CLAIR BEAMED WITH JOY. “Oh, I love you too, Eve! I am so glad that I got to make you feel good before you had to go to work.”

  EVE BRUSHED her hair out of her face as Clair admired the warm glow on Eve's cheeks. “You are so beautiful, Eve. I feel so lucky to be your girlfriend.”

  THE COUPLE PUNCTUATED their sexual interlude with a kiss as they hurried about, picking up pieces of clothing o the floor. Clair bent over to put back on her panties and leggings as Eve bustled to the bathroom to clean up.

  A FEW MINUTES, the running water stopped as Eve emerged from the bathroom, holding a toothbrush. “Hey, Clair! I wanted to ask you something.”

  Clair stepped out from the kitchen and into the hallway, closer to the bathroom door. “Yes, my love. What is it?”

  EVE POSED DRAMATICALLY with her toothbrush and looked thoughtful. “You know, I was just thinking…my toothbrush looks so cute sitting beside yours in the holder. Don't you think?”

  CLAIR FURROWED her brow and looked puzzled. “Um, what do you mean? Like, the way our toothbrushes sit, side by side?”

  EVE REPLIED, “Yeah! It's as though they were meant to share the same holder. I think it would be such a shame to separate them, don't you think?”

  WHAT ON EARTH are you talking about, Eve?

  EVE TILTED her head and looked coyly at Clair. “What I am trying to say, my beautiful Clair, is that our stu , our personal belongings seem so great together that I don't think we should separate them. Maybe, my stu can have a permanent home here!”

  CLAIR BLANKED for a moment before it dawned on her. She blinked at Eve as a huge smile spread across her face. “Wait, are you saying what I think you are saying?”

  Eve nodded slowly in agreement. “Well, if you think that I am saying that I should move in here, then yes. That is exactly what I am telling you!”

  CLAIR SHRIEKED WITH JOY. “Oh my god! Are you saying you want to move in with me? Like for good? Really Eve?”

  EVE LAUGHED, “Yes, Eve. I want to move in and live with you permanently. ” Eve then paused. “I mean, only if you still want me to?”

  CLAIR GASPED and lurched forward to wrap Eve in a massive embrace. “Yes, yes! I want you to move in, Eve!” She kissed her partner and asked, “I know you were on the fence. What made you change your mind?”

  Eve looked lovingly into Clair's eyes. “I know it seems kind of quick, but honestly, it just feels right. And this is more than just me needing a new place to live. Being here

  with you feels like home. It felt like home from the first time you invited me over.”

  EVE CONTINUED, “I know what I want, and I don't want to waste any time. You and I both understand what it's like to have a hectic hospital schedule. With you, I feel like we just understand one another, and we have the same values and priorities. I want to do this; I want to build a future with you!”

  TEARS OF HAPPINESS formed in Clair's eyes. “Oh, Eve, I would love that so much! Yes, this is your home. And I want it to be a home for Peaches as well.”

  EVE AND CLAIR shared a laugh over Eve's pet. “Yes, Peaches will love it here. Why don't we plan the move after New Year's Day? We both have the next day o work. What do you say?”

  Clair clapped her hands together and exclaimed, “I think that sounds perfect. What a way to bring in the New Year!”

  The couple embraced one last time before Eve said, “My love, I need to get to the hospital now, but I am so excited to move in with you. Thank you for being the best Christmas gift I could have ever received.”

  CLAIR GRABBED Eve's hands before releasing her for the night.

  “Eve, thank you for bringing new life to me. I feel like a brand new person. I guess it just goes to show you that it's never too late to open your heart and embrace who you are.”

  The women shared a goodbye kiss before Clair watched Eve drive o into the snowy night, knowing that her lover would soon return. This is going to be the best year yet!

  SHE’S MY PATIENT

  A LESBIAN MEDICAL ROMANCE

  1

  Annabel’s eyes snapped open at the sound of her alarm. She reached for the cell phone and swiped across the screen to stop the incessant ringing. Annabel took a deep breath. Don’t jinx it, Anna. Today is just another day, she said to herself as she sprung out of bed.

  Though she tried to convince herself otherwise, today was not like any other day.

  She felt her heart thump against her chest. Annabel shut her eyes and exhaled deeply. Okay, don’t get ahead of yourself.

  She made her way to the bathroom and wrapped her hand around the knob of a drawer, but she couldn’t bring herself to open it. It wasn’t so much what was in it that made her hesitate but the results that would follow. There was a time when that drawer was filled with miscellaneous items, toiletries, and plenty of mini shampoo bottles Annabel had collected on her travels. But those days were behind her.

  Now that her travel agency had taken o , she no longer traveled for business, unless it was an absolute necessity. It’s not that she didn’t enjoy that aspect of her job. It’s a matter of priority and Annabel’s had shifted. She had one goal in mind and she needed to open the drawer if she wanted to know if she was one step closer to that goal or not. Annabel

  was very used to succeeding at her goals, but this one had proven challenging so far. With a heavy hand, Annabel pulled on the wooden knob. Boxes upon boxes of home pregnancy tests shu ed as she forcefully opened it. She grabbed seven di erent boxes and proceeded to unbox them all. “Alright, it’s now or never,” she said to herself.

  Annabel’s skin erupted into goosebumps as her skin made contact with the cold ceramic seat. She uncapped test after test and strategically peed on each of them. She laid them out neatly and grabbed her phone. Annabel could feel her heart race as she set the timer. She set her phone down and stared at the tests.

  “That isn’t going to make them work any faster,” she groaned. She tore her eyes away from the seven sticks laid neatly in front of her and paced the small expanse of her bathroom. Annabel grabbed her phone. “Ugh, why is time going so slow?” she whined. She tossed her phone on the counter and continued to pace. Something iridescent caught her eye. It was tucked under her laundry basket. What is that?

  she asked herself. Her brows furrowed as she neared the basket. She tugged on the orange material and her heart sank. Annabel opened the cabinet and threw the orange scrunchie into a box she had hidden under the bathroom sink. She reached for her phone. She exited the timer app and scrolled through her contact list.

  Her fingers moved rapidly over the screen of her phone.

  Hey, I found your favorite scrunchie. I think that’s everything.

  Let’s rip this o like a band-aid and get it out of the way. Will you come over and pick up the rest of your stu soon? she typed out.

  Annabel hit send.

  She got a response instantaneously. Hey. Sure. I’ll stop by during my lunch break in a few hours if that’s alright with you?

  the text read.

  That’s totally fine. See you then, she replied. Annabel put her phone away and resumed her position; she paced the bathroom and kept her eyes on the timer as she did. She watched the minutes pass and felt her heart race as the timer counted down from ten seconds. Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, Annabel shut her eyes, two, one. Her ears were filled with the sound of the timer going o . She reached out a hand and fumbled around the counter in search of a test.

  Annabel took a deep breath and slowly cracked open one eye.

  Her eyes widened. She grabbed another test and it showed the same result. She felt something stir in the pit of her stomach. Her eyes scanned over the other tests and she let out a scream as she bounced happily in her bathroom. There were two clear lines across all of her tests.

  Annabel picked her phone up and dialed the first person she could think of sharing her news with. The call tone droned. “Pick up. Pick up. Pick up,” she repeated excitedly.

  “Finally! We’ve been waiting. Tell us the news,” she heard her mother breathe out quickly.

  “Guess,” Annabel replied.

  “Don’t do this to me,” her mother whined. “My little ole heart can’t take it.”

  “I took seven tests this time and—” Annabel began.

  “Spit it out, kiddo!” she heard her father chime in.

  Annabel laughed at their enthusiasm. “They were all positive!” she yelled. She heard a chorus of screams through the speaker. Her phone buzzed with her mom’s request to switch to video call. Annabel tapped on the little green button and pulled the phone away from her ear, positioning it in front of her face. She was smiling from ear to ear and when the video appeared on her screen, her parents’

  expression mirrored hers.

  “We’re so happy for you, baby,” her mother cooed.

  “Our baby is having a baby,” her father chirped.

  “It hasn’t sunk in yet,” Annabel admitted.

  “I can imagine,” her mother responded. “I know how tough all the failed attempts have been for you. And you aren’t getting any younger. I’m so happy for you. We both are. Aren’t we darling?”

  “You’re a strong one, kiddo. We’re proud of you,” her dad said softly.

  “Thanks, guys. I don’t think I would have made it through the failed attempts without you two,” Annabel shared.

  “What’s family for if not to help you through the tough times and celebrate the great moments, right?” her mother said.

  “Hey, that’s a good one, Hillary! We should put that on a welcome mat or something,” her father said as he turned to her mother.

  “You think so?” she questioned.

  “I’m still here, guys,” Annabel chuckled. “I’ll leave you two to your home décor ideas. I wanted to share the news with you both before I did anything else, but I have to call the fertility clinic now and let them know that the procedure was a success this time,” she explained.

  “Alright, kiddo. Thanks for letting us be the first to know,” her father said.

  “Of course, Dad. I’ll keep you guys updated,” Annabel replied.

  “Bye, baby,” her mother said as she waved. Annabel waved back and hit the end call button.

  “I can’t believe this ,” she breathed out. Annabel’s cheeks lifted as she dialed the clinic's number. She had practically memorized it by now. She placed the phone up to her ear; her entire body was buzzing. She couldn’t contain the excitement as the line rang.

  “Forest Vale Fertility Clinic. Rose speaking, how can I help you today?” the woman on the phone chirped.

  “Hello, Rose. It’s Annabel Lacey,” she sang.

  “Anna! I’ve been expecting your call. You sound like you’re in a good mood. I take it that you’ve got some good news for me?” Rose asked.

  “I peed on seven di erent tests and the results were all positive,” Annabel shared.

  “I’m glad to hear that, Anna. We all know how much you’ve wanted this,” Rose said.

  “Thank you, Rose,” Annabel responded. “So, what’s next?”

  “Well, we’ve got to get you an appointment in the OB/GYN department. You’ll need to get assigned to an obstetrician,” Rose answered.

  “I’ve been doing some research and I know I want Doctor Foster, she’s the best right?” Annabel said.

  “Yeah, you and every other pregnant woman for miles around, sweetie. I can’t promise you’ll get her but I can try and ask if she’s taking on any new patients,” Rose o ered.

  “I’m not seeing anyone else. I want the best for this baby,” Annabel said firmly.

  Rose chuckled, “I’ll see what I can do, but I think you’re going to have to take it up with whoever’s in charge over there, Anna. You can be very persuasive at getting what you want!”

  Annabel rolled her eyes at the diplomatic response.

  “Let me call them and register you. I’ll request Doctor Foster and we will see what comes back,” Rose said.

  “Thanks, Rose. I really appreciate it,” Annabel responded softly.

  “Anytime, Anna. Congratulations! I’ll email you by the end of the day,” Rose replied.

  “Sounds great!” Annabel replied. She tossed her phone on the bed and made her way to the kitchen.

  Everything’s coming together, she thought to herself.

  2

  Lillian heard her phone vibrate in the cup holder. She glanced at the screen before making a turn into the hospital parking lot.

  3 unread messages from Jen, the notification bubble read.

  She swiped the messages away as her eyes scanned the parking lot for a space.

  Her phone buzzed again.

  Yes! she cheered internally as she spotted a place. Lillian parked her car and unbuckled herself. She grabbed her phone and sat in her car as she went through the messages.

  Are you free tonight? the first text read.

  I can come over and cook dinner? Maybe I could even stay the night this time? read the second.

  I make a mean breakfast spread. Lillian groaned as she read the third text.

  Lillian? Are you there? Should I just drop by later? She rubbed her temples as she contemplated what to do with the string

  of messages Jen had sent her. Lillian glanced at the time on her dashboard and tucked her phone in her coat.

  I’ll deal with this later, she thought to herself.

  Lillian grabbed the rest of her things and made her way to her o ce. She settled behind her desk when she heard a knock on the door.

  “Come in,” she called out as she sorted out the folders strewn across her desk.

  “I come bearing the elixir of life,” she heard a familiar voice say.

  Lillian looked up to see her assistant Lori standing by the door.

  “Thank God for co ee,” Lillian breathed out. Her arms outstretched towards the cup of co ee Lori was clutching.

  She felt her phone vibrate in her coat and threw it in her drawer. Lori placed the mug on her desk.

  “Someone’s popular today,” Lori said with her brows raised. Lillian’s phone continued buzzing in the drawer.

  “It’s that girl I’ve been seeing,” Lillian groaned.

  “Jen?” Lori questioned.

  “That’s the one. She’s been pestering me about coming over and spending the night,” Lillian explained.

  “How horrible of her. She’s no better than Lucifer himself,” Lori chuckled.

  “Ha-ha, very funny. You’re not the one she’s trying to tie down,” Lillian responded.

  “Tie down?” Lori repeated. “Come on, boss. It’s one night, not a marriage proposal.”

  “One night can easily turn into two nights. And two nights can mean an extra toothbrush,” Lillian sighed. “It’s only been four weeks and the deal was that we would keep it casual,” she shared.

  “Four weeks? That’s a record, Doc. So, what are you going to do?” Lori asked.

  “I can’t just ghost her. You know me, I’m old school. I don’t have time for a relationship or whatever it is she’s looking for and she deserves to know that,” Lillian sighed.

  “I’m going to have to cut her loose. Let her down gently.”

  “Mm hmm,” Lori hummed.

  “What?”

  “Nothing, Doc,” she replied, her eyebrows still raised.

  “Spit it out, Lori,” Lillian sighed.

  “Would it be so bad if she spent the night?” she asked.

  “You could give the poor girl a chance.”

  “I’m not interested in a relationship or anything outside of the realm of casual. I’ve got enough on my plate with work as is. I don’t need something or someone else to stress me out,” Lillian explained.

  “Mm hmm,” Lori repeated.

  “I didn’t get where I am today by playing house,” Lillian said.

  “Mm hmm,” she hummed once more.

  “I’ll just send her a nice but honest text and be done with it,” Lillian explained.

  “Has that worked out for you in the past?” Lori questioned.

  “Well, based on past experiences, these situations often play out either way: one, the woman I’m seeing appreciates my candor and thanks me for my honesty or two, the message is not well received and I’ve got a hell of a situation on my hands,” she explained.

  “For your sake, I hope it’s the former instead of the latter,” Lori chuckled.

  “You and me both. But enough with my love life. What’s on the agenda today?” Lillian asked.

  Lori flipped through her clipboard. “I’m glad you asked.

  Amanda Rothwell called, she’s furious and she’s demanding to come in today.”

  “Why? She’s barely made it past her due date. Tell her not to worry,” she replied.

  “That’s the problem. She’s not taking no for an answer.

  She said something about you giving her a date?”

  “I gave her an estimate,” Lillian sighed. “Baby’s don’t follow a schedule. Just try explaining that to her and calm her down. Tell her there’s no need to come in,” she said as she shook her head.

  “I’ll try but she sounded like she was out for blood,” Lori chuckled. “Natalie Bridgen is coming in for her 12 weeks check-up and you’ve got two more patients both on their 16

  to 20 weeks scan,” she said while she flipped through the pages.

  “That’s it?” Lillian asked.

  “Oh! I almost forgot. The fertility center called. They have a patient, 36-year-old successful IUI case,” Lori replied. “An Annabel Lacey,” she read out. “She’s requesting to have you as her obstetrician. Can you fit in another patient?”

  Lillian pulled out her planner and looked at her schedule.

  Every day was marked red and filled with appointments. “I can’t. I’m up to my ears in pregnant women,” she replied. “I barely have a lunch hour as it is.”

  “I’ll call and let them know,” Lori said as she scribbled on the pages of her clipboard.

  “Lori, for future reference, I won’t be taking on new patients in the coming weeks. Unless there are