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“No. I just requested for Thomas to meet me here.” The newcomer was Duke. He tried to keep his tone low, but I recognized his voice and registered that he sounded unhappy. Just like Travis, Duke had also grown up in town. We’d all gone to school together, but I was a grade above them. In a small town like Cottonwood Creek, everyone knew everyone, but Duke truly knew everybody. He was the town sheriff, part-time at least.
The barn door opened and closed once again. I crouched by my bag, putting away my supplies, when another person joined the group. It had to be Thomas. Being down here almost felt like I was eavesdropping on their conversation.
“Sorry, boss, but they just announced that all the roads have been closed for the whole county. The storm has picked up and should be here in about an hour.” Duke’s grim voice echoed throughout the barn.
“What?” I popped up, keeping my voice low so I didn’t startle the mare behind me. Travis was still with her, but I couldn’t risk her getting spooked and hurting either of us.
All eyes turned to me.
Panic gripped my stomach.
“The roads are closed? The reports said we had until sunset before the storm was going to get bad.” I picked up my bag and exited the stall.
“I’m sorry, Dr. Brooks. This just came over the radio from the station. The roads are no longer safe, and the weather report shows that the storm has picked up strength. The first of it should be hitting us at the ranch in an hour.” Duke’s face fell as he gave me the bad news.
“Well, gentleman, that gives me just enough time to get home.” I pushed past the group and headed toward the exit.
“Dr. Brooks,” Duke called out. “You can’t leave. Didn’t you hear me? The roads are closed. You can’t drive back now.” He jogged past me and blocked the door.
“He’s right.” Thomas quickly followed and stood by his side.
“What about the helicopter?” It was a stretch. Just because they had a helicopter didn’t mean they would let me use it.
Duke’s mouth twisted. My stomach rippled. More bad news.
“Martin’s stuck in town. He went to stock up at the last minute and got stuck as the storm rolled in.”
“I can’t stay here. I have to get home tonight.” My voice grew higher in pitch with each word that left my mouth. I hated they were seeing me panic, but I couldn’t stay here.
“Is there someone you need to get home to?” Thomas tilted his head, slightly appraising me.
I wasn’t normally so open about my personal life, but they had to understand I didn’t have a choice. I had to get home.
“My father’s home alone. I have no clue the status of the patients staying overnight at the clinic, and my two dogs at home need me. I need to get home.”Tears pricked at my eyes.
Declan, Thomas, and Duke looked at each other in a silent conversation, their shoulders tense. I hated how calm the three of them were right now. Even though I knew it was irrational, I’d have felt better if someone else was feeling a little put out by this storm.
Thomas placed his hands on my shoulders, making sure to meet my gaze. “It’s too dangerous for you to leave now. The roads are closed, and there’s no way you can make it home. If we can take care of things, will you accept that you are staying here?” His calm voice washed over me, settling my nerves.
There were a million reasons I should say no. But the look on Thomas’ face reminded me I was out of choices. And his touch, and the apparent concern he had for my safety, made me feel like I could trust him.
I took a deep breath and let it out.Panicking wasn’t helping me. I needed to calm down.
I gave a short nod. “All right.”
I had to trust that Thomas would help me. My chest tightened. It was an odd feeling to hand over my trust to someone. I wasn’t used to asking for help. I’d learned I only had myself to rely on, otherwise, I was in for disappointment. After having the worst ex-husband ever, trust, especially for a man I barely knew, was nearly impossible.
Thomas and Declan’s shoulders released with that one word.
“What can I do to help?” If I was going to stay here, I had to at least make myself useful.
“First, you can start by putting on your coat before you go running outside.” Travis handed me my coat with a chuckle.
I donned it, unable to meet their eyes. I considered myself smart, but it really wasn’t that smart to almost forget my coat in the middle of a snowstorm.
“We have everything handled. It might be best if you got yourself settled in.” Thomas pinned me with his gaze.
Why did I get the feeling this storm was going to keep me here longer than overnight? And why did that cause butterflies to swarm in my stomach?
