Free Rocky Mountain Hero (To Love Again Book 3) by Kate Fargo

their therapist. You’re one of the best.”
    “I appreciate that, Ned. Let me buy you lunch soon.”
    “Sounds great. Have Heidi call my assistant.”
    Isabel rang off and almost lifted out of her chair with glee. It had worked. Was working. Once again, she had the midas touch with her clients. The right word, the ability to see to the heart of the problem. She, Dr. Isabel Chapel, was back in the saddle.
    She rose and took a few light leaps across her office, to the wall of windows overlooking the river and Prince’s Island Park. Most of the leaves were already off the trees, but the temperature was more like late summer than late fall.
    Her eyes fell on the Island Café. Crossing the office, she opened the door. “Heidi, how much time do I have between appointments at noon?”
    Heidi consulted the appointment book and looked up. “An hour and a half, Dr. Chapel.”
    “Excellent. Make me a reservation for two at the Island Café and get Jenny on the phone for me, please.”
    “Right away Dr. Chapel.” Heidi was already punching numbers on the telephone as she shut the door and surveyed her domain. It was a small kingdom, but she was queen. And she was happy.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
     
     
     
    Jenny was decked out in an emerald green dress that highlighted her eyes. She was sipping a marguerita and smiled when she spotted Isabel crossing the room toward her.
    The two women hugged briefly and then sat. “What’s the occasion?” Jenny asked. “You were a little mysterious on the phone.”
    “I just felt like celebrating! It’s a gorgeous day, life is good, I have a best friend to lunch with. Who needs more than that?”
    Jenny laughed and raised her glass in a toast. “I couldn’t agree more.”
    The waiter arrived, took Isabel’s drink order and recited the luncheon specials. Aware of the time, Isabel chose quickly and ushered the waiter away.
    “I take it work is going better?” Jenny asked.
    “Not better, Jenny. Great. Work is going great. This morning Dr. Cormier called me – he received a glowing report from a couple he recently referred to me.”
    “So you’re back.”
    “I so am.” Isabel’s smile took over her face. She leaned back and started to laugh.
    “That must be a relief,” Jenny said, mirroring her friend’s smile. She’d seen Isabel through a lot and Isabel knew she wanted her to be happy.
    “I’m relieved. And exhilarated. I haven’t felt this connected to my work, to my patients for a long time. It’s like I’m waking up.”
    “From a long sleep?”
    “Yes, from a long sleep.”
    “Maybe a three year sleep?” Jenny asked, raising her eyebrows in query.
    “This is work, Jenny, it doesn’t have anything to do with Chet.” Isabel ran her finger along the salted edge of her Margarita, then popped her finger in her mouth.
    “Have it your way. Let’s celebrate.”
    Lunch arrived and they tucked into their salads. Isabel was grateful that Jenny had let it drop. It was a beautiful day and she wanted to focus on what was positive and working in her life. It was a day to leave the past where it belongs – in the past.
    “I heard from my publisher,” Isabel said, anxious for Jenny’s response.
    “Your publisher? I thought your next book was on hold?”
    “It was. But that was my fault. I lost interest in it about six months ago.”
    “And now?”
    “She says they have a market for it, that the bookstores have been getting requests for my next book.”
    “That’s wonderful, Isabel. So what’s stopping you?”
    “Nothing now. I’m going to get going on it right away. I figure I’ll finish the draft and be able to polish it over Christmas. The outline, and maybe half the manuscript, is already done - it’s just sitting on my desk, collecting dust.”
    “Waiting for your attention.”
    “Correct. Now it can have my undivided attention.” Isabel smiled and raised her glass in Jenny’s direction. “And I owe it all to you.”
    Her friend toasted her, but she had