“You’re in Destiny, Colorado.”
“Oh.” She shifted, attempting to sit up. “I’m so confused. I was coming to Destiny, but how did I get here?”
“Stay put, please,” Belle instructed. “You passed out. The doctor is on his way. I’m a nurse. Have you ever done this before?”
“No. I’m fine, just trying to get my bearings. I was in Twin Falls and now I’m here. Strange.” The woman shook her head. “I might be a little dehydrated. I’ve been battling a stomach issue for a few days. That’s all. Who are you?”
“I’m Belle White.” She pointed to her two lunch dates. “They are Shane and Corey Blue.”
“And I’m Lucy Little, the owner of this place.”
“Pleased to meet all of you.”
Lucy leaned forward. “Who are you, miss?”
“I’m Cindy.”
Doc Ryder and his nurse Paris Cottrell, rushed in, followed by Doc’s brother, Mick.
Corey stepped back. “You got here fast.”
“We were only a few buildings away.” Mick took off his black Stetson. “We were having lunch at Phong’s.”
Belle stepped back, making room for Doc and Paris. “Her vitals are normal, Doc. She came in and fainted. Cindy says she’s been battling a stomach virus and might be dehydrated.”
“Thanks, Belle.” Doc opened his bag, pulling out a blood pressure cuff. “Let’s see what your pressure is, Cindy.”
“Shall I go get a bed set up for her, Doctor?” Paris’s nursing skills were quite impressive. No wonder, since she had her Masters in the field. “She needs an IV as soon as possible.”
“I know what she needs, Nurse.” Doc’s tone was harsh. “It’s amazing what medical school will teach you.”
Paris’s face tightened as she placed a thermometer in Cindy’s ear. “Ninety-eight point six.”
Belle had gotten close to Paris, who had told her about the rift that had grown between her and Doc of late. Mick stood behind them. Belle, like most in town, knew these three belonged together. Paris had confessed to her she wasn’t so sure. The two brothers were like night and day—Mick being a rancher and so easy-going and Doc being…well, Doc.
“Shall I go get the room set up or not, Doctor?” Paris asked sharply.
“Go,” he ordered.
Everyone felt the tension between the two.
“I’ll help you.” Mick followed Paris out the door.
“Belle mentioned something about you being dehydrated. Tell me why.”
“I haven’t been able to keep anything down because I’ve been so nervous. That’s why I passed out.”
Belle grabbed her hand. “What are you nervous about?”
“It’s a long story.” Cindy smiled and squeezed her hand. She turned to Doc Ryder. “I’m feeling much better, Doctor. May I sit up now?”
“Your pressure is perfect. Sure.”
The woman sat up, handing the cloth back to Lucy. “Thank you. Thank you all for your kindness.”
Lucy grinned, handing Cindy a glass of water. “That’s how Destiny rolls, miss. No trouble at all.”
She took a sip. “I’m fine now.”