A Fool's Gold Wedding - Susan Mallery Page 0,36

to do.”

“Interesting.” Simon paused “Joaquin, you should get your affairs in order.”

“What?” Abby glared at her uncle. “You’re not having him killed. How would you even do that? Mom talks tough, but she’d never help you hurt anyone.”

Simon sighed. “I meant for the move. I’ve decided to admit him into the fellowship program. He’ll need to be in Fool’s Gold for that.”

“You can do that?” Abby asked. “For real?”

Simon touched her cheek. “I can, and let me be clear. I’m doing it because I like the character of the man. Not so you can date him.”

He turned to Joaquin. “Your skills were never the issue. It was all about who you were. We like our doctors to have heart and understand the value of compassion. If you’re still interested, of course.”

Joaquin vigorously shook his hand. “I am. Thank you, Dr. Bradley.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Seriously,” Abby said. “You’re going to make him call you Dr. Bradley?”

Simon smiled. “For now.” He pointed toward the hotel. “Come on, you two. There’s a wedding and you are both in it. Get inside. You can coo over each other later.”

They all went inside. Joaquin kissed Abby one more time before heading off to meet his brother. Abby returned to the bride’s room. As she stepped inside, Liz glanced at her.

“You look happy,” her mother said quietly.

Abby smiled. “I am. We made up and he’s moving to town. We’re going to be dating.”

“Just dating?”

Abby grinned. “Really, Mom? Do you want me to talk about my sex life?”

“Ah, no. Actually, I don’t.” Liz hugged her. “I’m glad it worked out. Despite everything, I really like Joaquin.”

“Me, too.”

The photographer arrived and began taking pictures. The wedding coordinator kept things moving along until it was time for the ceremony itself. Abby took her place, ready to walk down the aisle in front of her sister. As she stepped slowly, keeping time with the music, she couldn’t help locking eyes with Joaquin. It almost seemed as if he was waiting for her, instead of Davis waiting for Melissa.

Abby smiled at the thought. Maybe she was rushing things. Now that she and Joaquin had figured it all out, they had their whole lives ahead of them. They would take it slow, getting to know each other before falling madly in love. But all things considered, they were off to a really good start.

EPILOGUE

One year later

ABBY PULLED A loose T-shirt over her damp swimsuit. As the boat headed back for the dock, she took the bottle of sunscreen Joaquin held out and dutifully applied another coat. With her fair skin, avoiding a sunburn in Hawaii was a challenge, but she was doing her best.

“That was incredible,” she said, smoothing the lotion on her arms. “I can’t believe how blue the water is and how many fish there were. And the coral. I love the ocean. Can we go snorkeling again?”

He smiled at her. “We can go as many times as you want. When we get back to the hotel, let’s figure out everything we want to do and make a lesson plan.”

She laughed. “You do know the way to my heart.”

“I hope so.”

She dropped the bottle of sunscreen into her tote, then shifted so she was leaning against him. Their first real vacation together was even better than she’d hoped it would be. Of course, when Joaquin was involved, everything was pretty perfect so she shouldn’t be surprised.

The past year had gone by so quickly, she thought, watching the island of Maui appear to get closer and closer. Joaquin had moved to Fool’s Gold for the fellowship with her uncle Simon. He’d found working with burn patients gratifying and, in May, Simon had invited him to join his practice.

While he’d been doing that, she’d been busy with her first year of teaching. She’d loved her work and the kids even more than she’d thought she would. Every day had been an adventure and she couldn’t wait for the school year to start again in September.

She’d moved into her own apartment, as planned. Living on her own had been good for her, not that she was by herself all that much. Either Joaquin was at her place, or she was at his.

Three months after they’d met, he’d taken her up to Lake Tahoe for a long weekend where they’d declared their love and she’d given herself to him. She chuckled, thinking that the man really was good with his hands.

“What’s so funny?” he asked.

“I’m amazed at how much has changed in the past year. I’m