Page 24 of Doctor’s Orders

ME: What does that mean?

BRAM: You were already in love with her when you came to my house a few weeks ago. For a smart guy, you’re kind of a dumbass.

ME: Always so supportive.

BRAM: What are you gonna do about it?

ME: Don’t suppose you have an extra engagement ring laying around?

BRAM: Give me half an hour.

I’m not even sure what that means, but Bram has ways. Sure enough, thirty minutes later, he softly knocks on my front door. Emma is standing behind him, all smiles. Then she shoves her husband out of the way and pulls me into a hug.

“I’m so happy for you. And so proud of you. You’re an amazing man, Graham, and you deserve to have a family of your own. I’m glad you finally realized that.” She ends her hug by giving me a smack on the side of my head.

“What was that for?” I ask.

“Your stubbornness.”

“Fair enough.” I nod. “Why did you come all the way to my house this late?”

“To bring you this,” Bram holds up a small ring box. “It probably won’t be what she wants, but it will do the job until she can pick out something better.”

I open the box and look down at the ring. Relief pours over me when I see that it’s not a ring I recognize. Meaning it’s not his dead wife’s ring. I was afraid of that for a moment.

It’s a delicate ring. The stones aren’t huge or showy. In a white metal, gold or platinum, I’m not sure. There’s filigree decorating the band and a center diamond flanked by sapphires. It’s beautiful.

“Where did you get it?”

“Madison’s shop. She always has rings and other jewelry.” Bram lifts a shoulder in a shrug. “Figured this would do in a pinch.”

“It’s perfect, man. Thanks.” I pull him into a hug. “Truly. Thank you.”

“Always got your back. You know that.” He steps back. “We should probably introduce the ladies to each other at some point so they can be friends.”

“Yes,” Emma says happily. “Someone new to hang out with. Do you know if she likes to go antiquating? This big buy isn’t too keen on it.”

“I still take you.”

“I know. And you don’t even complain. But you scowl at everyone around us.”

I chuckle. “That sounds about right. And I don’t know. But I’ll ask her. Or you can when y’all meet.”

Bran lifts his chin towards the house. “Her kids?”

“Yeah. Love them too. I guess maybe I’ve just been waiting for them this whole time.”

My best friend nods and pats me on the arm. “Let me know if you need any tips in the romance department.”

I roll my eyes, then step back into my house.

chapter

fourteen

Lizzie

I wake up, and for a moment I don’t know where I am. Then I realize I’m in Graham’s bed. The sun streaming in on the opposite side of the room lets me know that it’s definitely daylight. But Graham isn’t in the bed with me anymore. I glance at my phone and see the time and holy shit! I haven’t slept in this late since high school!