by Renee Ryan
“Oh, Connor.” Olivia closed her hand over his. “I’m so glad to hear that. For the girls’ sake. And for yours.”
“I made a decision about us, based on what happened with Sheila. That wasn’t fair to Sheila. And it definitely wasn’t fair to you.” He pulled her hand to his lips. “Forgive me?”
“Of course I forgive you.”
“I want to be with you, Olivia. More than that. I want to do the work to be with you, whatever it takes. I want to figure out a way to sync our schedules.”
“I like the sound of that.”
“Your time will be tight as you focus on your business. That’s why I’m thinking of freeing up some of my time.”
The sound of her heartbeat thundered in her ears. “You’d do that for me?”
“Yes, Olivia.” He held her stare. “It’ll be easier if Ethan and I bring in a third partner to the practice. In fact, I’ve already broached the subject with your brother.”
“You...you have?”
“I want to be with you, Olivia. I want time with both you and the girls.”
Overcome with love for this generous man, eyes burning, she curled her fingers around his. “You know I love Molly and Megan nearly as much as I love you.”
He took her hand and pressed his lips to her knuckles. “They love you, too, nearly as much as I do.”
“Oh, Connor.” His name came out sounding raw, almost strangled, and then the unthinkable happened. Tears spilled down her face.
“Don’t cry.” He wiped his thumb across her cheeks. “Please don’t cry. You’re going to do me in before I can say everything I came here to say.”
“I’m sorry, I just...” She attempted to laugh through her tears. “Go on.”
“The man you met in Hawkins Park was sleepwalking through life, often collapsing in bed at night, only to do it all over again the next day.”
Smiling through her tears, she said, “That takes remarkable internal strength and is one of the many things I admire most about you.”
He rolled his shoulders. “I was barely getting by on my own. That was easier than dealing with my grief and moving on with my life.”
“Perfectly understandable, you’d suffered a terrible loss.”
“I might have spent the rest of my life secreting my anger away until it destroyed me. But then you came along. You helped me take the first steps toward healing. And now I’m blessed beyond measure. I have my family, my precious daughters and—”
“You also have me.”
“I also have you.” He shifted, repositioning his legs so that he could lower to one knee in front of her. “I want you in my life, Olivia, always. I want to stand by your side in good times and bad. I want to share your burdens, and allow you to share in mine. I’ll be your strength when you think you can’t make it another day and—”
“I’ll be your strength when you think you can’t make it another day.”
“Olivia Marie Scott.” He took her hand in his, brought it to his lips. “I can’t promise you a perfect life. There’s no telling how many days any of us have left. But I want to spend every one of them with you. Will you marry me?”
“Yes.” She kissed him squarely on the lips. “Yes, Connor, I’ll marry you. I’ll be your wife for the next seventy years, seven days, or however long the Lord ordains.”
“I like the sound of that.” He pulled her to her feet, wrapped his arms around her and held on tight. “Let’s go home and tell the girls we’re getting married.”
As far as Olivia was concerned, it was the perfect beginning to the rest of their lives together.
Epilogue
Olivia hoped years later, when the twins were adults and planning their own weddings, they would look back on this day with fondness. Not only was it the day the four of them officially became a family, but it was the day Olivia became their mother.
The event had come together seamlessly, thanks to the girls’ invaluable input and the welcome assistance of Avery and Keely.
Now, with all the preparations complete and the guests in their seats, Olivia stood beneath a trellis in the backyard of Charity House, and recited her vows to the man standing by her side. “I can’t imagine a day without you in it or my life without you there to share the ups and downs with me. You are a part of me, joined to my soul as well as my heart. I love you, Connor Mitchell, and promise to keep on loving you for the rest of my life.”
She turned to address Molly and Megan, who were standing beside her in their role as her maids of honor. “No matter how many children the Lord blesses me with in the future, I won’t love them any more than I love you two.” She pulled them against her, uncaring that the gesture crushed her dress. “You are the daughters of my heart.”
Eyes shining, Connor took his turn reciting his vows. “Olivia. I’ve lived a blessed life and, eight years ago, was given the added joy of two beautiful daughters. That’s more than any man can hope for in this life.”
The girls beamed up at him.
“But the Lord wasn’t through showering His blessings on me. He brought you into my life. You are my present and my future.” He squeezed her hand. “I love you, Olivia Marie Scott, and promise to love you for the rest of my life.”
The pastor nodded, smiled at each of them, then took a moment to impart a bit of wisdom. “We live in world full of distractions. The busyness of life can be a source of great conflict in a marriage. Loving compromise will be required of you both, and a willingness to sacrifice on each other’s behalf a necessity for a happy life together.”
Olivia shared a meaningful look with Connor. The day after he’d proposed, she’d signed the loan papers for her tearoom. Construction was nearly complete, her menu set and she would soon be opening her doors to the public.
Connor had been supportive every step of the way, and was down to the last two candidates in his search for another doctor to add to his practice.
Oh, how she adored this man.
He looked especially handsome in his tuxedo. A shiver of anticipation traveled up her spine. The ceremony was almost complete. She was moments away from becoming Connor’s wife.
As her groom slid a beautiful diamond ring on her finger, Olivia cast a glance at the girls next to her.
Her girls. Her daughters.
Another member of their family caught her eye. Sitting at Connor’s feet was a very handsome, very well-behaved Samson. He only broke form with a loud bark when the pastor said, “I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
Connor pulled Olivia into his arms and kissed her soundly on the mouth. “I love you, Mrs. Mitchell.”
She smiled into his golden-amber eyes, rose on her toes and kissed him right back. “I love you more.”
“Not possible.” His arms slid around her and he went in for another kiss.
Molly cleared her throat and they laughingly broke apart.
Arm in arm, they began their walk back down the makeshift aisle between the chairs the caterers had lined up for the occasion.
Molly and Megan followed closely behind.
Sitting in the front row, Avery winked at Olivia.
She returned the gesture, realizing she had a sister now. No, she had four sisters. Plus two daughters. And, of course, a handsome, attentive husband.
Olivia sighed happily.
Connor continued guiding her down the aisle. Each step pulled her away from her past and closer toward her future, the one she would share with this man and his daughters.
She turned her face to Connor.
He planted a tender kiss on her nose. “I have a gorgeous wife.” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “And two beautiful daughters.” He reached out and pulled the girls in close. “And, I can’t believe I’m saying this, a well-behaved dog to complete our happy family.”
>
Proving his point, Samson trotted up to them and obediently plopped his behind on the ground when Olivia said, “Sit.”
“Well-behaved dogs are so boring,” Molly declared, executing an impressive eye-roll she’d picked up from her aunt Avery.
Olivia laughed at her scowling daughter.
“You know how much I love you, right?” She moved her gaze from Molly to Megan, then over to Connor. “All three of you?”
“Good thing, too.” Connor kissed her on the lips. “Because you’re stuck with us for the rest of your life.”
Only one thing to say to that. “Praise the Lord.”
* * * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from PINE COUNTRY COWBOY by Glynna Kaye.
Dear Reader,
Thank you for choosing Claiming the Doctor’s Heart. This book was especially fun for me to write because I had the chance to explore several of my favorite romance novel themes: widowed single parents, twins, family, small towns and, of course, unruly puppies creating mayhem.
Each of these themes has touched my life personally. I have a twin sister. I’m married to a former single parent. I come from a large family, grew up in a small town and always had a dog or two running wild in the house.
The medical profession is especially dear to my heart. Many of my family members work in the health-care field. Most are doctors; others are nurses, while some are researchers making strides against deadly diseases.
This book honors their hard work and dedication. Though mealtimes often included at least one empty seat at the table, I learned when people’s lives are at stake sacrifices must be made. A late-night dessert with my father was always worth the wait, even if that meant eating cake at midnight.
I love hearing from readers. Please feel free to contact me at my website www.reneeryan.com. You can also find me on Facebook or Twitter.
In the meantime, Happy Reading!
Renee
Questions for Discussion
What event drove Olivia back to her hometown? Have you ever been in a situation that made you reevaluate your life? What did you do?
Who does Olivia meet in Hawkins Park? What is her connection to this family, if any? How does this meeting end?
What does Connor’s housekeeper Carlotta’s injury mean for him and his family? Who comes to his rescue? Have you ever been in a situation that left you desperate to find an immediate solution, if not the best solution? What was the result?
Why is Connor shell-shocked when he comes home and finds Olivia in his kitchen? How does Olivia handle the situation? Would you have handled it differently? If so, how?
What happened to Connor’s wife? Why does the way she died, not to mention the timing, cause him great pain, guilt and feelings of helplessness? What has his life been like since she died? How have his priorities changed?
What has life been like for Molly and Megan since their mother died? Why do they continually introduce women to their father?
The twins fall ill the day after the baseball game. Does Olivia’s assistance help or hinder the situation? How does Connor react to her assistance? Is this the same way he would have reacted a month ago? Why or why not?
Why does Connor forgo attending church? Despite his avoidance, why do you think he hosts Sunday dinners at his house? Do you think this shows he’s on the road to healing? Why or why not?
What does Avery tell Olivia to do about her relationship with Connor? How does Olivia respond?
How does Connor help Olivia reach her dream of opening her own tearoom? Why is helping her important to him? What risks are involved for him, personally?
What changes Connor’s mind about breaking up with Olivia? Does he finally achieve closure over his wife’s death? If so, how? What does he say to Olivia when he comes to her after going through his wife’s Bible? How does Olivia respond?
We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired story.
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Chapter One
The last thing Abby Diaz needed was to be surrounded by little kids and pestered by a flirtatious cowboy.
At the moment, she had the misfortune of both.
She sucked in a steadying breath, acutely aware of the echoing chirp of sparrows in the indoor arena’s rafters, the smell of straw, hay and horses—and the engaging smile of the good-looking man patiently awaiting a response to his question.
At least she wouldn’t be in Canyon Springs much longer. In a few hours she’d be sailing her Chevy down the curving mountain road to Phoenix, then pushing farther southward through the desert to Tucson and home. It had been foolish to make the trip anyway, a futile, final grasping by her rapidly ebbing faith.
“So what do you say, pretty lady?” the sandy-haired cowboy with impossibly wide shoulders urged again, his low, mellow voice teasing her ears. Dressed in boots, faded jeans and a Western-cut shirt, he tipped back his summer straw hat as twinkling hazel eyes studied her with unconcealed interest. “It will take half a minute to lead another horse out here and get your lessons started right along with these kids.”
Was he out of his mind? “I’ll pass, thank you.”
He briefly dipped his head in acknowledgment, a smile twitching at his lips. Then he glanced at the half dozen grade-schoolers milling around them, including her brother Joe’s son. Since entering the arena, Davy had stuck gluelike to her side despite only having met her three days ago.
The seven-year-old had been excited about coming today, begging his almost-nine-months pregnant stepmother not to renege on his first riding lesson. But after another sleepless night of acute discomfort, Meg hadn’t been up to it. With his daddy working an extended shift as a regional paramedic and Grandpa Diaz seeing to an RV park crisis, Aunt Abby had been dragged into this family-oriented outing. She’d planned to drop Davy off and return for him later, but on the drive to the High Country Equine Center—which most locals still called Duffy’s after the original owner—the brown-eyed boy seemed to be having second thoughts about the adventure. She’d hung around for moral support.
Avoiding the cowboy’s assessing gaze, Abby rested her hand on her nephew’s shoulder and gave it a reassuring pat. “This will be fun, Davy—won’t it, Gina?”
His best buddy, a blonde pigtailed dynamo, nodded emphatically, her instructor-issued riding helmet bobbing atop her head. “Majorly fun.”
Not to be outdone by a girl, Davy shook off his aunt’s hand and gave a manly nod reminiscent of his father. “That’s right. Majorly fun.” He cut a glance upward. “You don’t have to stay if you don’t want to, Aunt Abby.”
That caught the cowboy’s attention. “Aunt Abby?”
“Daddy’s little sister,” Davy announced proudly, stuffing his hands into the back pockets of his jeans.
“Well, what do you know?” The man’s smile broadened as he again caught her eye. “Joe has a sister? Where’s he been hiding you, ma’am?”
Obviously this man, no more than a handful of years older than her, wasn’t a Canyon Springs native or he’d know the whole story. But there was no point in enlightening a stranger on the Diaz family history.
“He didn’t hide her,” Davy piped up with a giggle. “Aunt Abby lives in Tucson. She’s a librarian.”
“Davy,” Abby said firmly before the boy could further elaborate on her personal aff
airs. She didn’t want him sharing with the world that she’d recently lost her librarian position and not too many months before that had sent her fiancé packing. Or at least the latter was what she’d allowed her family to assume.
Today—the first of June—was to have been her wedding day.
“A librarian,” the cowboy echoed, his gaze flicking over her appreciatively. If the sparkle in his eyes was any indication, for a reason known only to him he found that bit of information amusing.
He held out his gloved hand. “Good to meet you, Aunt Abby. Diaz, is it?”
She nodded and reluctantly shook his hand.
“I’m Brett Marden.”
A shrill whistle pierced the air.
“Brett! Let’s go!” Another cowboy-hatted man, this one taller and walking with a slight limp, made his way across the arena’s expanse. He clapped his hands and motioned to the portable corral assembled on the far side of the arena where half a dozen saddled quarter horses waited quietly.
Abby had met Trey Kenton, manager of the equine facility, her first night back in town and remembered his wife, Kara, from grade school. It had come as a shock to discover she and the other woman might be stepsisters in the not-too-distant future. Thanks for the warning, Dad.
Brett studied Abby a moment longer. “Why don’t you stick around, Aunt Abby? You never can tell... Could be you’ll find something that catches your interest.”
He stepped back with what she instinctively knew was a well-practiced wink.
Warmth crept into her face. Did he mean him? Of all the...
Not waiting for a response, he lightly rapped his knuckles on her nephew’s helmeted head, then spread his arms wide to herd the youngsters toward the corral. “No running, no yelling. We have things we need to go over before you get to ride.”
Abby stared after him. Find something that catches your interest, indeed. Talk about an over-the-top ego. Nevertheless, her gaze lingered on the masculine form as he crossed the arena, a booted Pied Piper with a covey of trailing kids attempting to mimic his confident stride.
