“Do you mind if I tell them myself? I’m sure they will be worried sick when they learn you’re gone.”
“I don’t mind, but please tell them not to call me. I’m not ready to talk to them right now. I just need time to sort things out for myself.”
“I’ll tell them, but you know them better than I do. They will call you anyway.”
“Maybe so, but I will have to let it go to voice mail, Dad. Can you understand why?”
“I understand my little girl is at a crossroads and is struggling with what to do. I’ll let them know, baby. Be safe. Please call me as soon as you can, okay.”
“I will. I promise.”
* * * *
Dustin knocked on Paris’s front door for the second time of the day. “Honey, please open up. I have Mick with me.”
“Paris, we just want to talk.” His brother shook his head. “I’m not sure she’s here.”
“Maybe she went back to the clinic. She’s not on duty today, but I wouldn’t be surprised.”
As they headed back to Mick’s truck, which they’d ridden in together from the ranch to Paris’s house, Dustin’s cell rang.
Seeing the name on the screen, he turned to Mick. “It’s her dad. Hello, Dr. Cottrell.”
“Dustin, I just talked to Paris, and she’s on her way to Nevada.”
“Is she driving?”
“Yes. She should be in Rawlins by now.”
His heart pounded like a jackhammer in his chest. He could feel the love of his life slipping through his fingers. “I’m going to call her.”
“She won’t answer, son. You’ve just got to catch up with her. She’s very upset and I don’t want her making any rash decisions.”
“Neither do Mick or I. He’s with me. When are you going to be back in Destiny?”
“I’m at the airport now. I should be back in town in a few hours.”
“I have no patients to see today. Will you be on call while I’m gone?”
“Absolutely. Go, but be safe. Catch up to my daughter and bring her home.”
“We’re on our way now, sir.”
* * * *
Less than an hour from Wilde, Paris felt her car go thump thump thump, letting her know she had a flat tire. “Damn it.”
She slowed down and pulled over to the side of the highway. Turning off the engine, she pulled out her holster and gun from her purse. She strapped it on. Being from Destiny, she’d been taught how to take care of herself. Being a woman, she knew being stranded on a highway required the utmost precaution.
She checked her rearview mirror and saw several cars, which made her feel a little better. This wasn’t a deserted highway. Since it was June, the sun was still hours from setting. She stepped out of her car and stretched. She’d hoped the drive would help her clear her thoughts and come up with a clear plan of action concerning the two men she’d left back in Destiny. But it hadn’t. She was just as confused as when she’d driven across Silver Spoon Bridge.
She opened her trunk. Before she could get the spare and jack out, she heard a car slowing behind her. Holding her breath and bracing herself in case she needed to bring out her pistol, she turned around.
When she saw it was a police car, she gave a sigh of relief.
* * * *