Page 2 of Here Comes Santa Paws

I searched Jasmyn’s name in my email to double-check. I thought I’d confirmed with her last week. “She is.”

Lots of our adoption successes came to Sugar Plum Park to get photos of their furbabies with Santa, while others wanted to meet animals available for adoption. It was also one of our biggest fundraisers because of the shelter calendars we sold.

Nancy lowered her notepad. “I think that’s it.”

I leaned back in my office chair and felt the knot of tension between my shoulders melt away. “This gets easier and easier each year.”

Nancy clucked her tongue. “Don’t jinx us.” Her expression turned thoughtful. “I wonder if this Christmas will be as eventful as last year?”

“You mean when the cat got loose at pet pictures in the park?”

“I mean how many people fell in love. Valentine’s schmalentine’s. Christmas is the season of love around here. Instead of Cupid, we’ve got an elf. Think he’ll strike again?” Her dark eyes twinkled.

“Are you looking?” I leaned in and dropped my chin on my hands. Ever since her husband passed a few years ago, I hadn’t noticed her expressing interest in romance.

“I thought you might be. Did you hear there’s a matchmaking service in town? That sweetheart, Nick Morgan, is doing it.” A mournful expression crossed Nancy’s face. “His late wife, Nicole, was such a dear. It’s lovely he’s started matchmaking in her honor.”

“She was wonderful. But, Nancy, I’m way too busy to even think about dating. Plus, with Gramps’s surgery recovery, I’ve got no time.”

Her lips stretched into a thin line. “That’s an excuse people make when they choose not tomaketime.”

I opened my mouth to argue but couldn’t come up with anything.

“Speaking of Jim, how’s his recovery going?”

I snorted. My grandpa was a stubborn old man, and I loved the hell out of that wily troublemaker.

“He’s home recovering now, but he won’t let me stay with him.”

“It’s a hip replacement, not his deathbed. He’s tough.” An affectionate smile curved her lips.

“I know, but he’s supposed to follow strict orders for movement and rest. You think he’s going to follow those rules if he’s left to his own devices?” I blew out a breath.

She leaned toward the desk and patted my hand. “I’m sure he’ll call if he needs you.”

“At least he’s following through with physical therapy.” I glanced at my watch. “Actually, his first appointment is this afternoon.”

Her sweet smile shifted into a teasing grin. “Hopefully, the PT can think on their toes.”

Chapter 2

Roman

After settling at my desk,I started working through a stack of patient paperwork before my appointments began. I reveled in the quiet while it lasted because I wouldn’t get it again until I got home. The only loud thing at my place was my neighbor’s tacky-ass Christmas decorations.

While the software I needed took its sweet time loading, I checked my personal email on my phone. Damn. Still no word on any of the job applications I’d submitted. I supposed things might move slowly until the holidays were over. As long as a new physical therapy job came through soon, I could handle one more season in Christmas hell. But the familiar tingle in my gut told me it was time to move on. It had never steered me wrong with all my adventures before.

The recognizable jingle of Anisha’s bulky key ring signaled her arrival.So much for quiet. As much as I appreciated silence, Anisha enjoyed filling it.

I sighed.

“Don’t give me that sigh, Schaffer. I refuse to accept your attitude today. The festival starts this week. Only your holly-jolly ass is welcome.”

I spun in my chair and leveled an unamused stare at her. “We both know there’s nothing holly or jolly about me.”

She set her comically giant water bottle on her desk. Her box braids were pulled into a high bun on her head.

At least she hadn’t started wearing her tacky Christmas scrubs yet, though her turkey badge reel was borderline offensive. Her PT patients adored her festive cheer. Mine were lucky not to get a passing “bah humbug.”

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