Page 49 of The Doctor's Irreplaceable Love

“I don’t mind.”She stared into his eyes, wondering if he meant that the way she hoped—that he didn’t mind if people knew they were together.Or did he simply mean that he could care less about rumors, no matter what they were about?

He took her mug and brought her a fresh coffee before heading into his office.Shelley grabbed her phone when it beeped with a text—Harper again.

Harper: You must tell me if you’d rather I didn’t come.I understand—you need time with Dr.Dreamy!

Shelley: I want you to come!Yes, I’m spending time with Trip, but you’re my oldest friend—I’m not going to let anyone get in the way of spending time with you.

Harper: I love you, too, girl, but I get the impression that Trip isn’t just anyone—he’s someone important, isn’t he?

Shelley: Maybe.

Harper: You’re not fooling me, lady, and I hope you’re not trying to fool yourself!

She stared at the text but didn’t get the chance to reply before Tina Harrington walked through the front door.

~ ~ ~

After he was finished with Mary Ogden, Trip leaned back in his chair and stared up at the ceiling.He liked to take the time to check in with himself whenever he had a few minutes free between appointments.He used to go stand in front of his window and just take in the view—he’d taken a leaf out his dad’s book and built the clinic in a spot with a fantastic view of the mountains.Just because he was cooped up inside an office most of the time, it didn’t mean that he couldn’t see and appreciate the beauty of where he lived.

He smiled and pushed to his feet.Lately, he’d been making the most of any spare moments he had to pop out and see Shelley—she was a beauty who he truly appreciated.He paused before he opened his office door.Unlike the mountains, her presence here wasn’t guaranteed or timeless.He had to keep reminding himself of that, especially since it seemed that he was already starting to see her as part of his life.A much bigger part than just his receptionist.He’d loved hanging out with the guys last night, knowing that when they went to pick the girls up, he’d be going to get her and bringing her home with him—not just giving her a ride to her place as a friend like he had in the past.Waking up with her this morning had felt so … right.There was no other word for it.

He opened the door.He didn’t need to go complicating things—not yet—all he had to do for now was go out there and enjoy her company for a few minutes before his next patient arrived—simple as that.

Except when he stepped out into the reception area, he could see that he wasn’t going to get to enjoy her company, not all to himself anyway.

Seeing Jim Sheridan leaning on the counter grinning as he recounted some tale, and the way Shelley’s eyes shone with laughter as she leaned toward him, listening eagerly, Trip couldn’t even feel upset that he didn’t get a few moments alone with her.

“Hey Jim.I don’t know why but I had it in my head that I wouldn’t see you until next week.Time must be flying faster than I thought.”

“No, you’re right.My appointment’s not till next Friday.I’ve not come to see you.I’m here to see Miss Shelley.”Jim winked at her, and Shelley nodded enthusiastically.

“Should I be worried?”Trip asked.“Are you trying to steal my girl from under my nose?”

It was only when he saw Shelley’s wide eyes that he realized he’d given himself away, but he wasn’t worried if she wasn’t.

Jim grinned.“If I thought I stood a chance, I might try.”He turned to Shelley.“There’s something about you that reminds me of my Kitty.”

Trip inhaled sharply.The whole valley had mourned the loss of Jim’s wife when she died.She was a wonderful woman with a huge heart and a backbone of steel.Jim and Kitty Sheridan had been his parents’ contemporaries.Though while his parents had moved here from California, Jim and Kitty’s families had arrived in the valley before Montana was even a state.

Trip had felt Kitty’s loss more keenly than most; he’d been close with them his whole life, and he’d been the one to lose the medical battle she fought over her last few years.

He was shocked that Jim had mentioned her name; he rarely did anymore.But then, he had a point—Trip could see that Shelley shared many of Kitty’s qualities.They were both strong, intelligent, practical women, who also had a gentle, loving, giving side.

By the time he recovered from the shock, he was relieved to see that Shelley had carried the moment forward; she thanked Jim, but didn’t question him about his late wife.

“Anyway.I’d better be on way,” said Jim.“I still have more eggs to deliver.You know anyone who needs some, young Jack?”

Trip rolled his eyes, and Shelley gave him a puzzled, slightly worried, look.

“If the Dillinghams aren’t on your list, I know they’d appreciate some eggs.The kids could use more protein in their diet.”

“Aye.I already stopped at their place.They’re some of my regulars.I take ’em some of whatever’s in season in the garden and greenhouse, too.I’ll be seeing you next Friday if not before.”Jim tipped the brim of his hat and headed for the door.When he reached it, he turned back with a smile.“It’s not my place to say a damn thing, and I won’t outside of this office.But for what it’s worth, I reckon you two are made for each other.”

He turned and left, leaving them staring after him.Trip slowly turned toward Shelley, afraid how she might have reacted to Jim’s words.Her eyes were wide, and he couldn’t read her expression—was she afraid?And if so, of what?

He opened his mouth to ask—he had to know.But he ducked his head when he heard the door open behind him and a high-pitched voice cried, “Hey, Uncle Trip!I’m so sorry I’m a bit late.There were some deer waiting to cross the highway and I was worried about them, so I parked my car to help and … well, shoot, you don’t need to know all about it, just that I’m sorry I’m late.And hey, you don’t mind me calling you Uncle Trip, do you?Uncle Trav doesn’t mind but I haven’t officially asked you yet and … Oh, hi, Shelley!”

Trip tried to hold back a laugh as he met Shelley’s gaze.He didn’t think she knew Ari’s daughter, Nessa, all that well yet.

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