Ivy nodded in agreement. “Dr. Ludwig really knows how to keep his head clear. A man like him probably never wastes time agonizing over things he can’t change – every ounce of his energy goes toward something meaningful." She found herself admiring him all over again, determined to learn from his example.

When they reached the campus, Jamison glanced back at her and, out of habit, reached over to ruffle her hair, reluctant to let her go. “I’ll pick you up Friday night.”

“No need,” Ivy replied. “I’ve got an exam on Saturday. I’ll just come back home after I’m done.” The last thing she wanted was to get distracted by his good looks the night before her test.

He saw straight through her. “Let me guess – you think I’ll throw you off your game?”

Ivy stayed silent, but she couldn’t help thinking, At least he’s self-aware.

Jamison’s expression shifted, a hint of displeasure crossing his handsome features. “Miss Ivy, you want to stay on campus just to avoid me, don’t you? Afraid being around me all the time might slow you down, ruin your progress?”

She looked at him, a little guilty. It’s true what they say – smart people are impossible to fool. He seemed to see right through her.

“You just called me clear-headed, but aren’t you the same? Newlyweds, and yet you’re willing to leave your young, charming husband behind to stay at school and focus on your studies. That’s even more rational – colder, even – than I am.”

His mock accusation made Ivy laugh. She shot him a playful wink. “So that makes us two of a kind. No wonder we get each other.”

She imagined how miserable things would be if one of them was clingy, could barely stand to be apart for a moment, while the other was detached and always clear-eyed, able to let go without a second thought. That would be exhausting – probably an argument every day. Only when both people are on the same wavelength, when their values and perspectives match, can they really get along – smoothly, efficiently, and in harmony.

Jamison seemed thunderstruck by her wink, staring at her, stunned. Their eyes met, and Ivy noticed the longing in his gaze. She knew exactly what he was thinking.

She quickly turned away, reaching for the door handle, but Jamison was faster. His arm shot out, pulling her back. He cupped her face and kissed her deeply.

“Jamison – this is school. You really shouldn’t–” she protested, her words muffled as he claimed her lips.

When he finally let her go, his broad hand still cradled her face, his eyes soft and full of affection. “Ivy, I only keep my head when it comes to everyone else. With you, I just want to be a reckless king who abandons all duty for love. So you give me too much credit.”

Ivy pressed her lips together, her eyes sparkling with laughter, the sweetness and ache in her chest swirling together.

“Enough, go on. I’ve got things to do, too.”

“Send me the exam info later. I’ll be there waiting for you on Saturday.”

She grinned. “Are you really that free?”

“A husband picking up his wife – isn’t that perfectly normal?”

Completely swept up in his tenderness, Ivy nodded. “Alright then, my dashing…chauffeur.” She mimicked his earlier self-satisfied tone, but changed “husband” to “chauffeur.”

Jamison pretended to be offended, leaned in for another kiss, and Ivy laughed, dodging him as she slipped out of the car.

By the time Jamison returned to the hospital, it was already noon. He’d just changed into his white coat and was heading for the wards when he spotted his older brother, Thad, waiting for him.

They exchanged a glance, and Jamison followed Thad down the corridor to a quieter area.

“How’s Mom doing?” Jamison stopped, concern in his voice.

Thad turned back to him. “She’s alright. Just keeps sighing, saying she regrets ever letting you go to medical school – now that you can’t have kids.”