Page 147 of The Doctor's Irreplaceable Love

Gavin’s mouth fell open, and his cheeks turned red as he glared at her.

Cash’s hand dropped to his side—though he kept a tight hold of Gavin with his other hand.She wasn’t sure which of them was more stunned.Cash stared at Jim for a long moment before giving him a sharp nod.

“You know I’ll do whatever you want.”

“Aye, that’s why I wrote it that way.”

Gavin finally recovered from the shock and tried to take a step toward Jim as he yelled, “You can’t—”

His words were cut short when Cash slapped a hand over his mouth and wrapped an arm around his waist, half dragging, half carrying him toward the door.

Shelley slumped against Trip’s side, and he held her closer.Travis kept his arm around Jim’s shoulders, and Emmett helped Harper to her feet before they came to join the rest of them.

Trav smiled around at them and asked, “Anyone need a ride home?”

Trip was grateful when Deacon, Ace, and Luke showed up as they were making their way outside.As the sheriff, Deacon would be responsible for Gavin and what happened to him—and Trip could put him out of his mind.

He finally let go of Shelley and stepped toward Jim, wanting to look him over.

Jim waved him away.“There’s nothing wrong with me that a good night’s sleep won’t fix.”

Harper chuckled.“And nothing wrong with me that makeup won’t fix.So, how about tonight you forget that you’re a doctor and just take care of Shelley?”

He hesitated, and that was enough for Trav to step forward and hand him the keys to his truck.“How about you take Shelley home, and me and Emmett can follow you with Jim and Harper?”

Cash came out to join them after handing Gavin over to Deacon.“Can they stay at your place tonight, bud?”He turned to Jim.“We’ll take you home tomorrow, but I want to make sure that none of the other hands were involved.”

Jim nodded slowly.“Aye, that might be for the best.Is Banner all right?”

“He will be.”Cash softened his words with a chuckle.“He’s got a hard head.”

“Of course, you’re all welcome at our place.”Trip wasn’t even aware of what he’d said until he noticed the way they all smiled.“Do you want to ride with us, Harper?”

“I do not!”she said with what he thought was a smile — it was hard to tell, her face was now so badly bruised and swollen.“Why would I play third wheel with you guys, when I have all these handsome cowboys to choose from?And besides, wherever Jim goes, I go.You hear that, cowboy?”

Cash looked more serious as he nodded his agreement.“Copy that.”

Trip helped Shelley into Trav’s truck, glad to have her to himself for the short drive home.Once they made it back to the main forest service road, he reached across the console and relaxed a little when she placed her hand in his.

They rode the rest of the way in silence.The time to talk about what had happened would come when they got home — for now, he just wanted her to know that he was there for her.

As he pulled off the highway when he reached the ranch, he gave her hand a squeeze.“I’m glad you’re finally riding with me.”

She chuckled.“Are you insulting my little car?”

“No, honey.I meant more than just the car.”

As they emerged from the line of cottonwood trees and the house came into sight, he felt like he could finally relax fully.He didn’t need to look in the rearview mirror for her anymore — she was right there by his side.

Chapter Thirty-One

When Trip opened his eyes on Sunday morning, he immediately reached for Shelley and relaxed when he felt her soft, warm body, and she snuggled closer.He hadn’t slept well; he’d kept needing to check that she was there with him — there and safe.

She slid her arm around his waist and rested her head on his shoulder as she murmured, “Morning.”

He pressed a kiss to her forehead.“Morning, honey.How’re you doing?”

“I don’t know yet, I’m still asleep.”