say, smiling.
I get out of the car and walk over to Angel’s side to open her door for her. I reach my hand in and she takes it and smiles. We walk into the office hand in hand; both of us are smiling. The bell over the door rings, alerting Sara and Brea, who smile when they see us.
“Good morning, everyone.” I smile.
Brea walks over and says, “I didn’t realize you were starting work here today, Mason?” She laughs.
“Ha, ha, very funny. I’m not. Angel and I have some news we wanted to share with you both.”
They both stare at Angel then me. Angel raises her hand and wiggles her ring finger back and forth, drawing attention to the ring there. They both squeal and scream and run over and hug Angel to the point I’m afraid they may hurt her. I back away from the interaction among them.
“I need to get going,”
“Mason, I forgot all about you. Congratulations,” Brea says, standing on her tiptoes to hug me.
“Thank you, and that’s ok. Have you always been this short?” I say, leaning down to hug her.
“Shut up, Vincent won’t let me wear my heels until after the baby’s born.” She pouts. “He’s afraid I’ll trip and fall, or topple over from the excess weight; I’m not sure which.”
“I can understand that; no man wants to see potential harm done to their child, or their girl.”
“What did you just say?”
“Nothing, I was just agreeing with him, that’s all.”
“Umm mmm.”
Sara comes over and hugs me next. I bend down to hug her. “It took you long enough. Donovan said you were going to propose on her birthday,” she says, hugging me, so no one else can hear.
“Cold feet,” I lie.
“Well, better late than never. Congratulations,” she says, kissing me on my cheek.
“Thank you.”
“I need to go,” I say, walking to the door.
Angel walks with me and kisses me goodbye. “I love you.”
“I love you. I’ll pick you up right after work.”
“Be careful.”
I head into work, thankful that it’s Friday. I look at the appointment book and notice the last patient is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. I may be able to leave early and run a few errands before I need to pick up Angel after work. I make a list of things I need to do after work and stuff it in my pocket.
I start to see patients and break only for lunch. I check my phone and there is a text from Angel.
A: Mr. Myles, I hope you have a great lunch date with your sister. Thinking of you. I love you, Miss Perez.
M: Miss Perez, soon you will be Mrs. Myles and I can’t wait for that day. I also hope you have a great lunch and please eat healthy. My baby likes fruits and vegetables with each meal. Dr. Mason Myles.
A: You’re going to make me cry. I love you.
M: I’m sorry, don’t cry. Have a good lunch and I love you, too.
Madison and I have lunch next door at the Fast and Fresh Deli. I tell her that Angel and I got engaged and I would like to put the condo up for sale.
“Oh my God, Mason. Do you know how many times a week I get asked about condos in your building? A penthouse with your view, my commission will be through the roof.”
“Then it should sell quickly at a good price.”
“Wait, I thought you loved it there?”
“I do, but with Angel and me getting married, we need only a family home. The condo was great for a bachelor pad, but it won’t do for a family.”
“Please tell me, she isn’t pregnant?”
“Madison, stop it. We are just planning ahead. The real estate market is going up, and this is prime property. We should be able to get a good price out of it.”
We order our lunch and talk about having her over for dinner next week.
“I’ll clear my personal things out of the condo this weekend, and if you can, you should try to sell it furnished. Try to get it on the market next week.” I swear that I can see dollar signs in Madison’s eyes.
“Sounds good, I’ll need your key. You have a spare,