The Doctor's Return

by Narelle Atkins

Luke nodded. “I’m happy with the result. Modern but not over-the-top with too much color.”

  “But not too bland or beige, either.” Her toes curled into the soft carpet underfoot as she toured the formal living areas.

  He glanced at his watch. “I have something special to show you on the veranda.”

  “Sounds fun.”

  They returned to the front door and she slipped her heels back on her feet. Luke had mentioned dinner plans, and she wondered which restaurant he had in mind. Her sapphire bracelet glittered in the late-afternoon sunlight, a reminder of his generosity and the depth of his feelings for her.

  Megan held Luke’s hand and they strolled along the wide deck that wrapped around the house. Sweeping views over the town and mountains stole her breath. She could sit out here all day, admiring the incredible view.

  “Unfortunately we will miss the sunset from this side, but it will be cool in summer and pick up the mountain breezes.”

  “True.” The polished wooden decking gleamed underfoot. She rounded the corner and gasped. A white-linen-covered table for two was set up overlooking the mountains. Candles stood in the center of a pretty floral arrangement of miniature champagne roses.

  “Oh, Luke, you didn’t tell me we were having dinner here.”

  He gave her an indulgent smile. “Our dinner should arrive any minute.”

  “Really? What did you order?”

  “Your favorites. I did my homework, and asked Kate and Jack for advice so I wouldn’t get it wrong.”

  “They know about your plans?”

  “And were sworn to secrecy.” He pulled out a chair, helped her into her seat and sat in the chair beside her. He rolled up the sleeves of his shirt and poured two glasses of iced water.

  She smoothed the long skirt of her navy blue dress over her legs, her curiosity piqued. A delivery van cruised up the drive, the Snowgum Creek Italian Restaurant logo on the door. Two waiters alighted from the vehicle, and assembled a trolley similar to the ones used for room service in hotels. A number of covered dinner plates were placed on the top and bottom levels of the four-wheel trolley.

  “Wow, are we having silver service?”

  “Only the best for my girl, and they’ll be back in an hour with dessert.”

  She widened her eyes. “Tiramisu and gelato?”

  “Of course. I told you I did my research.”

  Luke greeted the waiters, who brought the trolley to a halt beside their table.

  A waiter placed a linen napkin on her lap, and slid a covered dinner plate on the table in front of her.

  Luke smiled. “I took the liberty of skipping the starters, since their servings are generous. I ordered garlic bread and a side salad with balsamic vinaigrette.”

  “Sounds wonderful.”

  The waiters left and Luke reached for her hand. “Lord, thank You for this food, great company and my new house. Amen.”

  “Amen.” She uncovered her plate, inhaling the delicious aroma of tomato and fresh herbs. “Vegetarian lasagna. I love this dish.”

  He lifted the stainless-steel lid off his plate, revealing a large serving of beef lasagna. “They do the best lasagna in town.”

  She savored the al dente pasta, enjoying the mushrooms, spinach and carrots in a rich tomato sauce.

  “What’s the verdict?” he asked.

  “Delicious, as usual. I didn’t know they home-delivered silver service.”

  “They don’t.” His eyes twinkled. “I called in a few favors, being a regular customer and prepared to pay for the additional services.”

  “I’m impressed.” She picked at the green salad. “The ingredients are fresh and taste really good.”

  They chatted during their meal, enjoying the twilight falling over the mountains. She nibbled on the crunchy garlic bread, a perfect complement to the lasagna.

  He placed his cutlery on his empty plate. “I wanted you to be the first person to share a meal here with me.”

  Her heart warmed. “This is really special, and you’ve gone to so much trouble.”

  He chuckled. “I have to compensate for the fact I can’t cook.”

  Megan ate her last mouthful of lasagna. “There had to be something I can do better than you.”

  “You do lot of things better than me, like cycling.”

  She shrugged. “If you worked a little bit harder on your fitness, you’d easily pip me.”

  “Maybe.” He placed a small velvet box on the table.

  Her heart raced and she met his soft gaze. “Oh, Luke.”

  “Megan, I love you and I’m so blessed to have you back in my life.” He dropped down on one knee, his gaze earnest as he held both of her hands. “Will you marry me?”

  “Yes.” She threw her arms around his neck, tears forming in the corners of her eyes. “I love you. I’ve always loved you, since we were at school together.”

  He cupped her face in his hands, staring deep into her eyes. “I love your enthusiastic yes, a big improvement on last time.”

  “My younger self wasn’t smart enough to know what I was turning down.”

  “Would you like to see the ring?”

  “Yes, I forgot about the ring.”

  He dragged his chair closer to her, and flipped open the velvet case. A square-cut diamond shimmered in the candlelight.

  “Wow, this ring is so beautiful. I love the diamond.”

  He slid the ring on her finger, a perfect fit. “The princess cut seemed like an appropriate choice.”

  She dropped a kiss on his full lips. “I’m not a princess.”

  “You’ll always be my princess and more. The woman I want to spend the rest of my life with, starting in our new house.”

  She looked around the veranda, the dusk shadows mingling with candlelight giving it a pretty glow. “I love your house.”

  “It’s our home. I don’t plan on moving in until after we get married.”

  She lifted a brow. “You want to wait? Or are we having a short engagement?”

  “Jack made a few calls, and there are a number of reception venues with openings over summer. And the church isn’t fully booked for the next few months, either.”

  “I need at least six weeks to organize a wedding.”

  “I’ll give you eight, if that helps.” He grinned. “But no longer.”

  “Okay, we’ll have to wait and see if we can line everything up in time.”

  Luke nodded. “I need to ask Emily if she can work at the clinic so we can have a honeymoon. Or find someone else to cover for me.”

  “Do you really think we can pull this off in less than eight weeks?”

  “I’d like to try.” He slipped his arm around her shoulders and drew her closer, his lips exploring hers. “I’ve waited a long time for you to become my bride.”

  Breathless, she melted into his arms, her heart beating a fast staccato. Finally she was where she belonged with the man she loved.

  Chapter 17

  Megan stood outside the Snowgum Creek Community Church, the beading on her ivory silk strapless bridal gown shimmering in the late-afternoon sunshine. Her mother fussed over the train of her gown, baby Sarah tucked in her left arm.

  Megan smiled. “Mom, let me hold Sarah.”

  Her mom wrinkled her nose. “She’ll puke on your dress.”

  “I don’t care.” She reached for her niece. “I’d like one last cuddle before I walk down the aisle.”

  Her three-month-old niece, decked out in a pretty lilac floral dress with a matching bonnet, gave her a goofy smile. The photographer snapped a photo before returning her attention to the bridesmaids.

  Kate laughed, holding her matron of honor bouquet of colorful pink and red roses plus Megan’s champagne rose bouquet. “Look
who loves her aunty Megan.”

  Megan’s heart swelled, a desire for her own baby, a miniature version of Luke, building in her mind. “She’s a good girl, and she wouldn’t do anything to ruin my dress.”

  Megan’s father glanced at his watch. “You’ll be late if you don’t join the girls now for the photos.”

  Megan handed Sarah back to her mother. She joined Kate, Rachel and Emily on the church steps, and followed the photographer’s instructions. Her bridesmaids wore long burgundy silk dresses with tiny spaghetti straps, their hair loose around their shoulders.

  Her mother strolled into the church with Sarah. A few minutes later Emily walked into the church, followed by Rachel.

  Megan hugged Kate. “Thanks for all your help with the wedding.”

  Kate’s smile widened. “You’re welcome.” She rearranged locks of Megan’s hair around her bare shoulders, and pulled the veil forward over Megan’s face. “I’m so excited that you and Luke are finally getting hitched.”

  Megan nodded, her grip tight on her fragrant bridal bouquet. “It’s your turn to go inside.”

  Kate grinned. “I’ll see you soon.”

  Megan stood with her father on the threshold, waiting for their cue to enter the church.

  Her father tucked her arm through his. “I never thought I’d see the day that you’d settle down and get married.”

  “Well, it’s here, and I can’t wait to see Luke.”

  The tempo of the classical music piece slowed and Megan stepped into the church, clutching her father’s arm. Her gaze homed in on Luke, standing tall beside Jack. Luke’s brothers, Ben and Caleb, made up the numbers in the bridal party.

  Luke gave her a dazzling smile, and a shiver of anticipation raced through her. He looked dashing in his three-piece suit, and she resisted the urge to run down the aisle to his side.

  She smiled at their wedding guests, crowded into the rows of seats. Cameras flashed in all directions. She glided to the front of the church, reaching the last row and stepping forward with her father to stand beside Luke.

  Luke held her hand and whispered in her ear. “You look breathtakingly beautiful, my gorgeous girl.”

  She twined her fingers with his, her breathing shallow. There was no turning back now.

  Their pastor started talking and Megan’s mind raced, the wedding ceremony seeming like a dream.

  Before long she stood facing Luke, holding his hand as they repeated their vows. The sacred promises, made in God’s sight, that represented her lifelong commitment to her husband. Megan spoke with confidence, her future with this incredible man bringing a huge smile to her lips.

  The pastor pronounced them husband and wife. Luke lifted her veil back off her face, his golden eyes gleaming. “The moment I’ve been waiting for all day.”

  He curled his arm around her waist and drew her close, his warm lips possessive as he explored her mouth. Eyes closed, she surrendered to the kiss, her body relaxing against his as she reveled in their love.

  The congregation broke out into loud applause, bringing her back to reality.

  Luke pulled away, his gaze intense. “We’ll have lots of time to finish this later.”

  She nodded, her face feeling flushed. “I can’t wait.”

  Their pastor gave a short talk on love and commitment. Megan held Luke’s loving gaze, thankful that God had brought them back together. She couldn’t wait to start her new life as Luke’s wife. The house was ready and they were moving in after a short honeymoon.

  Before long they signed their wedding certificate with Jack and Kate as their witnesses, and they posed for more photos. The congregation sang the final song, Luke and Megan’s favorite hymn from years ago, and it was time to walk out of the church.

  Luke held her close to his side, his loving gaze heightening the warmth already coloring her cheeks. “I’m counting the hours until I have you all to myself.”

  Megan giggled. “Don’t forget we need to enjoy our reception first.”

  “It will fly by, and then we’ll have twelve uninterrupted days together.”

  “Are you finally going to tell me where we’re going?”

  His eyes sparkled. “Maui. We fly out of Sydney tomorrow night.”

  “Wow, I’m so excited!”

  Megan walked back down the aisle with Luke, her steps light and her heart overflowing with love. She couldn’t wait to honeymoon on the beach in Maui and take a break from their hectic schedules. The doctor had returned to her, and she treasured the opportunity to share her life with Luke in Snowgum Creek.

  * * * * *

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  ISBN-13: 9781460337707

  The Doctor’s Return

  Copyright © 2014 by Narelle Atkins

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