“How could she?”

  “You didn’t see her face when you rescued Cally.”

  I snorted. “Being grateful for performing a rescue and caring are entirely different.” I knew she cared. I wasn’t certain why I was lying except my brothers would continue nagging at me. Just like I’d done when Shephard had gotten involved with Denise.

  “I’m no expert in the love department. You know that, but you need to face your feelings and your fears. There’s nothing wrong with caring about someone.”

  “Not true.”

  “Oh, come on,” Hunter hissed. “Tell me why.”

  “It’s not true if you were the reason the only other person you ever cared about is dead. That’s why.” I hadn’t intended on spouting out those words and as soon as I did, I instantly regretted doing so.

  Hunter’s eyes opened wide. “Wow. No wonder you’ve been keeping that armor on. I bet it’s getting pretty heavy.”

  “Let it go. I don’t want to talk about what happened.”

  “Shephard is right. You definitely need to talk to someone, but I suggest Bella. Does she know how anxious you are and anything about what you went through?”

  “Only what she’s gleaned, but she’s good at picking me apart. That shit is not fair to her.”

  “No matter what you think of me, Jagger, the worst thing you can do is to allow your past to interfere with your future. Plus, keeping closed off and away from everyone will never allow you to sleep at night. I tried that. I failed. I can’t tell you the number of times I had my service revolver in my mouth. The only thing that kept me from pulling the trigger was the knowledge that maybe one day things would get better.”

  That was the most Hunter had told me about what he’d suffered. He may be the jokester and the playboy, but I sensed a much darker side that neither Shephard nor I had any clue about.

  I noticed Denise walking in our direction, Shephard prepared to meet her halfway. I chuckled under my breath and Hunter glanced over his shoulder.

  When they kissed, I groaned. He shook his head.

  “There’s nothing wrong with affection, bro,” Hunter told me. “Including in public. Maybe take your non-relationship woman out and you might be surprised how good it feels.”

  “Said by a guy who’s never been in a relationship.” Whether or not I knew Hunter’s personal demons, I sensed my comment had pinched a nerve.

  What would we be like if we’d become doctors or attorneys? Would we be any closer?

  Hunter stood to greet her and I did the same. Why did it feel so damn formal?

  The lovebirds headed to the table and Denise immediately hugged Hunter first before heading in my direction. She was a hugger and that was fine. I just wasn’t into it.

  “At least this time you didn’t flinch,” Denise told me when she pulled away. As a park ranger, she was all business and barked orders, but around my brother she was all lovey-dovey.

  Just like he was.

  “I don’t do that.”

  “Yes, you do,” the three of them answered.

  There was something to be said about having family.

  Annoyance.

  At least I could smile. “I should get going.”

  “Hold on,” Denise told me. “You need to commit to bringing Bella and Cally over for dinner. Then we can finish having our discussion that we started in the grocery store.”

  “What discussion?” Shephard pushed.

  I ignored it.

  “I gave you my answer and they don’t go anywhere without Xena,” I said, hoping the fact she owned a huge Malinois would deter her thinking.

  “Xena and Pepper will get along just great. I’ll consider that a formal yes to my invitation. And we will finish that discussion.” Denise gave me a pointed look.

  Shephard was standing behind her and threw up his hands.

  I managed to keep the slight smile on my face. “I’ll talk to Bella. I’m not promising anything.”

  “Good. I will bug you until you make it happen.”

  “We’ll talk in the next couple days. Okay?” Shephard nodded as I pulled out a twenty, dropping it on the table.

  “Fair enough.”

  “Think about what I suggested,” Hunter called before I got out of earshot.

  I would. Then I’d toss it aside. My one goal was to help her with the situation. Then I’d help her find a place of her own.

  It was best for both her and Cally.

  CHAPTER 24

  Bella

  The phone had lit up twice during my drive. I was terrified to look at it.

  But I had.

  And regretted it.

  It felt as if a noose had been wrapped around my neck, slowly stealing my life’s breath. Soon, I would be driven in a darkness that I’d never recover from. Either madness or death. Or maybe prison at this point.

  I stood all by myself in front of Poppy’s Diner, still trying to make up my mind what to do. With life. With Joel. With Cally.

  With Jagger. Sweet and damaged Jagger.

  Up until this point in my life, I’d been determined and had a single path laid out ahead of me. I’d reveled in the organization and that had kept me from ending up on drugs or on the streets. I’d become so focused that no one had been able to break through my emotions. The plan had been perfect in my mind.

  Graduate high school with honors with scholarships in hand.

  Graduate college at the top of my class.

  Head to medical school.

  An internship on the East Coast at the best hospital.

  After that it was all about working to become highly respected while buying a nice condominium that I could call my own.

  Never had I entertained becoming anything but a surgeon. I certainly hadn’t entertained working in a small town, but that’s what I was doing.

  I also hadn’t anticipated marrying an asshole.

  Was it the appeal of Danger Falls?

  Partially.

  Suddenly, I felt homesick, although Baltimore had never really felt like home. It was more like a stopping place where I could spread my wings before moving on. The whirlwind romance with Joel had changed everything. He’d orchestrated that happening. But at least I’d met a wonderful, goofy chick and developed a lifelong friendship.

  I needed to talk to her like I used to, sharing our hatred of certain people and laughing over silly rom-com movies while drinking wine. The feeling became overwhelming. I backed away from the crowds of people purchasing holiday gifts and munching on cookies while they walked, pulling out my phone.

  The ugliness of the text I’d received nearly broke my resolve.

  Unknown: Soon, you little slut. Soon.

  Unknown. Why was Joel bothering? Because he was smart. He knew that I’d start taking screenshots of everything he sent, maybe even recording the phone calls. I’d been too shaken up before to do so. Hissing, I shifted to Esme’s phone number, trying to break the cycle of abuse with just one text to start.

  Me: Hey, girl. I need wine. Lots of wine. I have so many things to tell you. You should take a vacation and come visit. It’s beautiful here. Call me later.

  She was likely busy with the late lunch crowd, her skills as a renowned chef garnering her accolade after accolade. I was so proud of her accomplishments. I felt a little comfort, a slight tether to the life I’d once had. I shoved my phone away, taking a deep breath of the crisp air. It was a beautiful afternoon and I refused to allow any asshole to spoil my new adventure.

  As I walked the sidewalks leading to the diner, people waved, many people I didn’t know saying my name. I’d seen the article in the local newspaper, something they still produced on actual paper. I’d even seen a few old-style metal boxes on a couple of corners where you could slip in a few quarters and purchase a copy.

  Then there was the scent of fresh pastries and coffee, colorful flags and of course every store was decorated to the hilt for the upcoming holiday. If you were the kind of person who didn’t get a warm feeling in your heart, then it wasn’t beating. But that wasn’t the reason I was considering staying and abandoning my entire life’s plan.

  The reason was Jagger.

  Were we in a real relationship? I had to think no at this point, but it seemed we were headed there. I felt truly comfortable in my own skin when I was around him. That told me a hell of a lot about the man.

  His strength.

  His determined actions.

  His heated passion.

  Even his gruffness.

  Maybe I would thrive with a different atmosphere. And allowing the possibility of finding love. Maybe.

  There were a whole lot of maybes and even more questions, but if I didn’t consider taking the position of the town doctor, I’d never know. In the few days of waiting tables, my feet and legs were killing me. Even more than when I’d stood on my feet for an entire day doing surgery. Plus, as embarrassing as it was to admit, I was a klutz when it came to serving food. For all the intricate surgeries I’d performed, I couldn’t walk a tray full of food through a busy dining room to save my life.

  I glanced inside the entrance door to Poppy’s, already seeing some familiar faces. At least with Poppy and the others, I could get the truth on Doc Welby’s place.

  And maybe sneak finding out a little information on Jagger in the process.

  I walked in and my mouth instantly watered from the delicious smells floating through my system. From baked apples to homemade Christmas cookies, this was one of the warmest and most welcoming places I’d ever walked into.

  “Bella. Good to see you again. Would you like a cup of coffee?” Poppy noticed me immediately.

  “I would. It’s still chilly out there.” While Jagger had insisted he purchase me some warmer clothes, for some reason the wind was biting today.

  “Move over, Gerald,” she told one of the customers. There was a seat in between him and the guy he was talking to. “Let a lady and true hero sit down.”

  Gerald glanced over his shoulder and gave me a toothy grin.

  But he moved.

  Poppy wiped the area and placed a new coffee mug down just as I sat down. She was eyeing me the entire time she was pouring coffee. “Are you settled into the town?”

  I laughed. “First time I’ve ventured out by myself.” Thankfully, my SUV hadn’t been damaged from my stupid antics of trying to get away.

  “Well, perfect time of year. Of course summer is good too. The whole town is talking about you guys.”

  “Ugh. Don’t tell Jagger that. Or as my daughter calls him, Mr. Grumpy.”

  “He can be a little obtuse.”

  “That’s a word,” I told her.

  “Where’s that adorable daughter of yours?”

  “At daycare at the restaurant.” I poured in some cream, taking a few seconds to stir it. “Can I ask you a question, Poppy?”

  “You can ask me anything, honey. Shoot.”

  “Doc Welby’s office. Is it nice? Will I be happy taking over his practice?”

  She laughed and I could tell she was brimming from excitement. “Doc Welby really was the doctor for almost everyone in town. Sure, they went to Roanoke or Salem if they needed specialists or a hospital, but he knew everybody by their first name. Hell, he birthed some of the people who still live here as adults. He just had a way of making you feel special, especially when he used to make house calls. Those were the days.”

  “House calls?” I thought about the medical bag I’d carried with me for years. Maybe the chaotic mess of my life was really a moment of serendipity.

  “He sure did. It’s been a while, but I know some of his older patients were grateful. I think you’ll like his place. His wife made certain there were some feminine touches. You’re thinking about taking him up on his offer?”

  “I’m still thinking. I thought I’d just drop by and see the place.”

  Poppy refilled several customers’ coffee before returning to me. “That’s exciting news. He’d love to see you and we’d love to keep you here.”

  “Why? If you don’t mind me asking.”

  “I don’t mind at all. Easy answer. You’re good for Jagger. I know. I’m a bit of a mother hen, but with his dad’s cancer, Jagger’s mom right by his side no matter what country they’re in, Jagger needs someone to look after him.”

  How many times had I blushed since arriving in town? More times than I could count and I’d never felt compelled to blush before. I’d never really had a reason. “Why do you think I’m good for him?”

  “Oh, come on. That man is so broken the pieces are rattling around in that rugged body of his. His dad once said he’d suffered the most. I mean to be captured near Christmas and then watch his fiancée die at the hands of the insurgents who’d taken them captive does split a person in two. You know? He’s blamed himself ever since.”

  It was obvious she thought he’d told me. I was horrified that he’d suffered so much, trying my best not to react when my stomach was doing flipflops. I nodded, but felt the color drain from my face. There was no sense in letting her know he couldn’t set the ghost of this girl free just yet.

  “Why blame himself? He didn’t lure them to these bastards. He didn’t perform the ugly deed.”

  “You like him a lot.” Poppy grinned in a knowing way. “I’m glad to see that.”

  “Yes, I do, but no one deserves that level of guilt.”

  “No, they don’t. I don’t know all the details, but evidently Jagger took her off the base, which was considered unsafe. He was almost court-martialed for it. His dad didn’t tell me everything.”

  My God. Why the hell had the man mentioned the tragedy to anyone in the first place?

  “Anyway, pretty much everyone in town thought Jagger might die a lonely man. Then you came into town and suddenly there’s life inside him. A bright light just waiting to come out and shine. All because of you and that cute little girl of yours.”

  She had me laughing. “He’s kind of special.”

  “I’m glad you think so,” she said, winking. “Go see the doc. You have a good man on your hands, just one that’s a little rusty in being a human being. Can I get you anything to eat?”

  “No, but I wouldn’t mind taking one of your famous cherry pies home for dinner.”

  I was still sick inside, finally starting to understand why he felt as if he would hurt me.

  “Of course, girl. Let me get it boxed up for you.”

  As she walked away, I couldn’t help wondering whether he would ever be free of her ghost. If not, I wouldn’t be able to compete with that.

  CHAPTER 25

  Bella

  With the cherry pie safely on my passenger seat, I headed to the doctor’s clinic. Poppy had provided me with an address and directions. I found his place easily enough, although when I pulled into the parking lot, it appeared like a lovely house adorned in white with turquoise shutters. There was a front porch with flowerpots, but the flowers were all dead and no one had pulled the carcasses, tossing them into the trash.

  Still, I had a feeling it was going to be quaint inside.

  I wasn’t disappointed, the small but accommodating reception area adorned with lots of magazines and pictures of the mountains surrounding the town. There was a single patient inside, the younger woman flipping through an issue of Women’s Day.

  “Can I help you?” an older lady asked from behind the reception desk.

  “Hi, I’m Bella Winters. I don’t have an appointment, but Doc Welby said I could stop by and see his clinic. I’ll wait.”

  Her eyes opened wide. “You are very much welcome and the doc indicated maybe you’d stop by. He’s finishing up with a patient, but I’ll tell him you’re here.”

  “Thank you.” I suddenly felt suffocated, almost leaving as she walked away. No. I refused to walk out now. I was taking control of my life, but I had to do this for me, not just because of how I felt about Jagger.

  I couldn’t sit down while waiting. I was far too nervous. My pulse was racing, my hands clammy. There hadn’t been a single surgery I’d performed where I’d felt this nervous. Why now? Because the decision I ultimately made would be the most life-changing event I’d ever gone through by far. My gut told me that.

  Was it a positive decision?

  I was leaning a certain way at this point.

  At least ten minutes passed until I heard two voices. Doctor Welby walked out from the back alongside an older lady. She was laughing and my keen eyes told me she was flirting with him. That brought a smile to my face. He was a good-looking older man with a full head of hair and other than slight paunch in the front, lean and mean.

  He’d make a good catch for anyone.

  He showed the lady to the door, his smile remaining as she walked out. “Mrs. Jensen. I’ll be right with you.”

  The other woman sitting in the chair offered him a huge smile. “Doc Welby, you’re worth waiting for and remember, I’m no longer flirting.”

  This time I bit my tongue to keep from laughing. This was definite flirting. Poor guy. I wasn’t certain whether to feel sorry or happy for him that he was so popular with the ladies.

  He shifted his attention in my direction and it seemed as if relief flooded his gray eyes. “Bella. It’s so good to see you. Please come back to my office and we’ll chat.”

  I followed behind him, noticing out of the corner of my eye the receptionist was watching me intently. My decision would alter her future as well. She had every right to be nosy.

  Doc Welby’s office was tiny, every wall surface covered, his desk a complete mess, and I noticed there wasn’t a computer in the room. Still, I had a feeling the man was completely organized. He’d have to be if he knew all the patients’ first names without looking at charts.

  “Have a seat, my dear,” he told me, pointing toward the single one in front of his desk. The chairs were likely from the seventies, the desk more ancient than that, but his furniture suited him.

  “Thank you for seeing me on such short notice.”