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Vivian was thrilled for him. She’d always known that he had it in him. Though he’d always shunned positions like this, but he was a natural born leader. He just didn’t see himself like that.

The doorbell rang again.

“I’m coming!” Vivian shouted as she ran down the stairs. The nurse was heading for the door, but Vivian waved her off with a smile and opened the door to a courier.

“Dr. Maguire?”

“Yes.”

He handed her an envelope. “Can you sign here?”

Vivian signed the tablet. “There you go.”

“Great, thanks! Have a good day.”

Vivian shut the door and stared at the small envelope.

“What is it, Vivian?” her father asked from the living room.

“An envelope for me.” Vivian wandered into the living room and sat down in her favorite comfy chair.

Her father turned away from the TV to watch her open the envelope.

“What is it?” he asked again.

“It’s a note from a patient I treated—Gary Trainer, actually—and he’s enclosed a backstage ticket to the Grand Ole Opry tonight.”

Her father smiled. “Is that so? Well, you have to go. Tonight is a special night.”

“Why do you say that?”

“It’s Ray Castille’s anniversary show. They’re performing at the Ryman tonight and they’re going to broadcast it on television. You have to go, Vivian. For my sake.”

“Okay, Dad, I’ll go. Don’t get overexcited.”

He frowned. “I’m not. I just think you need to go.”

“Gary said he’s making his debut return, but he won’t be singing. Just doing some introductions tonight. I’m not sure if his vocal cords are ready yet. They’re still healing from all his intubations and his lung capacity is not the same anymore.”

Vivian smiled as she thought about Gary. Thankfully, he hadn’t needed chemotherapy after all. The biopsy had perfectly removed the teratoma and the LEMS symptoms soon disappeared after that. Which was good if he was planning on being on stage tonight.

“He’s going to send a car around in...two hours!”

Her father chuckled. “Then you better get ready. The nurse is staying tonight because you were going to the hospital to do some research, so now you can go to the Opry and take pictures.”

Vivian rolled her eyes. “I wouldn’t know what to take pictures of, Dad.”

He laughed. “Go get ready. We’ll be fine.”

“Okay.” Vivian headed upstairs to her room to find something to wear. Or at least find the outfit she’d worn the first time she went to the Opry, when she’d been standing backstage with Gary and Reece.

She had been hoping to see him tonight when she went to do her research. Though she didn’t know what to say to him. He clearly wasn’t interested in a relationship. He’d made it clear that night he came to check on her and her dad in the ICU. He’d admitted that he had nothing to give anyone.

So she’d given up hope that he’d ever change. And that was fine. She’d had a few stolen moments with him and that made it all worth it. She would gladly work under him at the hospital. She still stood by her belief that he was an excellent surgeon. That hadn’t changed.

She got ready and by the time she was coming down the stairs she could see a limo waiting for her outside.

“Are you sure you’re going to be okay, Dad?”

“I’m fine,” he said. “You look beautiful.”

“I checked on Mom and she’s sleeping. Betty is in the kitchen.”

“Would you go already?” He stood up and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “One of us has to make it to the Opry.”

“I won’t be late.”

“You will,” her father called as she shut the door.

Gary got out of the limo as she approached. He looked a bit thinner, but overall it was good to see him healthy and smiling.

“Doc, you’re a sight for sore eyes.” He gave her a quick peck on the cheek. “Thanks for coming with me. You were with me last time and I wanted to make sure you’re there this time. Just in case.”

“Gary, you were given a clean bill of health. You don’t need me there.”

He held open the door for her. “I’m a superstitious guy. Just humor me.”

She slid into the limo and he followed her in. They chatted about trivial stuff as they made their way to the Opry. His limo pulled up and she couldn’t believe the crowds of fans that were waiting.

“Sorry, this is a mandatory part. You’re arm candy tonight, Doc.” He opened the door to screaming fans and then helped her out, ushering her through the crowd as quickly as he could.

They made their way backstage and had a drink in the green room. When the show started he led her to the side stage.

“Time for me to announce our special guest.” Gary headed out on stage and Vivian watched, enjoying herself.

“Thank you all for being here. It’s my privilege and honor to be standing up here tonight to honor one of my idols, Ray Castille. Thirty years ago today he was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry and his first single went platinum. They say the good always die young and Ray was no exception. So please give a big warm welcome to his son, Reece Castille, who will be singing his number one hit ‘My Heart is Yours.’”

Vivian was shocked as Reece entered from stage left and stood in that spotlight in front of the Grand Ole Opry with his guitar. Smiling and waving to the sold-out show at the Ryman and to all those who were watching on television.

“Thank you all for having me here tonight. It’s my pleasure to sing for my father tonight and honor his last wish.” Then he turned and faced her, not the audience, as he began to pick at his guitar. As if he’d known that she was there all along, standing in the shadows watching him singing in disbelief, the words of his father’s song spilling out as he sang to her.

Vivian could feel the tears in her eyes and, just like that night at the Red Swallow Bistro, he captured her with his music, the song bringing back welcome memories instead of painful ones. Her heart felt as if it was going to burst and he moved toward her, the spotlight following him.

Gary was behind her then, pushing her forward. “Go on, Doc. The song is for you.”

She began to shake as she headed out onto stage, joining him as he began to sing the chorus she knew so well and prompting her to join him. To sing the words of her heart. Words that she’d never thought she would ever be able to share with him.

When the song ended, the audience cheered and Reece set down his guitar and moved toward her, holding out his hand.

“What’re you doing?” she whispered.

“I think I’m asking you to join me on stage.” There was a twinkle in his eyes.

“Why? I don’t deserve this. I hurt you.”

“The only hurt I suffered was when we were apart. When you weren’t with me. That’s what hurt the most. I missed you, Vivian. I love you.”

“Are you sure?” she whispered.

“I think so,” he teased.

“You think?” she teased. “I think you should be certain.”

“I know and I am. My life is not complete without you. You think you don’t deserve love, but you do. I love you. Only you.”

Tears began to stream down her face and she could barely get the words out. “I love you too.”

She hadn’t been sure about love in the beginning, but she was sure about it now. She needed Reece. Her life wasn’t complete without him.

“So will you come out here with me?” he asked again.

She nodded and took his outstretched hand, letting him guide her on stage.

“I love you so much. I should’ve never left. I should’ve never let you go,” she whispered against his neck. “I’m sorry for leaving you so long ago. I was a fool.”

“No. Not a fool. We just weren’t ready for our moment in the spotlight.”

Vivian laughed and he kissed her. She could hear the audience cheering as he kissed her on stage.

“Does that mean you’re giving up medicine to take your father’s place?” she teased when the kiss ended.

There was a scream from the audience and Vivian forgot that this moment was a very public spectacle on the Ryman stage, worthy of any country superstar, and now she’d inadvertently hinted that he would be taking up his father’s torch.

He covered up his microphone. “Thanks for that.”

“Sorry,” she whispered.

The crowd was chanting for Reece and he waved to them. “Maybe I’ll do the odd show here and there. Just for him. And, just for him, can you sing another song with me?”

Vivian nodded. “What should we sing?”

Gary walked out onto stage. “How about we sing one of mine?” He slung his arms around Reece and Vivian.

“You shouldn’t be singing. You haven’t been cleared yet.”

“I cleared him today,” Reece whispered in her ear. “He’s fine.”

Gary nodded. “And I feel like singing again. Give it up for the surgeons who saved my life!”

The crowd cheered and Vivian buried her head into Reece’s shoulder, then she whispered in his ear, “I don’t know any of his songs. Remember I don’t like country music!”

The band started up and Gary took center stage, motioning for them to join him.

“You’ll have time to learn.”

Vivian laughed and took her spot beside Reece, his arm around her while he sang with Gary. She had no doubt she’d learn some new music and maybe even warm up to it.

EPILOGUE

One year later

V
IVIAN
FOUND
R
EECE
sitting down by the lake at their cabin. They’d gotten married a month ago and had spent that month relaxing by the lake. Her father had recovered fully from his stroke and with the help of a full-time nurse he was able to take care of her mother.

So, with her dad stable and a nurse in residence, it was enough reassurance to allow Vivian to move out of her parents’ home and into Reece’s. She wasn’t sure about the commute to the hospital, especially now, but she hadn’t told him that. She brought him a cup of coffee in one hand and a glass of orange juice for her.

He was down by the lake with his guitar, writing music. He didn’t plan on performing it, but Gary had got Reece into writing songs for him and Reece found it was a great way to relieve stress and come to terms with his own hurt. A way to honor his father and say goodbye. A way for him to lay the ghost of Ray Castille to rest.

He had a real talent for it according to Andrew Sampson, who was now working as Reece’s publisher. Still Reece’s passion was for Cumberland Mills. As well as her. Vivian didn’t doubt that.

“Here you go,” Vivian said, setting the coffee cup down on the table next to the wooden bench. “How’s it coming?”

“Almost done,” Reece said. “I’m sad our honeymoon is almost over. It’s been a great month.”

Vivian smiled. “It has, but I’m looking forward to heading back to the OR tomorrow.”

“What are you doing in the OR tomorrow?”

“Another glioma. Not on the brain stem. Don’t look so excited. Dr. Berlin is coming to assist.”

“She’s really taken a shine to neurosurgery since you called her down from the observation room that day.”

Vivian nodded. “I saw so much of myself in her. I wanted to give her a chance, but I didn’t want her to be pressured and set up for failure like my first surgeries had been done.”

“Only you didn’t fail,” Reece said.

“And I have you to thank for that.” She sighed. “So it’s a busy day in the OR tomorrow. I’m looking forward to it.”

He chuckled. “Sounds better than my day tomorrow.”

“I thought you were starting phase two of your trial. That’s exciting.”

“True, starting phase two is exciting. The board meeting is not.”

“Well, you’re the Chief of Surgery,” she teased.

“Which is exactly why I didn’t want it. In fact you’re the one I should blame for that position. You’re the one who suggested me, after all.”

“Yes, I did and come on, admit it, you did want that position. It was your job. It always was. You love that hospital and you’re the best person for the job.” She leaned over and kissed him.

Reece grumbled and took a sip of his coffee. “Thanks, this is great.”

Vivian sighed. “I know. I’m going to miss coming out here every morning and watching you write, though. It’s been so peaceful. I can’t remember ever being this relaxed before.”

Reece grinned and then waggled his eyebrows. “It’s all the exercise you’re getting.”

She laughed. “Yes, that too.”

Reece set his guitar down and then wrapped his arms around her. “Maybe tomorrow you can slip away from your busy day and we can find an on-call room again.”

“And what kind of example would you be setting for your residents?”

He shrugged. “I don’t care. All I care about at this moment is getting you back into bed.”

“No way. I’m not going back to bed. I’m feeling a bit nauseous this morning. Drink your coffee and get that song for Gary done before he comes banging on our door.”

“Fine.” Reece picked up his guitar and then he eyed the orange juice she was holding. “You’re not having coffee? You always have coffee.”

“Nope. Orange juice is better for me. Folic acid. It helps prevent spina bifida, among other things.” She smiled secretly to herself as she took a sip of her orange juice. He was so involved with his songwriting he didn’t get the hint.

Reece snorted. “Now, why are you worrying about folic acid and spina bifida...? Vivian!” He shouted that last bit as he set down his guitar. “Are you telling me what I think you’re telling me?”

“Yes, I’m afraid I am, Doctor. And, since you’re Chief of Surgery, I’m going to have to ask you for some maternity leave.”

Reece shouted again and pulled her into his lap, kissing her.

“I take it you’re happy, then?” she asked.

“I am.” He took the glass of orange juice and set it down. “So happy, in fact, I’m going to show you just how happy I am.”

Vivian laughed as he picked her up and swung her around, kissing her. A kiss that started off innocently enough but then deepened into something more.

“Be careful, Doctor, or I’m going to want a bit more.”

He chuckled. “How much more?”

She slung her arms around his neck. “Your whole heart.”

“You already have that. You have it all.” And he kissed her again, as if he was never going to let her go.

* * * * *

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