The cake was in the shape of a blue scrub top, with a stethoscope, nursing accessories sticking out of two pockets, and a name tag with Isla’s name on it. Everything was edible. Surrounding the cake where ten white frosted cupcakes, each with a blue letter on it spelling out the word, “Congratulations”.
The bakers had done an outstanding job.
Judging by the tears filling Isla’s gaze and the way she jumped into his arms and kissed his cheek a dozen times, he was certain she agreed and loved her surprise.
Cheers, laughter, and whistles echoed around them.
“Thank you,” she whispered, lightly brushing her lips to his.
He smiled and kissed her softly. “You’re welcome.”
“Okay, save that for later.” Carter waved a hand and snickered. “We want to know if Isla decided on a specialization.”
Mel nodded. “Yeah. What department do you want to work in?”
Isla turned to everyone and smiled. “Well, that was tough. I mean, I enjoyed the excitement and rush of working in the ER. Never knew what type of case was going to walk in the door. The maternity ward was great, too, getting to share such an amazing moment. But I decided I’d like to work in ICU.”
Everyone cheered, and he tugged her against his side and whispered in her ear, “Knew it all along. I’m so proud of you.”
Isla shifted in his arms to touch his face. “That’s because you know me so well.”
Smiling, he nodded. He knew many things, like all of her trigger spots that caused her to moan his name.
As if reading his mind, she snickered and slapped his chest with her palm. “Don’t forget, I know you too.”
His smile widened. Yes, she did. She so did.
Later, after the cake had been cut and devoured, they were standing in the shade, watching everyone enjoying the holiday.
Isla turned to him and raised a brow. “So, you want to tell me about that call you got earlier? Is everything okay?”
He slid his arms around her and smiled. He felt like a new man. A free one. “Holden isn’t the only person joining ESI full time.”
Her eyes widened and brightened with a thousand-watt smile. “You are? You can? Really?”
“Yes.” He chuckled, loving her exuberance. “Really.”
She surged up then and kissed him with some more of that exuberance, and he cupped her head and held her there, taking his time to savor and enjoy her taste.
He’d never grow tired of it.
When they broke apart, whistles and catcalls echoed around the yard. Isla’s face flushed, and his heart took a hit as he stared at the beautiful woman who wanted to make a life with him. Adoration, need, and acceptance radiated in her eyes as she stared at him like he was the best thing to happen to her.
His chest was tight with all those emotions too.
“Isla, if you keep looking at me like that I’m going to forget how to breathe.”
“It’s okay,” she said against his lips. “I know CPR.”
