Happily Ever After Collection - Melanie Moreland Page 0,40
me, so it goes fast. She’s the best.”
“I am,” Gail agreed, moving around the room to get the supplies.
“I’ll be right back. I have to get something,” I informed them and hurried to my locker. I pulled out the koala bear that had taken up residence recently. Once I had gotten him home, I’d tossed him in the washer, cleaning him of the debris that had been dumped on him in the garbage can. I’d carried him with me for a few days in case I found the girls and could give him back, but finally, I’d tossed him inside the locker after giving up. He was fluffy and smelled clean, and I knew a little girl who needed him as much as he needed her. It would help distract her while I dug that nasty wood out of her little hand.
Back in the room, Gail had everything set up. Samantha was holding Chloe, and Chloe’s arm was on the table, a small draping set up so she wouldn’t have to see what I was doing. Chloe appeared anxious, and I could see she was shaking with fear. Samantha was trying to comfort her, smoothing her curls and talking quietly. I crouched beside them.
“Before I start, I have something I think you’re going to like, Chloe.”
“What?” She sniffled.
I pulled Stitch out from behind my back. “Look who I found after you left the park.”
Instantly, her countenance changed. She reached for her beloved koala, one word escaping from her mouth. “Stitch!”
I stood and watched her love on her little bear. She petted and hugged him. Showed him to Samantha. Talked and cooed to him like a real live being.
“His ear is fixed!” she exclaimed.
“He was brave and let me stitch it,” I explained, showing her the black thread.
“Did he get a milkshake?”
“Um, no. He got a bath instead.”
“Where did you find him?” Samantha asked softly.
I leaned down close to her ear. “The garbage can. The bath was necessary.”
She grimaced. “No doubt. Once again, Dr. Taylor, thank you.”
“Ian. My name is Ian.”
“Ian,” she repeated. “Thank you, Ian.”
I straightened and addressed Chloe. “You ready, Pumpkin?”
She clutched Stitch close. “Yes.”
“Okay, then.”
“All done.”
It had gone well. The worst part was the freezing, and Chloe handled it like a champ. Gail kept her talking, and she was so happy to have Stitch back, she grimaced but didn’t move. After that, I was able to swiftly remove the deep wood, irrigate and clean the wound, and add three small dissolving stitches.
While working, I made small talk, casually asked Gail about Marv, and she took care of my problem by telling Samantha about her husband of forty years and how he liked to irritate her. She tilted her head toward me.
“This one insists he’s waiting in the wings for me, but every time I try to take him up on the offer, he finds an excuse for me to stay with Marv. I’m beginning to think he’s nothing but a tease.”
I met Samantha’s wide gaze with a wink. “Marv’s a good guy. The only person you should run off to the Bahamas with is him. I’m actually boring.”
“I doubt that,” Samantha murmured.
Before I could stop myself, the words were out. “Maybe you can find out for yourself.”
If her hands weren’t full, I was sure Gail would have clapped in glee.
I wrapped Chloe’s hand in a bandage and used a small tensor on her wrist. I looked down at Samantha’s foot as I was wrapping it.
“How’s the ankle?”
“Much better.”
“Good. The stitches will dissolve, but the hand needs to be kept bandaged and clean.”
“I’ll make sure.”
Gail looked between us and cleared her throat. “Well, Dr. Ian, your shift is over, which works out well. You can take the girls for a milkshake with no worries. No time limit.”
“Isn’t that convenient.” I smirked, knowing I had an hour left on my shift.
“Yep. We’ll give Chloe a few minutes to relax while you finish the chart, then you’re free.” She winked. “All of you are free to enjoy a milkshake together.”
I followed Gail to the door. “I know what you’re doing,” I whispered.
“I hope you know what you’re doing,” she replied smugly. “I got it all set up for you. Don’t blow it. Your skills are lacking, you know.”
I rolled my eyes, then glanced toward the girls. Samantha was snuggling Chloe, her head bent over, holding her tight to her chest. I couldn’t tell where she ended and Chloe began, with their bright hair so similar.