Page 41 of Nate

“I’ve been doing this for years now and I still can’t get over the reasons people have for dropping off an animal.”

“It’s only three months old.” Markie blinked back tears. “I know I’m not supposed to get emotional, but this is just so wrong. Some people should not be allowed to have pets of any kind.”

“Sam gets angry about it too. He found a kitten tossed out of a truck in a garbage bag once. He brought it in here to get it checked out. I don’t think we were a couple yet, but I took the kitten home with me. I still have her. Sam was ready to choke the person.”

“I’m sure.” Markie grinned. “So, how many have you taken in, Tess?”

Tess laughed. “We have five dogs and three cats. Three of the dogs were surrendered here. I even talked Sam into taking a husky. He said no at first, but Whiskey is still with us. He had a Rottie at the time and said he didn’t need another dog.”

“And now he has five.”

“All in the house too. Neither of us like the idea of dogs or cats having to live outside. Though for some people, that’s the only way they’d have either.” Tess shrugged. “To me, they’re our family. Sam feels the same way and needless to say, the kids love the animals as much as we do. We do have a few barn cats though, but they’re in out of the cold since the barn is warmer than the cold temperatures in the winter.”

“Yes, I know a lot of people have barn cats to keep the mice out. Your kids will learn how to treat animals too.”

“Definitely. Have you seen the kitten? She’s so cute. A fuzzy ball of black fur and four white paws. I hope someone takes her or we’ll have to get her to the shelter.”

“I might take her, if you don’t mind.”

“Of course, I don’t. I know you’d give her a good home.”

“Let me look at her and see if she likes me, then I’ll let you know.”

“I appreciate it. I’d better get to work. You need to get your lunch, Markie.”

“I will in a minute.”

“Doc Russ? There’s a man here to see you.”

“A man?” Markie’s stomach clenched thinking it was Jarrett but why would he come to Montana?

“Yes, he said his name was Nate.”

Markie grinned. “Thanks, Jodi. I’ll be right out.” She stood from her chair and saw Tess grinning. “What?”

“Well, apparently he doesn’t rub you the wrong way anymore.”

“I refuse to answer that. I’ll be right back, then I’ll head for lunch.” Markie walked out of her office and grinned when Tess snorted behind her, then she heard her walking along the hallway toward her office.

Markie entered the lobby to see Nate leaning against the counter, but he straightened up when he saw her and smiled.

“Hi, Nate.”

“Markie. Have you had lunch yet?”

“No, I was about to go in a few minutes.”

“Well, will you have lunch with me at the diner?”

“I’d love to. Just let me get my purse. I’ll be right back.” She passed Jodi as she walked to her office.

“That man is sexy,” Jodi whispered.

“I could not agree more. We’re going to lunch, so I’ll be back in an hour.”

“Alright. Have a nice lunch, Doc Russ.”

“Thanks, Jodi. Did you need anything brought back?”

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