Page 141 of The Doctor's Irreplaceable Love

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“They’re so excited to come to your place tomorrow,” Emmett was saying.“They can’t wait to see the ring.They wanted me to take a photo of it tonight and send it to them, but I told them they’ll have to wait until tomorrow.”

Trip chuckled, wondering if he should admit that he had the ring in his pocket right now.He wanted Tanya and Alana to see it—he thought they’d be proud of him.He hadn’t wanted to leave it at home while he came out tonight.He didn’t think he was going to give it to Shelley yet, but …

Trav pushed at his shoulder and gave him a knowing wink, but didn’t say anything.

“Hey, Trip!”

He hadn’t expected to see Mav’s foreman out tonight—but Trip was glad that he’d come.

“Brad!It’s good to see you; what can I get you?”

“Nothing, thanks.It’s just …” He took his hat off and gripped the brim.“I don’t know if I’m putting my foot in it here, but it seemed off to me, so …”

Trip glanced over at the hallway where he’d last seen Shelley.He’d been telling himself there was no basis for the anxious feeling that had settled in his chest while he waited for her to return.Now, Brad’s words set his heart pounding.

“What?What did?”

“Your lady, Shelley.I just saw her outside.”

Trip took two steps toward the door before Trav caught his arm, asking Brad, “What exactly did you see?”

“It looked like she was leaving.That’s why I didn’t know … She was with Gavin Sheridan.”

“Fuck!”Trip struggled against Trav’s grip.“Let me go!I have to …”

“And we will, bud.But first we have to figure out … Did you see what he was driving, Brad?”

“Yeah, that was the weirdest part—it was an older F-150, butshewas driving.”

A heavy weight of fear settled in Trip’s chest.Gavin had taken her?“Did you see which way they went?”he asked Brad.

“Turned north on East River.Shit.I’m sorry.I should have followed them, but I didn’t …”

Trip shook his head.It wasn’t Brad’s fault—it was all his fault.

Trav still hadn’t let go of his arm, and he gripped it tighter as he called, “Amelia, darlin’, we need you.”

Trav’s tone had the others all coming to huddle around them.

“What’s happening?”asked Mav.

Amelia stepped in front of him and asked Trav, “What can I do?”

“Track a phone for me, darlin’?”

“Just give me the number.”She looked down at the drink she was still holding.“Shit—and a ride back to the ranch where my gear is.”

Ford stepped forward.“I’ll take you.”He looked around.“Whose number do we need?Will I have it?”

Trip squeezed his eyes shut when Trav said, “Shelley.”

This couldn’t be happening—but it was.He straightened his shoulders and opened his eyes.“I’ll text you her number.”

Ford nodded as he and Amelia hurried away.

Trav was explaining what they knew to the others.

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