Embry wasn't sure what time it was as she sat in their front room reading a book. She only knew it had gotten dark outside.
Peter walked into the room in a t-shirt and sweats after his nightly workout. He sat down next to her, "What are you reading, Sweetheart?"
She closed her book and leaned into him, resting her head on his chest, "One Day in December," she replied, "It's a love story about two people who can never seem to get their timing right."
He wrapped his arm around her, "I'm surprised your snuggling up to me. You usually stay as far away as possible when I'm done on the treadmill," Peter moved back to her book, "Who does this book make you think of?"
"Max and Helen," Embry answered but before she could elaborate there was a knock on the door.
Embry started to get up when Peter stopped her, shaking his head, "Will you ever let me do things for you?" he teased once he was out from under her and standing. He walked to the door and opened it to see Max on the other side.
"What are you doing here, Max?" Fulton asked, causing Embry to smile from where she sat out of sight. Peter continued, "Come on in."
Embry watched as Peter reappeared followed closely by Max. She stood, "It's good to see you, Max," she began, "I'm gonna head to bed because I have an early surgery in the morning. See you at work," she finished before walking over to Fulton and placing a soft kiss on his cheek before leaving the room.
"Peter," Max began once Embry was gone and the two men were sitting across from each other in the den, "As you know, I've started undergoing treatment for my cancer. It's getting harder and I need someone at the hospital to be able to step in for me at times when I can't," he started to explain.
Fulton interrupted him, "Haven't you asked one of your staff members like Reynolds, Helen, or even Embry?"
Max nodded, "I did because choosing someone who's there every day is the obvious choice but they've all declined, with good reasons too," he paused to ensure Fulton wasn't going to stop him again. He continued, "Embry thought of a great idea which is why I'm here tonight. You are the perfect choice to act as my Medical Deputy. I saw how quickly you jumped into action during the blizzard. It's in your blood. What do you say?" he finally asked, looking at Fulton's expression for any clues as to how he might respond.
Fulton sighed, not a good sign, "Max, I'm an old man and what you're asking of me is a task fit for someone more than half my age. However," he paused, "If this was Embry's idea and it's something she wants then I will consider it. How long can you let me think this over?"
"I wish I could say that you have as long as you want, but each day gets harder and harder for me," Max replied, "I really need an answer as soon as you can give it to me if that's at all possible. And," he lowered his voice in case Embry hadn't gone that far, "Embry really does want this, if that helps my case at all."
Fulton's lips curled into a grin, "That doesn't surprise me one bit. Ok, give me the night to mull it over and I'll come by tomorrow and give you my decision. Is there anything else you need?"
Max shook his head, "No, that is all I'm looking for. Thank you, Peter," he finished as he got up and let himself out, leaving Peter to find out where Embry had chosen to stand close by so she could listen in.
Fulton walked around the corner and found Embry standing against the wall listening.
"You aren't even going to try to hide your eavesdropping?" he teased as he reached for her hand to lead her to the bedroom.
She shrugged, "Max told you it was my idea so I have no reason to hide my interests," she replied before changing the subject, "Are you going to shower before you join me in bed?"
He looked down and laughed before replying, "Yes, would you care to join me?"
"I know this is going to sound crazy, but I don't want to," she stated guiltily, "I am really tired tonight. Do you hate me?"
Peter sat on the edge of the bed where she'd already gotten under the covers, "I could never hate you. Will you be able to stay awake until I'm out so we can discuss this offer of Max's?" he leaned down to place a gentle kiss on her forehead.
She smiled up at him, "I will try my very best but there's nothing to discuss, you're going to take the job," she added, confidently.
"Oh, I am?" he questioned, "What makes you think that?"
She sat up straighter to place a soft kiss to his lips before pulling back to answer, "Because I know you miss working and I know you miss seeing me every day. This solves both problems," she reasoned, logically.
Peter smiled tenderly, "I guess you don't have to stay awake. I'll call Max and give him the good news before I hop in the shower." He kissed her again, this time a little deeper, "Sweet dreams."