Temptation Ridge (Virgin River #6)(99)

“I’m not alone, Shelby,” she said patiently. “I’m on my own—there’s a difference. And I have the most wonderful family of friends. It is so much better than having a man I’m not compatible with, even if I thought I adored him. Believe me.”

“Of course,” Shelby said. “I so love the way you see things….”

Muriel laughed. “I’ve had so much practice at seeing things. Far more than I’m happy about.”

They talked through a whole pot of coffee, about Shelby’s life, about Muriel’s. It surprised Shelby to have anything at all in common with this Hollywood icon. After a couple of hours, Shelby asked, “What am I to do?”

“Oh, you’ll know what to do. Don’t be hasty, sweetheart. But don’t wait too long. There will be a moment of clarity, my little darling, and it will come to you that it’s time to take care of yourself. You don’t have to give up your dreams, Shelby. Never take scraps. Never.”

Sixteen

Right after Cameron Michaels had a nice holiday in Portland with his parents, brother and sister and their families, he drove to Virgin River, towing a U-Haul with his books, computer, bedroom furniture, clothes, TV and stereo equipment. He’d traded his Porsche in for a Suburban with all-wheel drive for getting around the mountains, valleys and foothills. When he pulled up in front of Doc’s house, Mel came out onto the porch immediately, all smiles. “Welcome, Doctor,” she said.

Shelby stepped out of the clinic right behind her. “Hey, Cameron,” she said. “How was the drive?”

“Not bad,” he said. “At least the sun’s out here. It’s wet and ugly in Portland.”

“Leave the trailer and everything,” Mel said. “I’m going to grab the baby and walk over to Jack’s. Then the guys will help you unload. You’re going to stay with us at the house tonight, until we can get your bedroom set up.”

Shelby turned and went back into the clinic.

“I don’t want to impose,” he said.

Mel laughed. “Let me get this right. You’re coming to work in my town for a pittance and you don’t want to impose? You’ll stay with us at least tonight, longer if necessary.”

Shelby was back with little Emma cuddled against her, Mel’s coat draped over her arm and the clinic keys in her hand, which she used to lock the door.

Mel put on the coat and took the baby from Shelby.

“Where’s the little guy?” Cameron asked.

“With his dad, serving. He’s in the backpack. So—you settled up all your affairs without difficulty?” Mel asked.

“Slick as grease. Had an offer on the house in three days, sold most of the furniture and put some favorite things in storage up there, traded in the sports car for an all-wheel-drive vehicle and had Christmas with my family.”

They began walking across the street to the bar. “What did they think of this idea?” Shelby asked him.

He chuckled. “They think I’ve completely lost my mind. And maybe I have. But what the hell, huh?”

“I really can’t figure out why you did this,” Mel said.

“Same reason you did, Mel,” he said.

“Nah, couldn’t be. My heart was in pieces. I had to go someplace simple and quiet to get a handle on my life. To heal. To be alone and not so obviously alone.”

“Same reason as you, Mel,” he repeated.

She stopped walking. “Ho boy,” she said. “There’s more to this story.”

“Yeah, we’ll get sloppy some night and compare our broken hearts. How’s that?”

She tugged at his sleeve. “This doesn’t have anything to do with any of our, ah, mutual friends, does it?”

“No, Mel. This has nothing to do with Vanessa.” Shelby’s eyes grew very round and Cameron looked at her. “Before Paul got smart and told Vanni how much he loved her, I had a couple of dates with her. That’s all—a couple of dates. She disappointed me when she picked the other guy—but she didn’t break my heart. No worries.”

“Shew,” Mel said. “Had me worried there for a second. I mean, the gossip in this town is good, but it shouldn’t be that good!”

Cameron laughed. “This is going to be great. I’m going to learn to fly-fish on my days off.”

“You’ll have plenty of those,” she said, stepping up on the bar’s porch.

Cameron apparently didn’t think there was anything odd about the number of cars and trucks at the bar and on the street, but then he wasn’t up on the seasonal activities. From January to June things were usually pretty wet and quiet around Virgin River, hunting done and the fishing pretty much closed. But when he walked into the bar, a bar stuffed with people, a cheer and greeting erupted. He stood just inside the door, stunned, while the din slowly subsided. Jack came around the bar, little David squirming around in the backpack. “Come on in, Doc. Welcome.”

Next came Paul, his hand outstretched, then Vanni with a hug and kiss on the cheek, and Walt, pulling him into a hearty embrace. Preacher just about broke his ribs with his hug, then there was Paige, Mike and Brie with a brand-new baby. Next came introductions to friends and neighbors from all over town and the outlying ranches. A cold draft was pressed into his hand, there was a hearty and delicious buffet set out and lots of handshakes, grateful pats on the back. Among the crowd were doctors June Hudson and John Stone and their families, offering services and assistance at the call. June’s dad, Doc Hudson, offered to come out to Virgin River for a while and visit with him on the subject of country doctoring and maybe a trip out to the river. “We can get your angling up to speed before the real fishing starts,” he offered.