Page 3 of Nate

Tess frowned. “Nate? Are we talking about the same person?”

“There was only one Nate that I spoke to. He did ask for you by Doc Mac.”

“It’s what everyone calls me.” Tess smiled.

“Yes. I know Jodi and most of the town call you that, and call me Doc Russ, but you never told me how Doc Mac came about.” She laughed.

“When I first came to Clifton, I was Dr. McGuire, and the town shortened it to Doc Mac. Even after marrying Sam, some people still call me that.”

Markie chuckled. “This town is set in its ways.”

“Well, it is one way you know they’ve taken you in. I have to run now; lunch with Sam. Call me if you need anything.”

“Will do. Same to you.”

Tess grinned. “I will. Talk soon.”

Markie walked into her office, sat down at her desk, and opened her computer. As she entered information about the new foal, Nate Jefferson’s face popped into her head. She closed her eyes tightly, hoping he would disappear. But, as Tess had mentioned, he was a very attractive man.

“And he knows it,” she muttered to herself.

“Hey, Doc Russ?”

Markie turned toward the doorway to see Jodi, the receptionist, standing there with a smile on her face.

“Hi, Jodi. Is everything okay?”

“Oh yes, I just wanted to ask if you could pick something up for me when you go out for lunch.”

“Of course, what would you like? You could call Tess; she’s having lunch with Sam today.”

Jodi grinned. “Thanks, but they’re eating at home since Sam is off today, and I don’t think she’ll have anything she can bring me.”

Markie laughed. “I didn’t know she was going home for lunch. I’ll grab something for you while I’m out. Probably from the diner.”

“That’s perfect. Just tell them my usual and they’ll know what it is.”

“I still can’t believe that’s all anyone has to say, and they know exactly what they want.” Markie shook her head.

“I know, right? And here I am struggling to remember what I had for breakfast.” Jodi chuckled.

“Same here. Well, I should get back to work now. I’ll go after Tess gets back and I’ll pick up your order for you.”

“I appreciate it.”

“You’re very welcome.”

Jodi smiled before leaving the doorway. Markie felt lucky to have found this job in Clifton. She needed to get away from Idaho and her toxic family situation. Every time she tried to tell her mother about her stepfather’s inappropriate behavior toward her, she never believed her. The night she finally had enough and left, she knew she needed to put as much distance between them as possible.

Jarrett Knowles was an arrogant man who thought every woman was after him. Markie couldn’t understand why her mother would marry a man twenty years younger than her, but she knew exactly why Jarrett married her. It was all about money - pure and simple. Her mother was wealthy, and Jarrett knew it. After Markie’s father died, Jarrett pursued her mother relentlessly until she finally fell for his lies. Despite Markie’s warnings, her mother refused to see through his disguise. He could tell her the sky was green, and she would believe him.

Markie placed her hands on her desk and shook her head, wondering how her mother could be so blind to Jarrett’s true intentions. When Markie’s father passed away, he left them both with a significant amount of money, and she made wise investments and was a successful veterinarian, even though she didn’t need to work. She wasn’t one to just sit around though. It had been her dream from the time she turned twelve. After graduating high school, she went straight to college to earn her DVM. It took her nine years because she added other studies to learn as much as she could. She’d been a vet for eleven years now and loved every minute of it.

Taking a deep breath, Markie refocused on her work. Perhaps that’s why she didn’t like Nate Jefferson; he reminded her too much of Jarrett, conceited and self-absorbed. But she quickly scolded herself for judging Nate without even giving him a chance. After all, Tess spoke highly of him, so he must have some redeeming qualities.

As Markie entered the information into the computer about the filly, she couldn’t help but smile at the memory of its birth. She loved being a vet.

An hour later, Tess returned and began attending to patients while Markie left for lunch. As she walked out of the office, Markie greeted the locals with a smile; it was tourist season in their small town, and the local shops were bustling with activity.

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