Practicing Partners (Maiden’s Bay #2)

Epilogue

EPILOGUE

ONE MONTH LATER

“WHO’S NEXT, EDITH?” Aubrie bumped into Edith in the patient hallway on her way to the front desk.

“The Rowland boy. His mother says he has symptoms of colic, poor thing.”

Bran stepped out of Doc Bernie’s office—well, their office. “You want me to take him?” His eyes read sympathy. He understood why she’d be hesitant, and she loved him for it. But she was ready.

“No, I got this one.”

“Are you sure?”

Aubrie laid her hand on his shoulder. “I’m sure.”

“Okay.” Bran stole a kiss from her, taking the chart from Edith’s hand and using it as a shield to hide their affection.

“You’re not fooling anyone, you know.” Doc Bernie appeared out of the office, a box full of books in his hands.

Bran’s forehead touched hers for a brief second before he backed away. “Maybe we just want privacy, Doc Bernie. It’s not every day you get to work with your girlfriend.”

“Except in this case, it is.” Aubrie laughed.

“Okay, you two. Bran, help an old man out, will ya?” Doc Bernie handed the box to Bran, who oomphed at the weight of it.

“I don’t think you need my help. Besides, what the heck do you have in here, cement?”

“I’ve got plenty more things to move out.”

Bran moved to help Doc, then stopped. “Hey, don’t forget—”

“I know, dinner at your dad’s tonight.”

“Nathaniel texted, said he’s coming in with Gwen, so we don’t want to be late.”

“Already bought the wine.” Aubrie kissed his forehead before moving on to the front office. It had been a whirlwind few weeks. She’d unpacked her bags and bought a few more items for the apartment, and Bran moved his things in with them. The fact they were together was enough for Mom to disregard Aubrie’s location and new occupation. Mom even planned a trip to visit at Thanksgiving, much to the chagrin of her brother and sister.

Though the helium had leaked out of the balloons, and the cards lay stacked in a shoebox in her closet, she’d never forget how this community welcomed her with open arms. She had found more than what she hoped in coming here. As she looked at the mother clutching the wiggly baby, she was ready.

Ready for the fresh start. Ready to give back.

Ready for whatever came her way.