Page 46 of The Doctor's Irreplaceable Love

"What are you going to do with yourself when that project's over?"asked Candy.

"Well, if you asked Travis that question, he'd tell you that it's time to start wedding planning."

That made Shelley smile.She had a soft spot for Retta.She was a little quieter, less outgoing than the others, and she’d been the first one Shelley had gotten to know when she moved here.

"Are you excited about that?"she asked.

"I am," said Retta."I never thought I'd want to get married again, but now..."

Ari laughed."Look at you, all starry-eyed.It's wonderful to see.You and Travis are such a good match."

Shelley sipped her wine as she watched and listened to the conversation bounce around the table.She'd meant what she said when she told them she'd never had a group of girlfriends like them before.Of course she had Harper.They'd been friends since college.She was looking forward to bringing Harper out with them when she came to visit.

As the evening wore on, the wine and conversation flowed freely.The women got louder and more raucous, and Shelley enjoyed every minute of it.She may have had a little too much to drink, but she'd worry about that tomorrow morning.She didn't need to worry about it tonight because Trip was giving her a ride home.She glanced across the table at Libby.They were taking her back up to town, too.

She lived in an apartment not far from Shelley's house.But they didn't always ride together when they came for a night out.Libby had lived in the valley all her life and seemed to know absolutely everyone, so sometimes she had a friend take her home.Shelley was glad that she'd agreed to ride with her and Trip tonight.None of the guys were happy when a man gave her a ride.Sometimes it would be a friend, sometimes a neighbor.But all the guys were close friends with Libby's ex, Mav, and it seemed that none of them wanted to see her move on with someone else.

Libby turned and caught her gaze."You're looking mighty serious.Do you need another glass of wine?"

Shelley covered her glass with her hand."I don't.I was thinking that I've had enough, if not a little too much already."

Retta brought her hand up to her mouth to cover a yawn."I know.I've had more than enough.I hate to be a party pooper, but I think I'm ready to go."

Candy nodded her agreement."I should have called it a night an hour ago."

"Yeah, but you don't have to be at the bakery as early as usual tomorrow.Do you?"asked Ari.

"No.Rocket's going in early to get everything started for me."

"He and Spider are such good boys," said Retta.

Ari drained the last of her wine from her glass and set it down."Looks like it's time to send the texts then, ladies."

Shelley smiled to herself as she watched them take their phones out and start tapping out texts.Libby was the only one not texting and when she gave Shelley an inquiring look, it took her a moment to remember that she needed to do the same thing.

Shelley: Hey.I'm sure you've gotten the idea by now with everyone's phones going off—we're done.Ready whenever you are.

Trip: On the way.You'd laugh if you could see these guys.As soon as the texts start coming in, they're on their feet and typing out replies as they head out the door on a mission to get their women.

Shelley stared at his reply for a moment, pressing her lips together as she wondered if she should ask the question that came to mind.The wine decided for her that she should.

Shelley: How do you feel about being one of them?

She watched the screen and waited, wondering if he'd reply.

Trip: Honestly?I love it.But only because you're the woman I'm on a mission to get.

A rush of warmth filled her chest when she read that.He'd been open with her since their chat on Friday afternoon, and she wasn't sure that she'd been as open with him in return.She smiled as she answered.

Shelley: I love it too.I had a good time tonight, but I can't wait to see you.

Chapter Ten

Shelley woke slowly on Thursday morning.She didn’t want to wake up, her mind was fuzzy, and her eyes didn’t want to open, but something was tickling her cheek.She tried to swipe it away with her hand.

Her eyes popped open when she heard Trip’s low, deep chuckle.

“Sorry, Shelley honey.I didn’t want to wake you, but I needed to let you know that I have to get up.You don’t need to yet—you can stay here for a while.But I have to stop into the hospital before I come to the clinic this morning.”