THE ROAD WAS in perfect order as they drove up towards the hospital. ‘I can’t believe it’s a year since it opened,’ said Paige, staring out of the window at the snow-capped mountains.
Stefan reached a warm hand over and squeezed her knee. ‘I never thought I’d be grateful to an avalanche.’
Paige met his gaze for a second and slipped her hand over his. ‘It’s so weird being back. I’m not sure whether I prefer the sun in Los Angeles or the air in the Alps.’
‘Don’t let my dad hear you saying that,’ Stefan joked.
They turned the final corner, pulling into the large, landscaped car park that now had a helipad at one end.
The hospital looked even better than the last time they’d been here. New windows had been put into the older building, and Paige could see the state-of-the-art gym. The whole building was finished in a pale cream colour, but the main door remained the same with its stained-glass panels on either side.
‘How many patients do you have?’ asked Paige.
‘Seven,’ Stefan replied with a smile. ‘Two toddlers for cleft repairs, and five adults, some reconstruction surgery after treatment, a skin graft, and some nose and cheek surgeries.’
The car came to a halt in one of the spaces and they stepped out into the crisp fresh air. ‘Any time to ski?’ asked Paige, teasing.
‘Maybe a little,’ he said, slipping an arm around her waist as they walked to the main doors. ‘But we have to fit that in between meeting my father for dinner one evening, and Franco the next.’
‘I’m sure we’ll manage,’ she said, putting her head on his shoulder. As they walked up the steps, she looked at him curiously. ‘What is it you wanted to show me?’
He tapped the side of his nose. ‘Let’s say our hellos first.’
They greeted the nursing and theatre staff, general manager, chef and domestic staff. Discretion was key at the alpine hospital. All the staff were professional but the atmosphere was relaxed and easy.
Stefan slipped his hand into Paige’s and led her down the corridor to the room that doubled as his office. As they walked in, he gestured for her to sit down.
There was a long white box on the table and Paige smiled, wondering what on earth was going on.
Instead of walking around to the other side of the desk, he pulled over another chair from the wall and sat down next to her. ‘I got you a gift.’ He smiled, nodding at the box. ‘Open it.’
She gave him a curious smile. ‘Okay.’ She shifted position and lifted the lid of the white box. Inside was a carved wooden plaque. At one end was a brightly coloured Turaco bird, but it was the name and title that caught her attention. She ran her finger along the letters: Paige McLeod, Counsellor.
‘It’s beautiful,’ she breathed, one hand going up to her chest.
‘I know it’s early. But once you qualify, your office will be next to mine. Here, and in Los Angeles.’ He waved his hand to the room next door, which was identical to his, only a little smaller.
She couldn’t hide the tears in her eyes. He’d supported her every step of the way, just like he’d promised. ‘I love the bird. Signifying where we met.’ She met his blue eyes. ‘Where we fell in love.’
He cleared his throat. ‘There’s another door plaque underneath.’
She tilted her head to the side, wondering what on earth he meant. ‘Why would I need another?’
She lifted the first and looked underneath. There was an identical plaque, with the Turaco bird and a name—only this time it read Paige Bachmann, Counsellor.
Her hand went to her mouth and her head turned quickly. Stefan was kneeling on the floor, an open ring box in his hand. ‘What do you think?’ He smiled. ‘And you can have whatever name you like—the question is still the same—will you marry me?’
‘Yes!’ There wasn’t a single moment’s hesitation in her answer as she wrapped her arms around his neck, laughing and kissing him.
‘Aren’t I supposed to put the ring on your finger?’ He laughed as she almost knocked him over.
She held out her trembling hand so he could slide the single pink diamond onto her finger. ‘One thing,’ she whispered.
‘Anything,’ he said immediately.
She raised her eyebrows. ‘I get the bigger office.’
‘Mrs Bachmann,’ he agreed, ‘can have whatever she wants.’ And he picked her up and swung her around as they both laughed.