Page 12 of Finding Home

A playful knowing glint sparked in his eyes.

“So, are those your goats?” she asked.

“No. Just checking on some patients. We service some of the county’s farms.”

“How long have you been a veterinarian?”

“About ten years.”

“Do you like it?”

“I love it.” A full-face grin lit his expression.

She returned that big smile. “I guess that explains all the paws. The welcome mat, key chain, and that.” She pointed at the tattoo on his corded right forearm.

“Yup. Speaking of paws; Thank you for the mug you left on my porch.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Although, from what Pete said, it sounds like you thought you were giving it to my dad. I’m happy to drop it off to him if you’d prefer.”

“My superpower seems to be the ability to embarrass myself in front of you without even trying or even knowing you are you.” Elle raised her hands, covering her eyes. “I guess I haven’t done a good job keeping up with most people from Perry.”

“Nothing to be embarrassed about. Although, you never answered my question. Do you want me to give my dad the mug?”

“No. It’s for you.”

“Thank you.” His smile got just a little bigger and something fluttered in her chest at that.

“I know you said not to be embarrassed, but there were so many clues that it wasn’t your dad. They call you Doc. Nobody ever called your dad Doc. He was always so formal with his bow ties.” She motioned with her hands.

“Those bow ties. He even wears them golfing.”

“More evidence of my foolishness. The name Clayton on your note. The divorce,” she blurted, then winced at her misstep. “Sorry.”

“It’s okay. I’m the Doc, not the doctor. I’m the Clayton, he’s the Chris. I’m the one with a failed marriage.”

“I wouldn’t call it a failure.” She squeezed his forearm gently, her tone soft. “Janet would be overjoyed if I was divorced, because it would mean I dated someone long enough to get married. You shouldn’t call it a failure. You tried. Some of us don’t even do that. Plus, failure is just success preparation.”

“Success preparation?” One eyebrow arched, his head tilted. “That’s smart. Did you come up with that?”

“It was Kevin Smith.”

“Silent Bob? Are you spewing life advice from the director ofClerks?” he guffawed.

“Hey, the guy that brought us the phrase ‘snoochie boochies’ has much wisdom to bestow.”

He threw his head back in a full body laugh and her nerves hummed as if hearing a favorite song.

“I am sorry you got divorced, especially if you’re sad about it.” She placed her hand on his.

“Thank you.” He rested his other hand on top of hers.

“I’m glad you love what you do. It makes sense.”

“Most folks thought I’d be a people doctor like my dad.”

“Well, most people are morons.”

---