Read Saving Forever - Part 4 for Free Online Page A

phone now ringing. “Duty calls.”
    Charity mouthed another “thank you” but had no idea if Amanda had noticed. She knocked on Malcolm’s door and opened it when she heard his low voice call out, “Come in.”
    He stood by his desk putting on a white lab coat. “You’re back.” His brows crushed together as he gave her a once over. “How are you feeling?”
    She could feel him assess her with his doctor eyes and waited for the okay. Elijah and her father did it to her daily now, she might as well get used to it. “I’m good. Nearly fully mended.”
    “That’s quite the fiasco.” He glanced down her left side. “Did you get engaged?”
    Charity lifted her hand and stared at her ring in surprise. Hadn’t she mentioned it to him already? Now she wasn’t sure. “I did.” She chuckled. “Apparently getting shot is a great way to hook a man.”
    “Doctor Bennet?”
    “I hope so, or he’s going to be pretty ticked I’m wearing someone else’s ring.” She didn’t know why she was joking around about it. She turned serious. “Elijah and I are pretty excited. Between everything else that’s been going on, it’s something good.”
    “I believe it is.”
    “Speaking of the ring…” She figured now was the perfect opportunity to bring up the wedding. “We’re planning something small. Just a few family and friends in New Zealand.”
    “That sounds like a great idea.” He nodded vigorously.
    “In about three weeks.” She bit her lip, not sure how he would react.
    “Three weeks? He’s not wasting any time, is he?”
    “It was more my idea.” She smiled, unsure why she felt nervous talking about it.
    “Congratulations on the engagement and wedding.” Malcolm walked over and hugged her gently. “I take it you need a bit of time away?”
    “Ten days… maybe a bit more?” She couldn’t look him in the eye. “I plan on working my butt off before then and as soon as I’m back. I feel bad asking for time off after everything.”
    “It’s fine. You’re already ahead of schedule. I think we can afford it.” He stepped back. “I think it’s a great idea. I’d like to—”
    She noticed a gold band on his left finger. “Are you wearing a wedding ring?”
    He chuckled. “Apparently you and I have been up to the same thing. Well, I didn’t get shot at.” His right fingers curled around the ring. “My wife and I decided to give it another go. We’ve been seeing each other since the Valentine’s fundraiser and decided a couple of weeks ago to move back in. She started wearing her rings again so I figured I should too.”
    “Congratulations.” She was happy for him.
    “Second time’s a charm, right?”
    She laughed. “I think the saying is, ‘third time’s a charm’, but who’s counting?”
    “I’m just happy she wants to give it another go. I’ve cut back on my hours and am now taking every other weekend off. It seems to be working so far.” He smiled. “I might be a bit of a copycat and whisk her away somewhere exotic.” He looked up, as if imagining the picture off in his mind. He blinked and gave his head a quick shake. “She’ll be at the ribbon cutting for the new wing tomorrow.”
    “I look forward to seeing her again,” Charity said politely. Then she threw her arms around him and hugged him tight, ignoring the pull by her scar. “I’m so happy for you.” She really was. The excitement of fresh love seemed something the both of them completely understood. It was a rare gift.
    Malcolm returned the hug and then stepped back, clapping his hands and then rubbing them together. “Okay. We should probably get some work done! I promised the wife I’d be home on time tonight. Do you want to see the finished wing? The floor looks amazing! The new CAT scan machines are being hooked up today so they should be up and running by tomorrow.”
    “Let’s go see it!” She’d left her iPad in her bag in her office. “I should take a few pictures.”
    He waved his hand.