Page 38 of Wild Dreams

I guided Marigold with a hand on her lower back, knowing she needed the extra assurance. I was taking advantage of her being upset.

Inside the small exam room, a tech was holding Oakley.

"Do you know how much chocolate he ate?" Dr. Sturgill asked.

Marigold winced.

"I know you went over this on the phone, but I have to do it again for the exam."

"Of course," Marigold said as she ran through everything she'd already said over the phone.

Dr. Sturgill asked follow-up questions, then said, "I think he's going to be okay. You got him to puke, which is great. We'll run some blood work, but he's not exhibiting any concerning effects from the chocolate. We'd like to keep him for a few hours for evaluation. Is that okay?"

Marigold nodded. "Of course. Whatever you think is necessary."

"You can say your goodbyes, then see Lucy at the front. She'll have an estimate ready for you."

I shook her hand. "Thank you so much, doctor. When I heard Oakley was having a problem, I immediately recommended you."

"That's good to hear, and we'll take good care of Oakley." Dr. Sturgill walked out.

I waited a few seconds while Mari hugged and petted Oakley, tears shining in her eyes.

I hated that she was going through this. But it was the first time of many that Oakley would get into something.

I patted Oakley when she pulled away, leaving him in the capable hands of the vet tech.

At the front desk, I waited while Marigold reviewed the estimate for hospital care.

Marigold signed the bottom, and Lucy said they'd call with an update in a few hours.

I steered Marigold outside and to the truck. I waited for her to get in, then shut the door.

Inside the cab, I turned on the engine. I needed to distract her for the next few hours. Sitting at home and ruminating over all the things she should or could have done wouldn't helpmatters. "There's a new Thai restaurant downtown. You want to try it out?"

"I am hungry."

"Thai it is," I said as I threw the truck into Reverse.

Marigold's head reclined. "Do you like Thai?"

I shrugged. "It's fine."

"Did you suggest Thai because it's my favorite?" Marigold asked.

My lips twitched. "Maybe."

I couldn't help but think we made a good team. Marigold's heart was so big; she couldn't contain her feelings, and I was the calming force, at least in this situation.

"Thanks for being there for me. I'm sure I've probably said that already, but it was a big deal for me."

"I'm glad you called," and I meant it. She could have called Scarlett or even handled it on her own. I was a safe person for her. Someone she could depend on.

Marigold leaned closer, turning on a station that played holiday hits all day long. "I love this time of year."

"What are you doing for Thanksgiving?" I looked over at her, but she kept her face carefully averted.

"I'm writing a new play for Scarlett, so I'm having a quiet day at home."

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