The Doctor's Choice~Badlands (Contemporary Western Romantic Suspense)

by J. D. Faver

  “I’m not sure I can drive off and leave you stranded.”

  He leaned back against the door of the Jag and grinned at her. “That’s a good sign. By the way, I wanted to invite you to my birthday party Saturday. Some friends of mine are coming from Dallas and I’d love for you to meet them. In fact, I’d love to show you off.”

  “I’m engaged, E.J.”

  “I know,” he said. “Some lucky stiff in Houston.”

  She grimaced. “Not really.” She extended her hand to display the ring on her finger. “I’m engaged to marry Breckenridge T. Ryan.”

  He stared at her with a puzzled expression. “How did that happen?”

  “I’m not sure,” she said. “But I said yes and I’m feeling good about it.”

  E.J. pushed away from the side of the Jag. “You’re telling me that you broke up with your fiancé in Houston and got engaged to Ryan just like that?”

  She squinted up at him. “Yeah, pretty much.”

  He stared at her in amazement, then shook his head. “So I didn’t stand a chance with you from the start?”

  Cami recognized some raw pain in his eyes. “I’m sorry if you think I led you on. I had no idea I’d fall for Breck. It just happened.”

  He held up his hands in surrender and backed away. “No, No, it’s alright. I understand.” He turned away from her. “Look, why don’t you just go. I have to wait for the tow truck.”

  “If you’re sure,” she said.

  “Yes, I’m sure. Just go.” His voice broke.

  Cami drove away feeling shaken. She had no idea the news of her engagement to Breck would cause E.J. any distress. She reflected on the times she’d spent with him and, other than a mild flirtation, she’d never led him to believe it was anything serious. In truth, she’d always believed that his interest in her was linked to Eldon’s desire to gain control of Moonshadows.

  How, then, could he be acting like a jilted lover? How indeed?

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  “Party?” Breck thought perhaps he’d misheard.

  “Don’t look at me like that. I’m not crazy.” She was on her knees beside the old trunk he’d hauled down from the attic. She’d tucked newspapers around the base and had been industriously sanding the wooden parts when he’d climbed the stairs to her bedroom.

  He grinned down at her. “Oh, yes you are. That’s one of the things I love about you.”

  She swept him with a gaze from under her long lashes. “I thought we could throw a little party to announce our engagement. It would be a good way to let people know without bludgeoning them with it on an individual basis.”

  “I’m all for that.” He squatted down beside her and removed the piece of sandpaper from her hand. “Why don’t you let me move this trunk down to the back porch so you won’t get dust all over your bedroom?”

  She wrinkled her nose, a trait he found endearing. “I hated to ask you to move it again.”

  “No problem. Besides, it looks like you emptied it out. What was so heavy inside it?”

  “Lots of stuff. Pictures of my family for the past three or four generations. Lots of photos of my parents. And an antique wedding dress wrapped in tissue. I think it belonged to my great-grandmother. She came from Saint Louis on a train to marry her childhood sweetheart. I read all their love letters.” A glistening of tears spangled her lashes as she spoke.

  He reached out to touch her cheek, relishing its softness against his rough hand. “Don’t cry, Cami. This should be a happy time for us now.”

  The tears spilled over, running in twin rivulets down her face. “I am happy.”

  He pulled her into his arms, stroking her hair and soothing her as she sniffled against his chest.

  “It’s just been so much.” Her voice broke. “Aunt Silky’s death and then coming here, and finding out about the will, and everything.”

  Breck kissed her temple and made shushing sounds. “It’s my fault. I’ve been pushing you since the day you got here. I’m sorry Cami. I’ve been completely selfish.”

  She drew back, smiling through the tears. “I must like it because I’m still here.”

  He held her face in both hands and gazed into her eyes.

  “I wanted you so much, but I was afraid you’d head back to Houston and I’d never see you again.” He planted a gentle kiss on her lips.

  “I’m here.” She shrugged and grinned. “I fell in love with you. I gave up my fellowship. I’m seeing patients in Langston…I’m doing what everyone wanted.”

  A ripple of fear gripped his insides. “Cami, I hope you’re not regretting your decision. I don’t want to lose you.”

  She nestled close to him. “No chance of that. I made my choice. I’d rather have you than bugs under a microscope.”

  He chuckled. At least she still had her sense of humor. “Thanks, I think.” He stroked his hand over her hair. “What brought on this strange mood?”

  “It was the letters. They were so sweet and they reminded me of how little sense of family I’ve had. Since my parents died, I’ve been totally alone except for an occasional nudge from Aunt Silky.”

  Strong emotion washed through him as he drew Cami to her feet and wrapped her in a fierce embrace. “Listen up, baby girl. You will never be alone again because I’m going to be all over you for the rest of your life.”

  The look she gave him started a melting sensation in his gut. “That sounds like forever.”

  “That’s the deal, Cami. You’re almost a Ryan and we Ryan men marry for life.”

  She buried her face against his chest and made a little whimpering sound. “Almost a Ryan.”

  “Hey, what’s wrong?”

  She looked up, meeting his gaze. “Cami Ryan. Camryn Ryan. Doctor Camryn Ryan. Doctor Camryn Carmichael-Ryan. I won’t know who I am.” She moaned and hid her face against his chest again.

  “It doesn’t matter what you choose to be called, Cami. As long as the last name is Ryan, I’ll be happy.”

  “I’ll figure it out,” she said.

  “About the party, why don’t you let my dad host a barbeque for us at the ranch? He loves to entertain and we can put it together quickly.”

  “How soon?”

  “How about Saturday? We can get everything together by then.”

  She wrinkled her nose again. “Not Saturday. That’s E.J.’s birthday party.”

  A vertical line formed between Breck’s brows. “E.J.’s birthday? You’re going to a party for E.J. Kincaid?”

  “No, I’m not. But he invited me. I told him we were engaged and he was a little …I don’t know. I don’t want him to think we threw a party to conflict with his birthday.”

  Breck drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly, not willing to release any of the terse words building inside. “How about Friday night or Sunday afternoon? Sunday afternoon would be my choice because it will allow people to come and go. Some of the older folks around here don’t drive after dark.”

  She smiled up at him. “You’re always so considerate of others. You’re not selfish at all.”

  “I’m not willing to share where you’re concerned.”

  #

  Cami stared at the coroner’s report, reading it over and over again. What had happened to Aunt Silky? Why had someone made a dent in her skull? Aunt Silky could be feisty and argumentative, but she was a sweetheart. It was unthinkable that someone would crush her skull for being a little opinionated.

  It could have been a small tire iron. That’s what the Medical Examiner had said. And E.J.’s Jaguar was conveniently missing said tool.

  He probably didn’t think he’d need it so soon when he got rid of it. Cami rose from the table and placed the report in a drawer in the sideboard.

  She paced around the downstairs, Shadow close on her heels. She peered out through the lace curtain stretched across the beveled glass inset. The day was clear and bright. The last remnants of snow had melted and wildflowers carpeted all the fields and road ways. Her eyes stared blindly, n
ot seeing the beauty of the surroundings but instead, visualizing E.J. Kincaid’s face.

  E.J. was a snake. He’d been manipulating her from the start. Just because he was incredibly handsome, he’d thought she would fall at his feet.

  And then what? Perhaps he would have married her to acquire Moonshadows. All the while telling her he wasn’t interested in the land. Telling her his sad little story about wanting to go back to Dallas and that his only reason for acting as Chief Financial Officer for the Kincaid Corporation was the paycheck. Yeah, right.

  If the stories of Eldon Kincaid’s ruthlessness were true, then E.J. was his father’s son through and through. Like father, like son. At least she hadn’t fallen for his dimpled grin and smooth line.

  She made a noise of disgust in the back of her throat.

  When she’d told him she was engaged to Breck, it blew his plans all to pieces. She could imagine the damage to his ego when she announced that she’s chosen to marry the Kincaid nemesis, Breckenridge T. Ryan.

  She shook her head. She’d thought the elder Kincaid was the likely killer, but the younger was the one with the missing tire iron.

  #

  Zachery Ryan was in his element. The house was sparkling clean and the guests were beginning to arrive. Breck watched his father greet guests and make them comfortable, knowing who to offer liquor to and who would prefer a glass of sweet tea.

  Cami was nervous. She’d been preoccupied for several days. He presumed it had to do with the engagement announcement. He knew it would come as a surprise to some people, but that was okay. As long as he could spend the rest of his life with Cami by his side, he’d ignore the naysayers.

  She stood across the room chatting with Reba, the nurse from Doc’s office. They were laughing about something.

  He saw T-Bone, Cami’s foreman, talking to his dad. And Frank was standing on the sidelines quietly sipping from a longneck.

  Breck felt a hand slip through his arm. He turned to find Jenna Lewis grinning up at him.

  “Don’t you look nice?” he said. Indeed, he’d never seen Jenna take the time to curl her hair or apply make up. Her pale skin and red hair were a nice contrast to the olive green sweater dress.

  “Thanks Breck,” she said. “I was hoping you’d notice.”

  Suddenly aware of Cami’s eyes on him, Breck removed Jenna’s hand from his arm. “Let me get you something to drink.”

  “Not right now. I’d rather spend some time with you. Where have you been keeping yourself lately? I’ve missed having you come around.”

  He glanced at Cami again. “I’ve been busy. Very busy.”

  Jenna cast her gaze in Cami’s direction as well. “I can just imagine. Pardon me for saying this, Breck, but you don’t belong with that city girl. She’s stuck-up and cold.”

  He held up his hand. “You don’t know her, Jenna. Cami is warm and compassionate. The two of you got off on the wrong foot.”

  Jenna snorted. “Right. She’ll go back to the city and leave you high and dry.”

  He gave her a long look. She had just spoken his worst fear aloud. “Let me get you something to drink.” He reached into a galvanized tub filled with ice, sodas and beer to choose a brand of beer he knew Jenna favored and handed it to her. He excused himself and went to join Cami and Reba before he got into trouble.

  Cami flicked him an amused glance.

  “The man of the hour,” Reba said. “I want you to be good to this little one. She’s one hell of a doctor.”

  He nodded, planting a kiss at Cami’s temple. “And many other things.”

  Reba’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “I’ll just bet. Breckenridge, have you shown Cami your belly button?”

  “Excuse me?” He stared at Reba with raised brows.

  “Doc’s signature innie-outie.”

  Both women laughed as he grinned and shook his head. He hailed a newcomer. “There’s someone you wanted to meet, Cami.” He turned her attention to the heavy-set man approaching them. “This is Irwin Grimes, the Scout Master of our local troop.” Mr. Grimes extended a meaty hand to vigorously shake hers.

  “Good to meet you, little lady. Real shame about Miss Silky. She was one in a million.”

  She smiled at him. “Yes, she was.”

  Breck settled his hand lightly on her shoulder. “I told Cami about the cave project the two of you were working on.”

  Irwin Grimes ruddy complexion appeared to glow with a deeper shade of pink. “That was a pet project with her. Those caves are supposed to have some ancient Native American cave drawings and other relics. The troop was really excited about the proposed a spelunking adventure.”

  Cami gazed at the florid man. “Mister Grimes, I see no reason to cancel the plans you made with Silky. Breck and I were talking about following through with the project as a tribute to my great-aunt.”

  They discussed the time frame and decided to make the cave exploration during the month of May before school was out as some families would take vacations right after school ended.

  Cami turned to Breck when Mister Grimes had left them. “I’ve never been in a cave before. I hope it won’t be dangerous.”

  “Don’t worry. The boys have been researching this for a long time. When Silky was alive, we contacted a group of experienced spelunkers from a club in Austin. They’re going to come and give us the benefit of their experience and equipment.”

  “That sounds better.”

  He took her hand in his and kissed her fingers. “Are you ready to let these people know that you agreed to be mine for eternity?”

  She glanced around and nodded.

  He caught his father’s eye and gave him a wink.

  Zachery clinked a spoon against his glass to get everyone’s attention.

  “Friends, my son, Breck and I invited you here, not just because you’re our neighbors, but because we like you and we wanted to share some good news.”

  There was a general murmur among the crowd. Zachery held up his hands to quiet them down before continuing.

  “I think you all know how proud I am of my son, Breckenridge. He’s taken a big step and asked Miss Cami Carmichael to be his bride and she agreed. Please join me in toasting their happiness.”

  The murmur became a din of excited voices. Zachery poured champagne and when everyone held a glass of something liquid, he raised his glass. “To the happy couple.”

  “When’s the wedding?” Reba asked.

  Cami looked at Breck. “Next year.”

  “Next week,” he said.

  She giggled. “How about September? That’s six months.”

  “How about June? That’s three months.”

  “Three months! I can’t possibly get everything together in three months. Are you crazy?”

  He grinned and brushed a kiss across her nose. “I thought we’d already established that.”

  Zachery motioned to Breck. “Come on, son. Help me take the ribs off the grill.” He opened the French doors leading out to their patio and Breck followed him. Zachery opened the lid of a large smoker and held a platter while Breck piled racks of mesquite smoked ribs and sausage links on it.

  As Breck turned toward the house, he cast his gaze across the wide expanse of pasture land between the Ryan ranch and Moonshadows. What he saw caused his breath to catch in his throat.

  “My god! Moonshadows is on fire!”

  #

  A string of men in pick-up trucks raced to Moonshadows. Breck tried to leave her with the other women.

  Cami refused to stay behind.

  A knot of fear gripped her as they neared the column of smoke spiraling into the dusky sky. She could see flames billowing skyward as they turned off the highway onto the graded caliches road to the house.

  Breck swerved into the circle drive and skidded to an abrupt stop, followed by Frank and T-Bone. Others ground to a stop behind them and ran to the site.

  The Victorian house was untouched by the blaze but the barn and stables were ablaze.

&nb
sp; Her stomach clenched as though a giant fist had snatched it. “The horses,” she gasped.

  Frank grabbed an axe and ran to the far side of the stables and began to heave the blade into the wooden structure. Breck and the other men joined him, tearing away the shattered boards.

  Cami could hear the frightened horses screaming and Red kicking his stall. A sickening fear settled in her gut. Breck and Frank ran inside and loosed the horses. All but Red. Breck emerged coughing and hacking as flames shot out of the structure.

  “What about Red?” Cami demanded.

  “Cami, his stall is in the back. That part of the stable is already engulfed in flame.”

  “That’s right Cami,” Frank said. “We couldn’t get to him. He’s out of control. He’d kill anyone who even tried to get close to him now.”

  The shriek of sirens approaching from the town of Langston could be heard over the roar of the blaze.

  “Come away now, Cami.” Breck held out his arms to her.

  “No!” She broke away from him and ran inside the stable.

  Thick black smoke filled the quarters. She heard Breck yell, but she couldn’t go back. Red screamed and kicked his stall. All she had to do was open it and get him out.

  Her heart thudded in her ears. She covered her mouth with her arm and tried to breathe as best she could. Groping her way toward the sound of Red’s frenzied screams, she tried to stay low. The back part of the stable was bright with flames and the air was hot. She stumbled against the door to Red’s stall just as he kicked it from the inside.

  A blast of intense heat shot out from the wall adjoining the barn and she heard a crash as part of that structure collapsed.

  Her fingers were numb as she struggled with the latch to Red’s stall, finally throwing it open. She stepped back, expecting him to run out, but he shied, keeping to the back of the stall, rearing up on his back hooves.

  “Easy Red. Easy big fellow. It’s just you and me now.”

  He stopped rearing and danced a little, his eyes wild with fear.

  Cami grabbed his reins hanging inside the stall and slipped them over his head. Her lungs burned with the acrid smoke. She tried to speak in a soothing manner, in spite of her terror. “Come on, boy. Let’s go for a ride.” Tears rolled down Cami’s face.