“Well, the waiting was killing me.” She pushed the door open slightly. “And you won’t have any problem rebuilding the clinic. Rene already pledged to do it. I think he’ll pay for the women’s shelter, too, if you play your cards right.”

“She’s not playing any cards with Rene at all.” Even through the pain, he could find a way to be jealous. He might always have this problem because his wife was stunning and sexy, and there would always be men attracted to her intelligence and complexity.

But he would also remember that she’d chosen him.

She wrinkled her nose his way. “He’s just doing it because I saved his life.”

Noelle shook her head. “Nope. According to everyone in town, he’s mad crazy in love with you and wants to marry you.”

He was going to kill Major. Or Quaid. One of the two had been talking. Hell, maybe it had been Remy. He wouldn’t put it past Lila’s brother-in-law to try to shake him to his senses. He didn’t need it, though. “Rene is going to have to find his own city-slicker bride.”

“Is that right?” Lila asked, her lips curled up.

“Damn straight.” His body was in pain, but his soul had finally found some peace. “But, chérie, you’re going to have to take care of our honeymoon. I’m an injured man.”

“Eww,” Noelle said, and she turned and started out of the room. “Too much information.”

“Payback can be hell, baby girl,” he managed to shout.

The door closed and he was alone with Lila. With his love, his almost wife.

She leaned over to kiss him and it was more than enough.

One month later

Lila looked at the clinic with its shining countertops and all that glorious brand-new medical equipment sitting in boxes. Turned out there was plenty of money for her brand-spanking-new, top-of-the-line clinic. Doc Hamet hadn’t seen the point in applying for state or national funds. Lila didn’t mind. She’d had plenty of time while the clinic was being rebuilt to fill out a whole lot of paperwork. Between two large grants, Rene’s donation, and the shocking number of tickets Armie could write, the Papillon Parish Clinic would be open for business soon.

“It’s looking pretty good, huh?” She glanced down at her constant companion. Peanut liked coming up to the clinic. He’d kind of become their mascot.

The big dog thumped his tail and gave her one of those doggy smiles that always made her lips curl up. Even when she was in the worst of moods, that dog could make her smile. Not that she had many bad moods.