She had to get a grip. She rubbed at the sensitive, tingling spot even as she glanced at the screen of her phone.

Tons of missed calls. Tons of text messages. All from Doug.

“My brother,” she said, heart sinking all over again.

“The one in Paradise Valley?”

She nodded. “Do you mind if I send him a message and make sure things are alright?”

“I think that’s a good idea. I can always drive you to him if you need a ride.”

She didn’t bother to explain there were no visits at Hogue Ranch, and no dropping by. The ranch was a halfway house program approved by the state although Taylor wasn’t sure how they maintained their status. They weren’t doing much for the men there but making them work.

Taylor quickly shot her brother a brief text. Everything ok?

Where have you been? Doug answered almost immediately.

Taylor typed back. Had a car accident and lost my phone. But I’ve got the phone now.

You okay? Doug asked a second later.

Fine. Car’s not so good but that can be fixed.

Good. Glad you’re safe.

She drew a deep breath and repeated her first question, dreading his reply. So are you okay?

For a long moment there was no response, and then, I hate it here.

Taylor bit her lip, a fresh wave of dread washing through her, weighting her limbs, making her heart ache.

He wasn’t in the right place. He needed a good therapist, as well as a dedicated doctor who could help with fine tuning Doug’s medicine. Not all depression medicine worked equally. Everybody was different. And bodies changed, and brain chemistry changed, and when that happened, you needed to try a new medicine, or a combination of medicines.

Three months she told herself. Three months and he’d be out and she’d get him the right help. She’d make sure he was seen by the best medical professionals she could find.

He deserved it. Just as he deserved a bright, healthy, happy future.

Before she could think of something to say, Doug texted again. But I’ll survive. I’ll make it work. I want to get through this so I can come live with you.

Her eyes burned and her throat swelled closed. For a moment she couldn’t breathe, overwhelmed by love. He was such a good person and it broke her heart knowing how much he struggled. Blinking back tears, Taylor texted him back. Me, too.

Will I still see you this weekend?

Wouldn’t miss it.

Nite, Tay.

Night, hon.

She slid her phone into the pocket of her robe, conscious that Troy was watching her, and had been watching her the entire time she’d texted back and forth with Doug. “Everything’s fine,” she said, voice husky.

“No emergency?” Troy asked.

She managed a small smile, eyes still damp. “Emergency averted.”

“That’s good.”

“Yep.” She held her smile and yet on the inside she hurt.