“Informatics is the integration of technology and medicine to improve patient care and outcomes. It incorporates computer science, biotechnology, and clinical work all in one. I haven’t been this fired up since I started hospital rotations the third year of med school.” He downed half a glass of wine in a single breath.

She only had one sip, but still her head spun. No man had ever given her a key, let alone an entire house. Just when did he expect to move in?

“We had to scramble, but Tyler and I left that conference with enough funding to create a Medical Informatics Department at St. Luke’s. Over the next couple years, I’ll be away a lot for conferences and to get another degree, believe it or not.” He swirled the glass, and wine whirlpooled up the sides, just short of sloshing out. “But just think, through digital transformation, I’ll take my father’s hospital out of the dark ages and into the twenty-first century. I’ll make advances he never could have dreamed of.”

A note of excitement hummed beneath his words. But she was confused. Richard was a gifted doctor. Why give up clinical practice for technology? She ran a finger over plush, chenille threads by her knee. “Will you still take care of patients?”

Finishing the drink in a final swallow, he set down the glass and rolled up his sleeves. “Not as much, but I won’t be stuck in a lab. I’ll maintain a modest private practice.”

She gave a small smile. “No house calls.”

With a laugh, he cupped her cheek in one palm. “My darling.”

The glass was warm against her bottom lip. Wine slid down her throat like molten gold.

“Everything’s clicking into place. This transformation is a massive undertaking, and I’m terrified. I really am.” He cradled her hand in his. “For a shot at success, I need someone at my side who gets me—who knows this community and supports my work. You said yourself that you belong in Green Ridge—thank you, NYC! You already joined the team at the hospital. I want you to be a part of my home life, too.” Tightening his hold, he leaned toward her. “What do you say?”

The air was thick with the scent of wax and heavy with expectation. She moistened her lips and swallowed.

What do I say?

She flicked her gaze to the key and heard her own heartbeat thump in her head. The tops of her feet tingled beneath her weight. A candle popped, and with a hiss, a bright orange spark flew onto the hearth and died. She cleared her throat. “Wow. That’s just…wow, I—”