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training in orbital problems, so I always get called for those.”
    “I see.” Ophthalmology, she thought. That explained why she hadn’t seen him around. She worked at St. Peter’s Hospital, the ophthalmology department was at Rivermede General.
    “Don’t worry,” he said. “You’re in good hands. If anything happens, I can check your vision.”
    Mikaela laughed.
    He picked up her bag and turned toward the door. “Ready to go?”

Chapter 4
    Written in the Stars by Esmeralda Garnet
    ARIES (March 21-April 19) Visiting unfamiliar places or meeting new acquaintances will influence the direction you want to take. Focus on helping others. Romance is highlighted.
    Mikaela sat back comfortably in the low-slung seat of a sexy black Jaguar and enjoyed the power and speed as they chewed up the miles. “So tell me more about why we’re doing this.”
    Sam glanced over. “I needed a change.”
    Wow, someone who actually sought change, Mikaela mused. She couldn’t relate. “ Tired of ophthalmology? ”
    “No, I like ophthalmology. It’s all the rest I could live without. The meetings, research, teaching.” He paused for a moment. “It’s sort of like being a hockey player and being asked to play defense, right wing and goalie. I’d like to be able to pick one and stick with it.”
    “And that one would be patient care?”
    “Yes, exactly.”
    “How would Emerson be better?”
    “No teaching, less research, fewer meetings. And more operating room time.”
    “Perfect combo,” she agreed. “What’s with all the schmoozing? Why don’t you just hang up your shingle and start to work?”
    Sam laughed. “Seems like you should be able to. But I need hospital privileges. If I can’t operate, I don’t want to make the move. And that is up to the board of directors. Emerson’s a small community, and they want to make sure new staff fit in.”
    “And a woman in your life makes you a better person?”
    “Always,” Sam said with a smile. Her heart stuttered. “I want them to know I’m serious about staying. Apparently a single guy doesn’t fit that profile. It’s not written in stone,” Sam said as he glanced over to her, “but it’s come up. A lot. The hospital is underserviced for a number of specialties. Part of this weekend will be trying to convince them that ophthalmology is a priority.”
    “The patients would be lucky to have an ophthalmologist in town.”
    “Hopefully, they’ll see it that way too,” he said, with a grin. “I have to go and present rounds at one o’clock this afternoon. I’m meeting some of the family doctors and giving a talk about common eye problems. I expect it will take a couple of hours. I can drop you off, and you can get a bite to eat and relax. Dinner starts at seven, and we’ll meet the rest of the board, about thirty people in all. Not shy, I hope?”
    Not any more, she thought. Medical school had cured her of that pretty quickly. “Nope, I’ll be fine,” she replied. “Where are we staying?”
    “Here,” he said, exiting the highway onto a tree-lined street. After a short distance, he drove down a narrow gravel road, where low branches brushed the car, and then turned onto a long paved lane.
    “We’re not staying in Emerson?”
    Sam shook his head. “I have a cottage here. Last year I had some major renovations done, so I can stay here year round.” He glanced over at her. “Is that okay?”
    “I thought I would get a chance to look around Emerson if we were staying in town,” she lied.
    “If you want to head into town, it’s not a problem. Just go back out to the main highway and continue for another five kilometers. I keep another vehicle here, a Jeep. So if you want to venture into town, feel free,” he reassured her. “I thought this would be easier for sleeping arrangements,” he admitted without looking at her. “There’s lots of space, and you can have your own bedroom. With no questions asked. It’s a small town.” He glanced over at