The Doctor's Family Reunion

She kicked at a rock, sending it sailing over the ledge. “You must still think I’m the same naive girl you knew all those years ago. But come on, Trent, we both know how much you wanted a family. So why don’t you admit the real reason you’re in Ouray.”

He’d always loved her fiery spirit. A perfect match for that strawberry-blond mane of hers. But apparently he’d lost his touch in their battle of wits.

“Blakely, what are you getting at?”

“Do I really have to spell it out?” She closed the distance between them, her face growing redder with every step. “Austin is my son. You chose not to be a father to him. So if you think I’m just going to let you waltz in here after ten years...”

Her words pummeled him like the boulders that fell from these mountains. Son? Father? Ten years?

His mind raced back to one special night almost eleven years ago.

It wasn’t possible.

Blakely knew all about his childhood. How he’d been passed from one foster home to another, never knowing what it was like to be part of a real family. She was the only person he’d ever confided his longing to someday have that family. She would have told him he had a child.

Feeling as though a horse had kicked him in the stomach, he struggled for his breath.

“I have...a son?”

Chapter Two

Trent stepped outside his room at the San Juan Inn, the cool morning breeze making him shudder. Or maybe it was thoughts of the woman he’d run into on Camp Bird Road yesterday. The scorn in her eyes.

How could he have a child and not know it?

Unfortunately, Dan arrived back on the scene before Trent could get the answer to that question and so many more. But now, finding answers was at the top of his agenda.

He thrust his hands into the pockets of his faded jeans and wandered down Sixth Avenue. Nestled in a bowl of thirteen-thousand-foot peaks, Ouray waited in the shadows for the sun to top the Amphitheater. The unique setting of this tiny town captured his heart that long ago summer. Along with a certain strawberry blonde.

By the time August drew to a close, he had entertained thoughts of forever. Never imagining what awaited him back in Albuquerque.

He let go a sigh, his breath visible in the chilly morning air. God may have forgiven him, but sometimes the past crept in, reminding him what a lowly creature he’d once been.

Though You have made me see troubles, many and bitter, You will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth, You will again bring me up.

The verse from Psalm seventy-one had seen Trent through some of his rockiest days. Both before and after Lauren’s death.

Growling echoed from his midsection. Perhaps some breakfast would improve his perspective. Not to mention a good cup of coffee. That weak stuff they served at the motel wasn’t close to cutting it. Too bad Ouray didn’t have a Starbucks.

Warmth bathed his back as the sun peered over the mountain behind him. He’d never tire of this scenery. The peace and tranquility it offered were what he longed for when he learned of the temporary opening in Ridgway.

He glanced at the Community Center where he’d once had the privilege of escorting Blakely to a dance. Sure, they’d been young—Blakely fresh out of high school—but the bond they’d forged that summer went beyond special. They “got” each other in a way no one ever had. Soul mates. Kindred spirits. With her, he’d felt accepted for the first time. Even loved. And he’d loved her, too.

So why hadn’t she told him he had a child? More important, why did she seem to think he did know?

Raking his fingers through his hair, he prayed she and their son could one day forgive him.

At the corner of Main Street, he waited for a large motor home to lumber past. Once the exhaust dissipated, the most amazing aroma captivated his senses. He inhaled deeply, savoring the scent of roasting coffee beans. Lifting his gaze, he spotted what was sure to be his favorite new spot: Mouse’s Chocolates & Coffee.

Maybe he wouldn’t pine for Starbucks after all.

He hurried across the street.

“What can I get you?” A bubbly blonde, barely old enough to be out of high school, smiled behind the counter.

After eyeing the menu, he said, “How about a tall Americano?”

“We only have one size, sir. Sixteen ounces.”

“That’ll work.”

Cup in hand, he paused at the corner. Less than a block away, the vacancy sign at The Alps Motel glowed red-orange. Apprehension kept his feet glued to the sidewalk. Were Blakely and his son there? Or did they live in one of the apartments over The Jeep Company—make that Adventures in Pink?

He wanted—needed—answers.

“Trent?”

Turning, he found Blakely’s grandmother, Rose Daniels, smiling up at him. He couldn’t help smiling back. The woman who’d provided him with many a meal that summer and more cookies than he’d had in all the years since had always held a special place in his heart.

“I was hoping I might run into you.” Sincerity sparkled in her blue eyes. “Blakely mentioned you were back in town.”

That must have been an interesting conversation.

“It’s great to see you, Mrs. D.” A motorcycle sputtered past, its engine mimicking the chug-chug of his heart.

“I hear you’re working in Ridgway?”

“At the medical clinic. Yes.”

“Wonderful.” A wisp of white hair escaped her tight bun to dance about her round face. “Bill would have been so happy to know that you achieved your dream of becoming a doctor.”

“I was sad to hear he’s no longer with us. He was probably the greatest man I ever had the pleasure of knowing.” Trent observed the rows of colorful Victorian buildings that lined Main Street. How he wished he could thank Bill for the impact he’d had on his life. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. Someday.

“Would you like some help with those?” He gestured to the green reusable grocery sacks that dangled from Rose’s capable hands.

“That would be lovely. Thank you, Trent.”

He gathered the trio of bags in one hand and started in the direction of The Alps, making sure to abbreviate each stride so Rose wouldn’t feel rushed.

“How long have you been back in Ouray?” She carefully maneuvered down the sloped sidewalk. No matter where you went in this town, you were either walking up or down hill.

“Since Sunday. I’m staying at the San Juan Inn.”

“What?” She sent him a sideways glance. “Not The Alps?”

“Uh...” The muscles in his jaw tightened. The Alps had been his first inclination.

She nudged him with her elbow. “I’m teasing. The San Juan Inn is a wonderful choice.”