Page 50 of Someday You Learn

“Well, then we can’t let him be Robert’s choice.”

Cassandra nods. “And now that you’re engaged to his daughter, you should have the upper hand anyway, right?”

A bead of sweat trickles down my spine as I turn away. “One can only hope.”

“Now it makes sense why you weren’t taking any of those women up on their offers.”

I spin back to face her. “What?”

“The women who’ve been stalking you from the videos. I didn’t know you were dating Cashlynn, so I get why you weren’t interested.” She smiles. “It’s good to know there are still decent, trustworthy guys out there.” Before I can say anything, she opens the door. “Diane Kingston and Blueberry are already here, by the way. And Hazel’s with them. Want me to put them in a room?”

The mention of my sister snaps me back to reality. “Uh, yeah. That would be great. Thanks, Cassandra.”

“My pleasure, Dr. Sheppard.”

Shaking off the guilt from the lies I’m trying to juggle, I grab Blueberry’s file and head toward the exam room where Diane and my sister are waiting.

“Knock, knock!” I say as I step into the room to find one of my favorite owner-patient duos, along with my sister who always manages to either elevate or diminish my mood. “How’s everyone doing today?”

Diane lets out a deep cough as her oxygen tanks hisses. “Doing just splendid, Dr. Sheppard. How are you?”

“Better now that I’m caffeinated. I thought my coffee machine kicked the bucket this morning, but it turns out my fiancée decided to unplug it. So, it was touch-and-go there for a minute.” My sister snorts from the corner, trying to cover up a laugh.

I turn my attention back to Diane and her Frenchie, Blueberry. “What cape are we rocking today, Big Blue?”

“He’s Superman today. I think he has a new favorite!”

“Batman looks good on him, but I gotta say, the red is doing much more for his complexion.”

My sister smiles as she pets Blueberry behind the ear. “I think he looks handsome either way.”

Diane leans forward and straightens his cape around his neck. “He is a handsome boy. Aren’t you, Blueberry? I think we’re gonna need another photoshoot soon, Hazel.”

“Tell me when you’re free and I’ll work you in. You know I love to photograph this cutie.”

When Hazel opened her photography studio years ago, Diane was her first official client. She hired Hazel to take pictures of her only child, Blueberry. Since then, Diane has been Hazel’s most loyal customer, and Blueberry the most fashionable Frenchie I’ve ever seen. Over the years, they’ve also built a strong friendship.

Since Diane’s COPD diagnosis, Hazel has been there for her—running errands, driving her to appointments, and making sure she knows she’s not alone. This isn’t the first time Hazel’s been into the animal hospital with Diane, and I’m sure it won’t be the last.Diane’s health has been declining steadily over the past year, but her attitude is always cheerful. Everyone at the hospital adores her and Blueberry, the caped crusader.

“You know, last time we were here, they tried giving us to that Dr. Brown,” Diane snickers as I start Blueberry’s annual exam. “I couldn’t believe the girls up front had the audacity to try that.”

Hazel scoffs. “How dare they?” She glances over at me, flashing me a wink. “Everyone knows that Parker’s the best.”

Diane nods. “Exactly. And Dr. O’Neil…how is he doing? I heard he fell.”

I clear my throat. “Luckily, he didn’t break anything. He’s at home resting but should be back later this week.”

“I heard you’re engaged to his daughter,” she says as I glance over at Hazel, who just nods.

“Where did you hear that?”

“At Astrid’s bakery. Some women were talking about it. They weren’t happy you’re no longer on the market.”

Hazel chuckles, and I glare at her. “Well, they say when you meet the right person, you just know.”

Diane looks over at Hazel, assessing her for a moment. “Well, I just love that all of the Sheppard siblings are finding love. Too bad your father wasn’t here to see it.”

The mention of our father has Hazel and me locking eyes.

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