Funny how, a week ago, he’d been one of the guys giving Wade heck about his relationship and settled ways. Now, he understood the appeal. Tyler would someday, too.

“In that case, I’ll sign this,” he said, putting his signature at the bottom. “This is a great idea.”

If only she really would consider becoming a support member. If only she was staying in Wild River.

He grabbed his coat and handed the nomination form to Tyler. “It’s official.” And while he knew she’d never accept the position on the team, she was here now and he couldn’t wait any longer to see her.

Chapter Nineteen

CHAPTER NINETEEN

TANK’S TRUCK WAS gone when Erika arrived back at Cassie’s. Her heart was as heavy as the sleeping dog in her aching arms, who conveniently awoke the moment she opened the condo door. She wiggled free when she saw Cassie.

“That was a quick walk,” she said, her casted leg propped up on a stack of pillows on the couch. Tank had signed it already and the sight would have made her smile if she could summon any joy at all, but all she felt was sad and conflicted. She was leaving. Returning to Anchorage right now was the last thing she wanted to do.

“Someone missed you,” she said, unclipping the leash and hanging it on the hook near the door.

“Well, it’s good that you’re back, Tank just ran out for breakfast. He should be back in a few minutes. I’m starving and I couldn’t decide what I was hungry for, so I told him to get one of everything... What’s wrong?” she asked as Erika entered the living room.

May as well get straight to it. “I’m going to head back to Anchorage a little early. Tomorrow.”

Cassie frowned. “But I thought you were enjoying your time here. Was it the rescue? I totally understand if it shook you up a little...or a lot,” her friend said, tying her blond hair into a messy bun at the top of her head.

Erika shook her head. “It wasn’t the rescue. I was glad I could help. I just got a call from my...from the hospital. They need me back there.” She wished it were true. Unfortunately, she believed that her father was dragging her back so she wouldn’t get into any more “trouble” in Wild River.

“Oh. Well, I can understand that. They’re probably realizing they can’t survive another week without you.” She studied her. “There’s more. Spill it.”

Erika paced the living room. “It’s nothing. Just my dad. He found out about the emergency tracheotomy.” She clenched and unclenched her hands at her sides.

“I take it he wasn’t thrilled?”

“Ha!”