Doc Featherstone's Return by Stephani Hecht Page A

watched his mate eat and joke around with the rest of the staff.
    His little fireball had come back, and Joshua couldn’t be happier. More so, Joshua had learned to love on his own terms, something that he never thought was possible. And it was all thanks to Ash.
Once they had their fill of food, Joshua grabbed Ash, but instead of taking him to their room, he led him to the roof. It had become their special place. They went up there, and Joshua held Ash close to his chest as they both looked out at the stars.
    “I am so lucky to have you,” Joshua said.
    “Funny, I was just thinking the same thing about you,” Ash admitted.
    “Do you know I fell in love with you from the moment I saw you?”
    Ash snorted. “You could have fooled me. You yelled at me that day for not taking care of a patient properly.”
    “That was only because I was scared to death because I was head over heels for you, and I wanted to push you away.”
    “Well, it worked for a while. Then I started to fall for you, too. At first, I thought I must be crazy because I thought you hated me. I was sure I had a sadistic streak or something.”
    Joshua kissed the top of Ash’s head. “I’m so sorry for all those things I said to you then.”
    “You already apologized, remember? It’s done and forgotten. It’s in the past. I’m just looking forward to our future.”
    Joshua put his fingers under Ash’s chin and tipped his head up so he could kiss him. “Our future. I like the sound of that.”
“So do I. It’s going to be a long one, too. Don’t worry about me going out in the field. I’m always careful, and I have Isaac and Gregg at my back.”
    “I know you do. I won’t lie, I’ll always worry, but I know it’s what you love to do, so you go ahead and do it. I promise not to stand in your way.”
    Ash gave him that dazzling smile of his. “I have the most amazing mate ever.”
    “No, I do. It’s my little fireball.”
    Before Ash could argue, Joshua silenced him the only way he knew how. He gave him a tender kiss. As always, Ash gave in, his hands going to Joshua’s shoulders.
    Once they parted, Joshua said, “Oh, and by the way, you are never getting your F or L because you will always be my precious Ash.”
    “That’s okay,” Ash said, “I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
     
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    About the Author
     
    Stephani Hecht is a happily married mother of two. Born and raised in Michigan, she loves all things about the state, from the frigid winters to the Detroit Red Wings hockey team. Go Wings!
    You can usually find her snuggled up to her laptop, creating her next book or gorging on caffeine at her favorite coffee shop.
    Stephani loves to talk to her readers and can be found at www.stephanihecht.com.