Total pages in book: 18
Estimated words: 16622 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 83(@200wpm)___ 66(@250wpm)___ 55(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 16622 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 83(@200wpm)___ 66(@250wpm)___ 55(@300wpm)
“He told me something interesting.”
“What’s that?”
“He said you’d fallen in love with a pretty shopkeeper over the holidays and are pining over her. He said how much you hate it here.”
I felt the heat creep up my neck. I had spoken with my dad last week and confessed how frustrated I was lately with my life. How I didn’t want to be in Calgary anymore. How much I missed Callie. How fed up I was with the nonstop workload here.
I didn’t think he’d tell my boss.
“Ah…” I scrubbed my neck. “Hate is a strong word.”
He threw back his head in laughter. “I’m kidding. He said you were frustrated. I’ve sensed that lately, Shane. Longer than the last few weeks. More like the last few months.”
“Sorry, I didn’t realize—”
“I know,” he interrupted me. “That’s the thing. You’re an excellent doctor, Shane. One of the best. In fact, I had planned on nominating you to take my place when I retire in a few years.”
My eyes flew open wide, and I felt panic swell. I didn’t want his position. In that split second, I realized I didn’t want to be here anymore.
Thomas held up his hand. “Except I’ve seen the signs. You give everything to your patients, Shane. You give until there isn’t anything left, and for the first time ever, you need something left over. There is someone outside this place more important now, isn’t there?”
I nodded and cleared my throat. “There is, but we seem to be at an impasse. She isn’t a big-city girl, and I’m stuck here. Sorry,” I added hastily. “I meant my job is here.”
He regarded me quietly for a moment. “What if I told you that you weren’t stuck? That I had an idea that might help you.”
I leaned forward. “I’d like you to tell me more.”
CALLIE
I sighed as I read the proposal in front of me. I was torn as I read the words, wondering if I would have been at all hesitant if I had received this offer in January.
In January, my life looked as if it was going to be different. Still in the thrall of Shane and his determination we were meant to be together, I had flown to Calgary to see him. It was perfect—until his overwhelming duties got in the way. Still, I loved being close to him. After I left, the calls and texts continued. We FaceTimed. Planned another weekend that he had to postpone. We replanned another weekend, only for it to happen again when his responsibilities interfered.
And the past two weeks, I had barely heard from him at all. His calls were sporadic and brief, and he was distracted when he did call.
Part of me wasn’t shocked. I feared once the emotion of the holidays was over and he got back to his life, this might happen. I simply didn’t think it would happen so soon. Shane seemed so adamant. Certain we had a future together. He told me over and over there had been a reason his flights were delayed. He swore he was meant to find my shop—to find me.
When Jake died, Shane sent flowers. Had Elly come see me. She insisted I go stay the weekend, and being at her house, while lovely, made me miss Shane more. He was everywhere—I even stayed in his room, and it smelled like him.
His parents—especially his mom—kept in touch. His family was wonderful.
It hurt knowing, when I lost Shane, I would lose them too. And it felt as if I was losing him.
It all seemed inevitable. We had burned hot and fast. It was unexpected, wonderful, and far too quick to be lasting.
Yet my heart ached as if I had lost the most precious thing in my life.
I looked around my shop and the unpacked boxes. Normally, by now, I was organized and getting ready to reopen in a few weeks. These days, I was distracted and sad. I was tired all the time, yet it felt as if I slept more than normal. My appetite was off and my energy level at an all-time low. I had barely put away the Christmas items, never mind gotten prepared to open up again.
I looked down at the papers in front of me. Maybe, despite things not working with Shane, it was time. The offer to purchase the building and the land was unexpected, but it was a good one. I could move and buy a place somewhere. Finish my education. Open another shop. For the first time, I would have the choice. As I pondered, one thought drifted through my head.
I wish I could talk to Shane about it.
Furious banging on my door startled me. I slid off the stool, heading toward the door. No doubt another delivery of inventory I would need to sort through.
Opening the door, I was shocked to discover who was on the other side. He had his hands locked on the doorframe, his hair wild and disheveled, looking intense, determined, and so handsome that my breath caught in my throat.