"I'm not going to do that, Rhonda..." Russell's cheeks reddened.
"If you want to stop sleeping on the couch, I suggest you do it." Rhonda wasn't going to bend, and Russell was more than aware she meant business. "I asked him to grow the mustache again recently to stop the confusion happening in this situation with you and Parker. Obviously, like me, you need more proof." Rhonda raised her eyebrow at her husband.
"Fine." Russell stood up and lifted his shirt. Emily stared at the strawberry-colored birthmark on his upper abdomen.
"Parker doesn't have that mark," Emily said as she stared. She could no longer keep her tears from spilling over.
"No, Emily, he doesn't. You have been with my brother this entire time. Trust me, I wasn't happy about any of this. I'm the one who went to Colorado and purchased your grandfather's property, not Parker. We aren't a bunch of thieves and we don't run a dishonest company. We're competitive just like any other business, but I promise you, no one wanted to cause any harm during the purchase. I admit that my brother was quite cruel to you after we owned the land. I know for a fact that he felt horrible about himself and his actions. That was Parker's motive behind the lies. Once again, I'm not excusing our behavior. But you have to know that Emmitt Carson was more than adamant about selling, and I was interested in buying. He wasn't drugged, I checked that out before papers were signed. He did mention something about a nature preserve, but I couldn't understand him. Had I of known what the circumstances were, I would have contacted you. I didn't know you even existed, and he refused to have an attorney look over the documents. Parker righted those wrongs and gave the property back to you. I'm sorry for any grief that was caused, but I don't understand why you're still angry. I know Parker deceived you, and I played a part in helping him, which I'm very sorry for. I only did it to tame down the media circus, and because he's my brother. I'd do anything for him, other than be with another woman."
"I'm not angry anymore about the land. I'm still hurt over the things that happened with your brother. I hope you understand that I had to find out some answers. Thank you both for providing those. Is Parker going to be available soon?"
"Emily, Parker is still in Colorado," replied Rhonda with a smile, knowing that she eased the poor woman's mind.
"I'll find him. Rhonda, thank you so much and thank you, Russell. I'll never be happy about all the confusion, but at least you cleared it up for me. I guess Parker was telling the truth after all. I must confess, I was the one who started that media circus by calling a family friend named William Lovette. I had no idea the article was going to spin out of control. He's a great guy and was just looking out for me. I had him write another article about the land being given back to me."
"Thank you for doing that, Emily." Russell was finally feeling relieved. Rhonda no longer had daggers shooting from her eyes.
Emily stood and shook their hands, then left for the airport. For the first time in a long while, she was looking forward to seeing the man she'd fallen for.
After the door was closed, Rhonda stood up and wrapped her arms around Russell. "I guess you've learned a valuable lesson." She kissed his lips softly.
"So no more couch?"
"No more couch." Rhonda held him close to her.
***
Emily reached in her purse and pulled her phone out. She had two missed calls from both William and Mick. She hoped the shepherd was okay.
"Hey, Mick, sorry I missed your call."
"Are you at home? I have a couple of routine surgeries and, of course, I'm behind. Can I call you back?"
"I'm in New York. I'm okay, but long story. Is the shepherd okay?"
"He's doing great, Em. He can be discharged soon but he needs to go to someone who can continue his care and bring him back for appointments."
"I'll keep him until we find someone."
"Em, you can't have a dog where you live."
"I'm at the airport now, so I'll talk to you more about it when I get home. Don't let anyone take the shepherd." Mick said goodbye, but not a word about Parker wanting the dog. He knew it wouldn't be a good idea to bring it up, especially with her being in New York.
She called William next. He was such a worrywart but she didn't mind. He was like an uncle to her and she loved him dearly.
"Did you get my note? That RV is a beauty! When did you buy it?"
"Uh...what? I promise you I don't have an RV." Emily laughed.
"Hun, I was at the property today to bring you lunch and I saw it parked, and a new Escape was near it."
"I'll find out. Can I call you later? I'm getting ready to board my flight home from New York."
"You got into it again with the Davis brothers?" William could feel his temper rising.
"No, it was quite the opposite. The trip was really needed." The last thing she wanted was to hear the protests from William.
"Call me tomorrow and fill me in." William didn't like the sound of any of it.
***
Parker stretched and felt nothing but discomfort, cold air, and a hard surface beneath him. He sat up and felt a slight panic. It took a few minutes for his eyes to adjust to the blackness and for him to remember where he was. Parker could see very little. I can't believe I fell asleep out here. He reached for his phone to help provide some light so he could make it out of the woods, but it was dead. Shit! He had no shelter or warm clothing. He had to make it back to the RV. I walked for a long time, but it was a straight shot, right through those woods. Parker picked up the bag, grateful he had two bottles of water and his lunch left. He wasn't overly worried though. Getting back shouldn't be a problem. The longer he walked, the deeper he got into the woods, and the darker it became. It was impossible to recognize anything. I don't remember being in the woods this long.
***
It was three in the morning before Emily unlocked her apartment door. If it was earlier she would have driven right to the property, but she was exhausted. With some of the stress being lifted, she was sure she'd sleep like a lamb. She shed her clothes and stood in the hot shower. Memories of seeing Parker in the buff filled her mind. He has no birthmark on his abdomen. Relieved to finally be at peace with who was who, she rested her head on the pillow and quickly fell asleep.
***
Parker knew he'd heard the sounds of an animal. The low grunt, loud sniffing, and sticks breaking sent him into a full run. He didn't get very far before he tripped on a tree root which sent him flying. Parker quickly got to his feet, grateful he wasn't injured, and ran away from the direction the sounds were coming from. Before he realized it, he was lost. Stop running and find somewhere safe.