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“Right before college, I think.” Dustin put his boot in the stirrup and got on top of the beautiful animal.
“Very impressive. You look like you were born to ride, Dustin.”
He patted Legend’s neck. “It’s because of this boy. He’s makes me look good, but I’m sure my body will talk to me tomorrow.”
Mick laughed. “Good aches, though. Reminds a man he’s alive.”
“In my book, it reminds me I need to help men with those sore muscles.”
“Doc, remind me to make an appointment.”
He laughed.
“Let’s ride, Dustin. We can talk on the way.”
He told Mick about his talk with Sam and about the bombshell Paris had dropped on him. “She’s a licensed physician. A surgeon. All the time she spent in Nevada was getting her education. She’s kept it secret from everyone, including her father.”
Mick frowned. “Why would she do such a thing?”
Guilt washed over him. “Maybe because I pushed her so hard for so long. I’ve been a real ass, and I finally see it.”
“It’s about time, bro.” Mick grinned. “We can fix this with her. I know we can, especially as a united front.”
“I agree. The Ryder brothers have never failed when they put their heads together on a problem.”
“Damn right.”
Mick led them down the trail that hugged the fence bordering Jennifer Steele’s ranch and the Stone’s. “I still can’t see why she never told even her dad.”
Dustin had spent the morning wondering the same thing. “Me either. I can tell there’s more to the story than she’s sharing.”
“You always were intuitive about such things. I bet it comes in handy with your practice. What if she really doesn’t want to be a doctor? What if she is totally happy being a nurse?”
“If that is true, I will support her decision, bro. But she’s holding something back. I can sense it.”
Mick nodded. “There’s got to be a reason she’s kept this secret for so long.”
“I believe you and I need to get her to trust us again, enough to tell us what it is.”
“That sounds more like you want to take her to the club for some play than for a discussion.” Mick turned his horse toward a trail.
He grinned. “A talk on the sofa at her house or one on a bench in a private room at Phase Four. Whatever works.”
“It’s been a long time, but I’m game. Paris always did enjoy our times together there.”
“It’s been far too long, Mick. When I think of all the years wasted with me pushing you and her so hard it kills me.”
“Don’t beat yourself up, bro. You’ve finally come to your senses.”
It was time for him to say what he’d come out here to say. “I have come to my senses. I’m sorry for trying to drive you back to the courtroom.”
“I know your intentions were pure.”
“Maybe so, but I should’ve seen how much you loved it out here. Remember when you and I worked that summer at the Double L Ranch?” They’d been inseparable back then.
“Sure do. Weren’t you about thirteen?”
“Yes. We both had fun, but you always seemed to be enjoying it so much more than me.”
