“I’m busy but I’ll make time. How much time do we need?”
“I’m not sure, bro. There’s a lot I need to tell you.”
“Okay, I’ll saddle a horse for you. We can talk on the ride to where my hands will be working the rest of the day, okay?”
“Sure.”
“Dustin, have you spoken to Paris?”
“I have. She’s at her house. I’ll be there in ten minutes.”
* * * *
Paris drove across Silver Spoon Bridge, leaving Destiny. This wasn’t the first time she’d left her hometown, but unlike when she’d headed off to college, this felt more permanent, like the final Chapter of her previous life was coming to a close. She pulled over to the side of the road and turned around to get one last look. She’d packed her car with her clothes. She would make arrangements for the rest of her things to be sent to Wilde as soon as possible.
Her cell rang. It was Belle.
She thought about not answering, but Belle was a close friend. And I could use a friendly ear.
“Hi, Belle.”
“Hey, Paris. Just wanted to let you know that mother and baby are back at the ranch and are resting.”
“Don’t you overdo it, taking care of Amber. You’re due in a couple of months yourself.”
“Don’t worry. I can’t get past her three husbands. They are doting on her and their son like she’s a queen and he’s a prince. Thank you so much for all you did for them. You’re an amazing nurse. The best I’ve ever seen.”
“You’re quite the nurse yourself, Belle.” Paris got choked up, realizing it would be some time before she would see her friend again if everything worked out with the new job. “Maybe you should reconsider Dustin’s offer to come work at the clinic for him, especially since I won’t—” She snapped her mouth shut, not wanting to blurt out what she was doing.
“Won’t what, Paris?”
She needed someone to talk to, and who better than her closest friend, Belle. They’d become tight over the past year. Their bond had formed naturally, having nursing in common. It had grown and grown, until now it was one of the most precious relationships in her life. Belle was like a sister. I have to tell her.
“I’ve been offered a job in Nevada, Belle.” She told her about the offer in Wilde and also what had transpired over the past few days.
“Mick proposed?”
“Yes, but I can’t accept.”
“Why in the world not? Dustin will come around. You’ll see.”
“I don’t think so. I told him something that I haven’t told anyone and his reaction let me know it can never be with us. Never.”
“What in the world did you tell him, Paris? It can’t be that bad.”
“I’m a surgeon, Belle.”
“You’re a what?”
“A surgeon.”
“How in the hell did you keep such a thing a secret? Wait. Why in the hell did you keep it secret?”
“It’s a very long story, but it has to do with my dad and how he reacted to my mom’s death. I won’t go into it.”
“And you think Dustin will never accept you now because of the secret?”
“He might say he will, but I hurt him deeply. He might forgive me some day but he will always be disappointed in me.” Hell, I’m disappointed in me. “It just can never be, Belle.”