Page 74 of Clinically Delicious
I didn’t want it to stop.
The sun was setting when we finally headed toward the exit.
Megan was exhausted, clutching Dr. Trunk and Dr. Bear, her face still sticky with cotton candy residue.
“That was the best day ever,” she announced, yawning.
“I’m glad you had fun,” Gabriel said, lifting her up. She immediately rested her head on his shoulder.
I watched them—this tall, intimidating surgeon carrying his tiny daughter, her arms wrapped around his neck, completely trusting.
Something in my chest tightened.
This is what I want. This is what Tracy has. Success and purpose and a place where she belongs.
And I’m here. Playing nanny. Pretending this is enough.
“Cate?”
I looked up. Gabriel was watching me, Megan half-asleep against him.
“Are you alright?”
No. Yes. I don’t know.
“Yeah,” I replied. “Just tired.”
He didn’t look convinced. “Thank you for coming today.”
“You’re thanking me? You bought the tickets. You invited me. I should be thanking you.”
“You made it better,” he said simply. “Megan had more fun because you were here.”
Just Megan?
I didn’t ask. Couldn’t ask.
“She’s a great kid,” I said instead. “Easy to have fun with.”
We walked to the car in comfortable silence. Gabriel buckled Megan into her car seat—she was already asleep, Dr. Trunk and Dr. Bear clutched in her arms.
I got into the passenger seat, my body pleasantly exhausted, my mind still spinning.
He knows something happened in Boston. He brought me here to cheer me up. He held my hand on the Ferris wheel. He wiped powdered sugar off my nose. He touched my back, my elbow, and stayed close all day.
What does it mean?
What does any of it mean?
Gabriel got into the driver’s seat, starting the engine.
“Cate,” he said quietly.
I looked at him.
“I’m glad you came today,” he said. “I know this week was difficult. I wanted you to know that... you’re valued. Here. By Megan. By...”
He trailed off.
