Page 119 of The Doctor's Irreplaceable Love

Trip didn’t understand the abrupt change of subject—until he realized it wasn’t one.

“I know all you guys have made it kind of a tradition that you all go together to buy the ring when one of you falls.Any chance you might wait until I’m around so that I can come with?”

Trip had to laugh.“Seriously?Or are you shitting me?”

“I’m dead serious,” said Cash.“I told you the other week—I feel like I’m missing out on life here.On life in the valley.I didn’t just mean the family.You guys are living your lives, too.I want to be a part of it.”

Trip nodded, even though Cash couldn’t see.“Then yeah.I give you my word I won’t buy a ring until you’re around to come with.”

“Thanks, bud.Anyway, I’m going to go now before you start thinking I’m getting all sentimental on you.I’ll let you know the details about Saturday when I know them myself.”

“I look forward to it.See you then.”

“Shit, I suppose I should ask—since I’m calling while you’re at the hospital—how is the old bastard?”

“Nothing new to report,” Trip told him.

Cash let out a short laugh.“I know they usually say that no news is good news, but I think in this case, it’s more like—the only good news would be bad news.”

“Mind if I ask you something?”

“You can ask me anything,” said Cash.

“Do you have any idea what will happen when he’s gone?And I’m not getting nosy all of a sudden—it’s just that with Shelley working on Jim’s estate, it made me wonder if you know what Connor’s plans are for your ranch.”

Cash blew out a sigh.“Yeah, I know.Maybe I’ll tell you someday.Maybe it won’t matter.It’s a secret I’ve carried alone for far too long.Maybe I should give it up—and if I do, I’ll start with you.But I’ve got to run.So, for now, I’ll just tell you this—they’ll all be taken care of; I’ll make damn sure of it.”

Trip wanted to ask exactly what he meant, but he knew there was no point.So instead, he went with, “Good.I’m glad.And anytime you want to talk, you know where I am.”

“Sure do,” Cash said with a laugh.“Although just to make sure, I’ll come back this weekend and check.Okay.See ya, bud.”

“Yeah.See ya.”

Trip ended the call with a smile on his face.

It occurred to him that he wanted to change his own will.The way it stood, there were several people who would be well taken care of when he passed.And now, he wanted to make sure that Shelley would be his main beneficiary.

He shuddered.He’d only just found her.He wanted to focus on spending his life with her—not on what would happen if he left her prematurely.Just because he didn’t want to get married, it didn’t mean that he saw her as anything less than his partner in life.

His smile returned when he remembered meeting Ace and Deacon in town the day Deacon bought Candy’s engagement ring.He’d been happy to go with them, and even happier when their trips to the jewelers had become a tradition—when Ace met Ari, and Travis met Retta, but he hadn’t even imagined that he might one day be the one who was shopping.Now, he couldn’t wait.

And it hit him that although he hadn’t been able to explain to Cash exactly what it was about Shelley that made him fall so hard, he could see now that at least in part, it was because her independence allowed him to be himself.It was like she said; it took finding the right person.And now, they’d found each other.

He checked his watch, feeling a little guilty—he needed to get started on his rounds, and Dawn would be waiting to update him.

That didn’t stop him from sending Shelley a quick text first.

Just as he set his phone down, it beeped, and he picked it up with a smile.Instead of the reply he’d expected from Shelley, it was Cash again.

Cash: Forgot to ask—will you do me a favor and see if Brody will rope Ford into going to Chico with everyone?Blane’s birthday might be enough to bring him out, but I want to cover every angle.I reckon a beer with his buddy might be more of a draw than a night with the whole clan would be.

Trip typed out a reply with a puzzled smile on his face.

Trip: Sure.You going to tell me what you’re up to?

Cash: I’m bringing Amelia!

Trip: And you say you’re not getting all sentimental these days?I’ll put Brody on the case.Should I tell him why or would you rather it’s a secret?

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