Mick squeezed Paris in closer. “Kip Lunceford’s sister?”
“The one and only. I’m sure this won’t be the last time we hear about her. Like I told you before. Rest.” Sheriff Champion left.
Paris’s cell buzzed. She glanced down at the screen. “This is my dad.” When he called before, she’d been in surgery. “I’ve got to fill him in on everything. Give me a second.”
She stepped out into the hallway. “Hello, Dad. We’re all okay.”
“Baby, I’ve been sick with worry. Easton called me and filled me in on the details. Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I am and so are Dustin and Mick.”
“What did the surgeon say about Dustin’s injury?”
“Dad, I did the surgery. Dr. Champion’s arm was in a cast, so he couldn’t operate. The other surgeon was thirty minutes away. Dustin is doing fine. The bullet didn’t hit any organs. He’ll be on his feet tomorrow.”
“Sweetheart, I’m so proud of you. Having to do surgery on someone you love is very difficult.”
I do love Dustin. “I’m sorry I never told you about my medical degree, Dad.”
“Hush, sweetheart. I know a lot of that is my fault.”
“No, Dad. It was mine.”
“Paris, you saw how I reacted when your mom passed away. I know that had an impact on you. Being a doctor is very hard, but baby,
you have the strength to do whatever you set your mind to.”
“Thanks, Dad. I really believe I have it together now.”
“Please let Dustin and Mick know how grateful I am they took care of you. If that man had…I just don’t…” Her father got choked up.
“Dad, Dustin and Mick did come for me. I’m safe because of them.”
“I love you, little girl.”
“I love you, Daddy.” She clicked off the phone just as Alex came out of Dustin’s room, joining her in the hallway.
“Your guys are anxious for you to come back,” he said.
“Alex, there’s something I need to tell you.”
He held up his hand. “No you don’t. Anyone can see how much you three love each other. I would really like to have you working by my side in Wilde, Paris, but it’s clear to me you belong with those two back in Destiny.”
“I do.”
He smiled. “I withdraw my offer.”
She hugged him. “Thank you so much for understanding.”
“Paris, I hope you will come to visit us again someday.”
“I will. I promise.”
Dr. Champion left, and she walked back into Dustin’s room.
“I told Dad you were doing well.”
It was clear that Dustin and Mick had been talking. She wondered about what.