Destiny Mine (Tormentor Mine #3)(69)

He gives me his customary glare and puts down the sandwich. “What is it?”

If I didn’t know better, I’d think he hates me. But he’s like this with everyone, patients included, so I don’t take it personally.

According to the nurses, the more he glowers at you, the more he likes you.

“Well…” Out of the corner of my eye, I see Annabelle come up to stand next to me. She clearly can’t resist seeing the aforementioned look on Bill’s face firsthand. “I was wondering if you guys have plans this Saturday,” I say, figuring it’s best not to make a big deal of it. “I’m getting married in a small, low-key ceremony, and—”

“You what?” Bill’s grizzled mustache quivers as his gaze falls to my left hand. “You’re engaged?”

“As of yesterday,” I say, lifting my hand to display the ring. “I know it’s short notice, so if you have other plans, it’s totally—”

“Oh, no, we’ll be there, my dear. Congratulations.” Wendy beams at me and reaches out to squeeze my right hand. “Who’s the lucky gentleman?” She peers at my left hand. “That’s a beautiful ring he gave you.”

Bill’s mustache refuses to stop moving. “You have a boyfriend?” His glower deepens as he gets to his feet. “We didn’t know you had a boyfriend.”

I smile and repeat my explanation about us being on and off and Peter traveling a lot before. “So now we’re ready to take the next step,” I conclude and glance up at the clock on the wall. “Oh, look at that. My patient is probably here now,” I say, and watch as grinning Annabelle hurries back to her post.

“Sorry, I have to run,” I tell my bosses. “So you’ll be there?”

“With bells and whistles on,” Bill says sourly.

I take that to mean he’s happy for me as well, and with a cheerful wave at Wendy, I hurry off, pleased that this part of my task, at least, went off without a hitch.

Now I just have to tell everyone else—and then explain it to my parents.





I have an appointment cancellation in the second half of the afternoon, so I use that time to start making the necessary calls.

Simon and Rory don’t pick up, so I leave them a voicemail to call me. Phil, however, must already be done with his workday at school, because he picks up on the first ring.

“Hey, there you are. We thought your mystery boyfriend might’ve carried you off,” he says, and I laugh, hoping he can’t hear the semi-hysterical note in the sound.

He’s joking, but Peter could’ve easily made me disappear.

That’s what I thought was going to happen when I left the bar with him.

“Still here,” I say when I stop laughing. “But I do have some news.”

“Don’t tell me.” Phil mock-gasps into the phone. “You’re preggers.”

“Um, no…” Or at least if I am, I don’t know it yet. It’s not impossible after two days of unprotected sex, but it’s definitely too soon to tell. “I am getting married, though.”

There’s dead silence on the phone. Then: “WHAT?”

“Yeah, it’s kind of a long story,” I say and launch into the same explanation I gave my coworkers about my on-and-off relationship and Peter’s travels.

“But why didn’t you tell us about him?” Phil still sounds stunned. “We all thought you didn’t date because of your husband.”

“It was a bit complicated at times. And since I wasn’t sure it was going anywhere...” I trail off, hoping Phil fills in the blanks on his own. “In any case, we are getting married, and it’s happening this Saturday, so—”

“WHAT?”

I grin, picturing his bulging eyes. “Yes, I know. We decided against a long engagement. In any case, I know it’s super short notice, so if you have other plans this Saturday, I completely understand. But if you can make it, we’d love to have you there, and obviously, you’re welcome to bring a date.”

“You’re getting married. This Saturday.”

“That’s what I just said.” I pause to give him a chance to emote more, but he seems to have lost his tongue, so I plow ahead. “You don’t have to tell me right now, but if you get a chance, I’d love to know by tomorrow if you’d be able to attend. Peter booked a catering company and everything, so it’s going to be small but hopefully nice.”

“Where…” Phil clears his throat. “Where is the wedding going to be?”

“At Silver Lake Country Club,” I say. “You know it?”

“Yes, of course. My cousin got married there a couple of years ago. Beautiful spot.”

“Oh, good.” I smile, though he can’t see it. “So can you tell me if you’ll be there, or do you need until tomorrow?”

“Are you kidding me? Of course I’ll be there. Did you already tell Rory and Simon?”

“Left them voicemails,” I say and look at the clock. I better hurry if I’m to call Marsha before my next patient. “Thanks a lot, Phil, and sorry to spring this on you,” I tell him. “See you Saturday.”

“Yeah. See you,” he says, still sounding stunned as I hang up.