Chapter 6: Goodbyes and New Beginnings

“Because... cooking needs oil, haha.” He cracked up at his own joke.

How can someone with a 98.6°F mouth say something so cold? My heart at minus two degrees hurt even more. I shoved him, but couldn’t help laughing.

I groaned, shoving his shoulder. He just laughed, the sound echoing across the rooftop. I felt lighter, somehow.

“Ring ring!” Marcus mimed a phone call, breaking the tension.

“Hello?” I answered, playing along.

“Dr. Callahan, Officer Maddox is looking for you, in your office.” The nurse’s voice was urgent, my heart skipped.

My heart jumped, hope and dread tangling together. I stood, brushing snow off my scrubs. Was this really happening?

“What?!” I yelped, panic and excitement colliding.

I jumped up and ran out, not even saying goodbye. My feet barely touched the stairs.

“Where you going, kid?!” Marcus shouted after me. I didn’t slow down.

“To wash my hair!” I yelled, already halfway down the hall.

I bolted down the stairs, nearly tripping over my own feet. I borrowed the attending’s fancy shampoo, made sure I smelled good, then knocked on my own office door. My heart pounded.

I caught my reflection in the glass, cheeks flushed, hair finally clean. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. I could do this.

Wait, this is my office—why am I knocking? I rolled my eyes, but my hands wouldn’t stop shaking.

I rolled my eyes at myself, but knocked anyway. Old habits die hard. I waited, breath held.

“Come in.” Ben’s voice was low, steady. I pushed the door open, nerves jangling.

A bit embarrassed, I stepped in. Ben was sitting in my chair, reading my staff profile. I tried not to stare.

He looked up, his eyes soft. The room felt too small, too bright. I closed the door behind me, heart pounding like crazy.

“So, what’s up?” I tried to sound casual, but my voice wobbled.

My nerves made my Midwest accent slip out. Ben looked different today: white shirt, black pants, hair neatly styled—even though it was a buzz cut. He looked like he belonged on a magazine cover.

He stood, hands in his pockets, looking awkward and handsome all at once. I tried not to stare, but failed.

“I’ve been feeling off lately, so I came to see Dr. Callahan.” His voice was teasing, but his eyes were serious.

“Huh? What hurts?” I rushed over, worry spiking. Was he hiding something?

I rushed over, worried. He looked fine. Was it something hidden? My doctor brain kicked in, scanning for injuries.

I scanned him for injuries, my doctor brain kicking in. He just smiled, shaking his head. Relief washed over me.

Standing in front of him, my head was level with his chest. Suddenly, he pressed my head down, and... my face landed on his chest. My breath caught.

His arms wrapped around me, warm and solid. My breath caught. I could hear his heart, strong and steady. I melted into him.

For the first time in my life, I was this close to a guy. I could hear his strong, steady heartbeat. It was like a lullaby.

His hand stroked my hair, and I melted into him, feeling safe and cherished. I closed my eyes, letting myself be held.

He started talking, his voice rumbling against my cheek. The vibration made me shiver—in a good way.

“I like you, Autumn. I’ve liked you since the first time I saw you. I said it’s not great for doctors and cops to keep meeting, but you’re the best thing that’s happened to me. So, will you be my girlfriend?”

Just a few plain words, no flowers, but my heart pounded out of control. I wanted to scream yes.

His words were simple, but they meant everything. My chest ached with happiness. I could barely breathe.

God, I’m in love. It hit me all at once, sweet and terrifying.

I closed my eyes, letting the feeling wash over me. I’d never felt so sure of anything. I wanted to freeze this moment forever.

“Yeah. I will.” My voice was tiny, but I meant it with everything I had.

I didn’t dare say more, afraid I’d burst out laughing. In his arms, fireworks went off in my mind. I was dizzy with happiness.

I, Autumn Callahan, am finally not single for the first time ever. About time, universe.

I grinned so wide my cheeks hurt. He squeezed me tighter, and I let myself believe in happy endings. Maybe they’re real after all.

“Did you fall for my looks?” Ben teased, eyebrow raised. I blushed, but didn’t let go.

After my night shift, Ben walked me home, holding my hand. The streetlights stretched our shadows long, like lovers who’d been together forever. I felt safe.

His hand was warm in mine, thumb tracing circles on my skin. The city felt softer, safer, with him by my side. I never wanted to let go.

“Maybe.” He thought, then smiled. “Or maybe I fell for your weirdness.”

I laughed, nudging him with my shoulder. "Careful, I might take that as a compliment." I grinned, daring him to tease me.

“Weirdness?” I raised an eyebrow, but couldn’t stop smiling.

I knew it—my charm is irresistible. Ha. I did a little victory dance in my head.

He grinned, eyes twinkling. “I’ve just never seen a girl whose hair is shinier than her face.”

“Ben Maddox! I washed my hair today!” I protested, punching his arm lightly.

I punched his arm, pretending to be offended. He just laughed, pulling me closer. I let him.

Thinking back, I always seemed to have greasy hair around him. Figures. My timing is perfect.

I groaned, covering my face. "I swear, I’m usually more put together." I peeked through my fingers, hoping he believed me.

“It’s not that I don’t wash my hair. The first time was because of a night shift, the second because I thought I didn’t care about you...” I trailed off, embarrassed.

He raised an eyebrow, waiting for the rest. I hesitated, then blurted it out.

“What?” he prompted, his voice soft but a little dangerous.

Ben’s tone was a little dangerous. Realizing he was now my boyfriend, I quickly hugged his arm and pouted. “I was pretending not to care. I thought you had a wife, so I wanted to be cool.”

He laughed, shaking his head. “So you liked me back then.” His smile was smug, but sweet.

He grinned, smug. I pinched his arm. “What? If you weren’t blind, you’d have seen it.” I stuck out my tongue.

He winced, but didn’t let go. “Of course. If I hadn’t noticed, I wouldn’t have dared to confess.”

“Who confesses like you? Nothing special at all. Now that I think about it, I feel a little cheated—I said yes too quick, sigh...” I huffed, but couldn’t stop smiling.

He pinched my cheek, then magically pulled out a box from behind. I blinked, surprised.

He held it out, eyes sparkling. "Guess what it is?" He waggled his eyebrows, teasing.

“Necklace? Bracelet? Or...” I guessed, playing along, my cheeks burning.

Maybe amused by my shy face, Ben flicked my forehead. I pouted, but took the box.

He grinned, then opened the box with a flourish. The anticipation was killing me.

Uh... I stared, confused. What was this?

Who gives their girlfriend something like this... I bit my lip, fighting a laugh.

Inside was a tiny, pink, plastic bone. I stared, then burst out laughing. Leave it to Ben.