The man’s eyes narrowed. “Then why do you need the hospital?”
“Wyatt, mind your manners,” the woman scolded.
“Ma
ckenzie, these two are strangers, and with all that has gone down in town, it’s important to check people out.”
She shook her head. “You don’t have to be a jerk about it. Wade, talk some sense into him.”
“We’re on the same page about this, sweetheart.”
Dustin smiled. “We get it, fellas. We’re from a small town, too.”
Mick nodded. “We’ve had our fair share of trouble from outsiders. We’re here because someone we know is applying for a job at your hospital. We need to find her.”
“Are you talking about Miss Cottrell?” Mackenzie asked. “From Destiny?”
“Yes,” Mick answered. “That’s her and that’s our hometown.”
Wade smiled. “The whole town is abuzz about her. Sorry about the interrogation. I’m Wade Masters. This is my brother Wyatt. And this beautiful woman is our wife Mackenzie.”
“I’m Mick Ryder and this is my brother Dr. Dustin Ryder. Do you have any idea where Paris is?”
Mackenzie brought out a cell. “I don’t but I bet I can find out.”
Wyatt laughed. “You’re always working, sweetheart. Anyone has a question, Mac knows how to get the answer.” He put his arm around her. “Always the reporter, aren’t you?”
“This isn’t work. This is about opening up our arms to visitors, something you both could learn a thing or two about.”
“Our girl heads our local paper and television station, guys,” Wade said. “It’s hard for her to turn it off, and luckily for you, she knows everything that goes on in Wilde.”
“Got it.” Mackenzie looked up from her cell. “Paris is getting a tour of the hospital by Dr. Champion right now.”
“Thank you so much,” Mick said.
“Our pleasure,” she answered.
Wyatt leaned down. “You’re almost to the hospital, guys. This intersection is Main and Coyote. Go the next intersection. That’s Dry Creek Road. Turn left. The hospital is less than a block from the intersection. You can’t miss it.”
Mick nodded. “Thank you so much.”
“Yes, thank you,” Dustin added.
Driving down Main, he couldn’t wait to hold Paris in his arms. Once he was with her, he would never let her go again. Ever.
Mick’s phone rang.
“It’s Paris.” Mick turned on the speaker. “Hello, baby. Dustin is on the line with us.”
* * * *
Nervously sipping on the coffee Dr. Champion’s nurse had brought her, Paris sat in the ER waiting room alone. “Sorry I didn’t return your calls. I just needed time to think before I called you back. Hope I didn’t cause you any worry.”
“No…well, yes. Baby, are you okay?” Dustin’s voice came through loud and clear. He didn’t sound angry, which surprised her after the way they’d left things so unsettled.
“Yes. I’m fine.” But she wasn’t. Her heart was breaking in two. “I should’ve called and let you know I was leaving.”
“We were worried,” Mick said.