first and middle name or is KT your given name?”
I’m chuckling as I exit the ER, and link arms with Levi and smile as we make our way to his truck.
“She wouldn’t let me stay,” I tell him. “Wants to flirt with the doctor.”
“That’s a good sign.”
“Not so sure. The first thing he asked was about her name.”
“Ah.” He grins before he steps back and closes my door.
KT doesn’t like to go into why she went by the initials, and when KT doesn’t like something, no one can be as stubborn as that woman. It had taken Chloe and me years to get her to fess up, and the only reason Levi knew was because I told him. It will be interesting to find out if KT tells the handsome doctor her given name.
Levi slides behind the driver’s seat and leans over to kiss me. “Hi.”
I smile. “Hi.”
Everything seems to make me smile nowadays, but especially Levi. Our relationship has grown and deepened, allowing us both to release residual uncertainty, which has made our relationship stronger than I thought a relationship could ever be.
But I’m still worried about KT’s arm, and I text Chloe on the way to Levi’s parents. Then I’m swept up into the Asher family madness, and it’s tough to think about much else. There are three new babies having their first Christmases and six others wound up and spinning like tops. It amazes me how I’ve become accustomed to the commotion. How we can carry on full conversations while the kids are going crazy, but somehow, it all works.
The adults sit around the big living room while the kids take turns unwrapping presents. Chloe texts to tell me KT got stitches and they’re back at the marina, safe and sound.
When I look up from the text, I’m overwhelmed, yet again, by the crowd and chaos. “Man, you’ve got a big family.”
“We have a big family.”