Possessed by Passion (Doms of Destiny, Colorado 9)

She closed her eyes, feeling her lip start to tremble again. “It’s hard to say.”

“Are you afraid of being a doctor?”

“You sound like Dustin.”

“Smart guy. Seriously, Paris, does your refusal to practice medicine have anything to do with what happened to your mother?”

“Not really. Well, maybe. I just don’t know.” He was getting painfully close to the truth.

“You and Dustin have more in common than you can imagine, Paris.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Just that you’re both too hard on yourselves.”

“You’re one to talk, Dad.” For years she’d seen her father’s anguish, blaming himself for the death of her mother.

He sighed. “That’s true. Perhaps it’s a necessary trait in physicians, at least good ones.”

“And you’re one of the greats, Dad.”

“I’m not sure about that, but I did enjoy my practice.” Her dad had been such a fun-loving guy, always the center of the party. But when her mom had died from the allergic reaction, he’d become sullen and withdrawn. Even though Sam O’Leary had helped him out of the darkness some time ago, she still caught her dad every so often staring at the photo of her mom that hung in the family living room of his home, wiping a tear from his eyes. “Honey, are you sure you don’t want to reconsider? You would make an amazing doctor.”

Did he still blame himself for her mother’s death? Did torment live under his current mask of contentment? Then she remembered Dr. Champion’s request for her to come to Wilde. Should I take that job in Wilde as a surgeon? Can I handle the responsibility of life and death? With Dr. Champion nearby, she had to at least try. It was her only option at the moment.

“Again, just like Dustin.” I should tell him everything, but I just can’t. Not now. Later. After I get settled. But he deserves at least a little of the truth. “I’m going to Nevada to accept that job, Dad. That’s final.”

“If that’s what you really want I will completely support your decision.”

“Thank you.” She wiped her eyes, feeling a little better.

“Just one more thing, sweetheart. Don’t run away from your problems.”

“I’m not,” she lied, knowing full well that was exactly what she was doing. “I’m leaving tonight for Wilde. I’m getting a tour of their new hospital. If all goes well, I plan on accepting his offer on the spot.”

“No. Don’t. Please. Don’t do anything until I get home. You’re upset.”

“Yes, I’m upset. Who wouldn’t be?”

“You know what your mom always said. ‘Don’t make decisions when you’re upset.’”

“Dad, I’m going to accept that position in Wilde.”

“I’m going to see if I can catch a plane now so I can be there this evening. You just sit tight. Don’t do anything until I get there.”

She could hear voices in the background of the call.

“Hold on, folks,” her dad said, addressing the newcomers. “Honey, I have to go, but I’ll text you my flight information once I get it locked down.”

“You don’t have to do this.”

“No, I don’t, but I love my little girl and I want to.”

“And I love my dad.” A bang on her door startled her.

Her dad asked, “You okay?”

“Paris, we need to talk.” Dustin’s voice shook every inch of her.