Possessed by Passion (Doms of Destiny, Colorado 9)

“Honey, why don’t you go get Dustin’s meds and your dad and I can get him settled in the room.”

“Great idea. I’ll be back as fast as I can.”

“Would you mind grabbing lunch for us, baby?” Dustin gave him a thumbs-up behind Paris without her knowledge, letting him know he was on board with their plan to talk to her father alone. “I’m hungry and I bet you are, too.”

“I am a little hungry.”

“I’ll go with you, Paris.” Maude placed a sign with the words “Be back shortly” on the desk. She returned with a key. “Your room is on the top floor to your left. I’ve upgraded your room to our Gregory Peck Suite. It is quite masculine, so I’m sure your guys will be comfortable. But for you, young lady, I added fresh flowers and candles to bring out some femininity.”

“I’m sure it’s lovely. I really appreciate all you’re doing for us.”

“My pleasure, honey. I’m sure Dr. Ryder needs to use our elevator. It’s down the hallway past the stairs.” Maude turned to Paris. “It’s time for lunch. The Horseshoe Bar and Grill has the best burgers.”

“Sounds wonderful. I won’t be long.” Paris walked out of the hotel with Maude.

Dr. Cottrell turned to him and Dustin. “Okay, boys. What’s this all about? I’ve known you both your whole lives and can tell when you’re up to something. You obviously wanted everyone to leave, especially Paris. Why am I so lucky to be allowed to stay?”

Dustin laughed. “Can’t put anything past you, can we, Doc?”

“Not in this lifetime.”

Mick pointed to the lobby’s seating area. “Let’s go have a seat over there.”

“This is a sit-down talk. Oh boy.” Paris’s dad grinned. “I feel like I’m a young child in trouble.”

“Quite the opposite, Doc.”

He and Dustin sat on the sofa opposite Dr. Cottrell.

“Well? Spill it, guys.”

Mick liked his directness, which he’d clearly passed on to Paris. “We did things a little backward, sir.”

“Oh, so you’re the ones in trouble. I feel better now.”

They laughed.

“That’s one way of putting it.” Dustin leaned forward. “We asked Paris to marry us before we asked your permission, but the time was just perfect. I understood everything so completely, and I just couldn’t wait. And Mick had already waited too long because of me. Paris, too.”

“I think you forgot, boys, but we already had this conversation years ago. I already gave you my permission. Don’t you remember?”

Mick sighed. “I’m sure that expired a long time ago.”

“Don’t think for one minute I ever changed my mind.” Paris’s father smiled broadly. “Even though I did wonder when it was going to happen, I never doubted that one day you would ask my baby to be your wife. Just to ease your mind, you still have my blessing. You three belong together.”

“Thank you, Doc,” he and Dustin said in unison.

“I think it’s long overdue for you to call me ‘Dad,’ boys.”

Chapter Eighteen

Paris sat at the Horseshoe Bar & Grill’s long counter with Maude. The place had a rustic vibe. The bar top was solid wood and the chandeliers hanging from the ceiling were actually wagon wheels with bulbs affixed to the end of every spoke.

“I’ve scooted a boot with my guys many a night here, Paris,” Maude said. “The Horseshoe booms on Fridays and Saturdays. More dance hall than grill those nights.”

“Sounds fun. I think I’ll have to come back and see for myself.”

“You better. And bring Dustin and Mick. I can tell they know their way around the dance floor, don’t they?”