“It’s mountain search and rescue,” she said tightly. How easily her father dismissed something he knew absolutely nothing about. She had read recently that new medical students were actually being trained in these wilderness settings—it helped them improve their quick thinking and adaptability skills. Obviously her father hadn’t read the updates...or cared.

“It’s not your responsibility or your problem. You were supposed to be at a spa or shopping or anything else. Relaxing, getting your head back in the game.”

Obviously, her head was in the game—the situation the night before only proved it—but arguing with him had never paid off. He’d always encouraged her to stand up for herself...just not against him or his authority.

Was he reprimanding her now as her father or her boss? “Yes, sir.”

He didn’t hang up and she sensed there was more, so she waited, oblivious to the cold wind whipping her hair against her face. Her anger and deep disappointment keeping her warm. A memory of Dr. Smyth’s friendly, reassuring, impressed attitude the night before making her chest hurt. Why couldn’t her father feel that way? Offer that kind of praise and understanding just once? No doubt Dr. Smyth had expected her father to react differently about this as well—she was certain he was the one who had reached out to tell him. She should have warned him that her father was different now.

“Dr. Smyth said they’re looking for a new surgeon at Wild River Community,” he said a long moment later. She’d guessed right. Dr. Smyth had taken this opportunity to reconnect with her dad.

“I assumed they’d be replacing him on staff once he retires.”

“Are you considering the position?” His voice was ice-cold, as though he thought he knew the answer and was disapproving already.

He obviously didn’t know her at all. Her dedication and commitment to him and the hospital and their research should have told him the answer. “No. I’m not.” The sinking in the pit of her stomach was nothing. She hadn’t considered the opening at all. Alaska General Hospital was where she belonged. This sudden uneasiness had to be just the turmoil of the last thirty hours, lack of sleep and food and the realization that soon, she was returning to her life in Anchorage.

“Good.”

Was it?

“Also, I’ve gotten your suspension lifted.”

Suspension? “I thought this was a vacation.”

“Same thing. You can come back tomorrow,” he said.

What? The heaviness in her chest was for one reason only—Reed. The thought of leaving him earlier than planned made her throat constrict. “But I was planning to stay here for another week.” She needed that time. Things were still a little awkward between her and Reed, and she desperately needed to talk to Cassie. She couldn’t go home yet.