Page 112 of Redeeming Harmony

Nathan followed Fatima to the foyer. Rayna stood near reception with a large plastic crate at her feet. She grinned at Nathan. “Hey, a hell of a storm last night, huh?”

“Yeah. It took me an extra thirty minutes to get to the clinic this morning, thanks to the icy roads.”

“Tell me about it,” Rayna said. “So, I wanted to talk about booking a couple of those free cat spays you promised me.”

A buzz of adrenaline made his heart rate spike. He studied the crate at Rayna’s feet. “Is that… do you have…”

“Yep.” Rayna bent and turned the crate around. Nathan stared through the metal bars of the crate door at Lady Nakia’s face. Her white fur was black with dirt, and she had twigs and other debris buried in her long hair, but it was Lady Nakia.

“Oh my God,” Nathan said. “You caught her.”

“Last night,” Rayna said. “Just before the storm hit.”

Nathan grabbed Rayna and hugged her hard. “You… you wonderful, incredible, amazing human being. Thank you! I’m buying you dinner. I’m giving you twelve free cat spays! Hell, I’ll give you my firstborn son!”

Rayna laughed and returned his hug. “Eh, I’m good with just dinner and the twelve free cat spays.”

“Oh my God, you have no idea how amazing you are,” Nathan said. “Have you spoken with Mrs. Rathbone yet?”

“Nah. I figured it would be best if you were the one to call her. But I also thought it would be a good idea for you to do a full exam first, and make sure she was okay.”

Fatima came around the reception desk and crouched in front of the crate, staring at Lady Nakia before wrinkling her nose. “Maybe an appointment at Pampered Paws first, too. She’s filthy, and she stinks to high heaven.”

“That’s a great idea, Fatima,” Nathan said. “Do you think you could call and see if they have an appointment this afternoon?”

“Doubtful,” Rayna said. “They’re always booked pretty far in advance.”

“I know the owner,” Fatima said. “And she owes me a favour. I’ll call them now, Nathan.”

“Thank you,” Nathan said gratefully before picking up the carrier. “Rayna, come on back with me. I’ll give Lady Nakia her exam and then write you a cheque for the rescue.”

* * *

“Big plans for tonight?”Seo-Jun asked Harper as she set the alarm for the shop.

Harper shook her head, smiling at the older woman. Seo-Jun had worked for the coffee shop for as long as Harper could remember and was the only employee Hazel kept after buying the failing coffee shop. “Not really. How about you?”

“Oh, Bernard and I are thinking about watching that new Marvel movie. We’ll see. It’ll be close to nine-thirty before I get home, and more likely than not, Bernard will be asleep in his chair.” Seo-Jun laughed as they left the shop, and she locked the doors. “I love that man of mine, but he’s not much for late nights.”

Harper turned around, a smile breaking out on her face when she saw Nathan leaning against Rainy Day Books, the bookstore next to Grind My Beans. He wore a heavy jacket to protect against the wind, and the tip of his nose was red from the cold, but he looked happier and more relaxed than she’d ever seen him before.

“Nathan, hi!” She sounded like an excited cheerleader, but she couldn’t help herself.

“Hi,” he said. “How was work?”

“Good.” She glanced back at Seo-Jun, who winked before peering around at Nathan.

“Hello, I’m Seo-Jun.”

“Nathan Henshaw.” Nathan shook Seo-Jun’s hand.

Seo-Jun gave Harper a cute smile. “Well, you two have a nice evening.”

She walked away, and Harper said in a low voice. “So, by this time tomorrow, everyone will assume we’re a thing. Just FYI.”

Nathan laughed. “Is that right?”

“Yep. Seo-Jun is amazing, and I love her, but she’s a huge part of the gossip network of this town,” Harper said.

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