“We’re supposed to ask her father’s permission first.”
She smiled. “I think you forgot, Dustin, but you and Mick asked him years ago.”
“I didn’t forget, but I want to ask again.”
“So do I,” Mick chimed in. “I’m sure his permission had an expiration date.”
She laughed. “I’m sure he will give his blessing to you. He loves you both very much.”
Chapter Seventeen
Mick held the front door of the Hotel Cactus for Dustin, whose arm was around Paris. Even though Dustin had been released from the hospital, Paris wanted him to rest up before the drive back to Destiny, insisting they stay another night in Wilde.
Her father stood inside the hotel’s lobby talking to the woman behind the desk.
When he looked up and saw Paris, he ran to her, pulling her into his arms. “Sweetheart, I’m so glad you’re okay.”
“And I’m so glad you are here, Dad.” She released her father and turned to Dustin and Mick. “And so are these guys.”
Dr. Cottrell shook both their hands. “I owe you so very much. Thank you for making sure my daughter was safe.”
Dustin put his arm around his mentor. “She means the world to us, Doc.”
Mick respected Paris’s father, who had always been ready to listen, even after the breakup with Paris. “We love her very much.”
When Mick had first told Dr. Cottrell about his dream to be a rancher, Doc had advised him to take the job with Jennifer Steele. There had been absolutely no judgment from her dad, only encouragement. He would never forget Doc’s words to him that day in Blue’s Diner.
“Life is a journey to enjoy. Often the detours are better than the route we planned, taking us to the most wonderful destinations that we never imagined existed. Try your hand at ranching full time, Mick. If it doesn’t turn out the way you thought, you can always return to the law, but I’m betting you will find your calling in a saddle instead of a courtroom.”
Dr. Cottrell stepped back and studied Dustin. “How are you feeling?”
“Very good, thanks to Paris.”
“I heard.” Her father beamed with pride. He motioned for the woman behind the desk t
o come over. “Maude, I want you to meet my daughter and these two fine young men.”
“I would love to meet the three heroes.” Wearing a bright purple dress with matching cowboy boots, she came from around the desk and walked directly to them. Her hair was worn up and she had wide, sparkling green eyes—an attractive lady with a warm charm radiating out of her with every step she took. “I’m Maude Strong.” She smiled and wrapped her arms around Paris. “Welcome to my hotel.”
“Wilde sure knows how to greet visitors.” Paris grinned. “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Strong.”
“Please. Call me Maude. We’re very informal in Wilde.”
“Just like our hometown. Sure thing, Maude. Please call me Paris.”
“You got a deal, Paris. I have a nephew who lives in Destiny and who has told me all about it. Do you know Mark Strong?”
“He’s our local vet.” Mick had worked with him many times with Jennifer’s livestock. “A very good guy.”
“Yes, he is. His younger brother Keith is also a vet. He’s finishing up his schooling to become a surgeon of large animals.”
Mick knew the county back home could definitely use another vet. Some ranchers ended up taking their livestock to the neighboring county vet because Maude’s nephew was too busy to get to everyone. “That’s great. I sure hope your other nephew is planning on moving to Destiny to join Mark’s practice when he finishes school. There’s more than enough work for both of them, ma’am.”
“I’m not sure that would work out. Those two haven’t really gotten along well in quite some time.”
Mick wondered what could’ve caused such a rift between brothers, but wasn’t about to ask.
“And please, call me Maude. Something about ‘ma’am’ makes a woman feel old.”