Page 111 of Valor

“I do. And as it happens, that’s how I’m hoping to spend a summer, too.”

The color of her cheeks deepens, and she smiles.

The waiter drops off some bread in front of us, then sets two glasses of water on the table before darting off again.

“Do you not like working at the hospital? Aside from the stress, I mean.”

“It’s just less personal than I’d like. I know I’m helping, and I’m so grateful for that, but I like to help people heal the reasonbehindtheir ailments. Treat the person, not the symptoms. At the hospital, you’re trying to help quickly and move them on their way. Target what’s currently bothering them. Most of the time, I don’t get to spend more than an hour total with someone before they’re discharged.”

“That’s got to be hard.”

“I know some doctors prefer that, and that’s great for them, I just really want to get back to why I got into medicine in the first place.”

“You’re just needing to find a replacement for Janet until she’s back?”

I nod. “Everyone we call to bring in cancels on us. It’s the weirdest thing. I haven’t been able to interview a single doctor. Even ones who are looking for residencies.”

“That is strange.”

She nods. “But it’ll all work out. Eventually. How about you? You’re already the town sheriff now. What’s next for Gibson Lawson?”

“Career-wise? Nothing. I like where I am and have no interest in doing anything else.”

“No?”

I shake my head. “I used to think I wanted to move to a big city so I’d have a more active career, but I love Pine Creek. And keeping the place I love safe—even if it doesn’t tend to attract trouble—is what I want to do until the day I hang my badge up.”

Lani smiles tenderly. “That is wonderful. And since I also don’t want to leave Pine Creek, I have to say I’m grateful to know you don’t either.”

“It is a pretty great coincidence that neither of us wants to leave.”

“I would agree with that, Sheriff.”

The waiter breezes back to the table. “Have you decided what you would like?” he asks.

My gaze never leaves Lani. “Absolutely.”

LANI

Dinner was lovely,and my heart is absolutely full.

Gibson drove us back to Pine Creek, but instead of taking me home, he’d stopped off at the park in the center of town. The same one we’d frequent when we were kids. We’ve been walking together, with me barefoot and him holding my shoes, for the last fifteen minutes.

I never want this night to end.

“Have I told you that you look beautiful?” Gibson asks, his gaze glittering in the moonlight. Gone is the awkwardness of earlier, replaced by the warmth of a first date that was so long overdue.

My cheeks heat, and I smile. “Only about a dozen times.”

“It still doesn’t seem to be enough,” he says, then reaches down to take my hand, weaving his fingers through mine. Warmth spreads through me from the touch, and I’m captivated by the moment.

In the quiet darkness, I fall even more in love with the man I’ve wanted my entire life.

What could ever spoil this moment?

Gibson stops walking, and I turn to face him. Since our height difference puts him a good foot above me, I tilt my face up to stare into his eyes.

He reaches forward and brushes a strand of hair from my face. “I don’t know how to say this without scaring you.”

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