Page 31 of Finders Keepers

“Thank you,” I start to pull up the directions on my phone, but Ms. Lucy waves me off.

“Sugar, I’ve been living in Pine Grove since before you were knee-high to a grasshopper. Old Doc Mitchell, Gavin’s daddy, he helped me with every stray cat I ever brought him. Could drive there with my eyes closed, though I reckon that wouldn’t be too safe.” She adds.

The cool air conditioning is a welcome relief, even in the early morning. The leather seats are worn but comfortable.

“How are you settling in?” Ms. Lucy glances my way as she navigates through the town’s quiet streets. “Getting everything you need in that little house?”

“Yes ma’am. It’s perfect, really.” I twist in my seat to check on Sophie, who’s contentedly watching the world pass by her window. “The garden view from the kitchen window is beautiful in the morning.”

“Well, if you need anything at all, you just holler. Though I suspect you’re the type who likes to handle things on her own.” Her knowing look makes me shift in my seat.

“I… yes. But I’m learning to accept help.” The words feel strange in my mouth, but true.

Sophie pipes up from the backseat. “Mama, look at the big dog!” She points at a Great Dane being walked along the sidewalk.

“I see it, honey. That’s a big one, isn’t it?”

Ms. Lucy chuckles. “Just wait until you see all the dogs at the adoption event. Gavin’s been working hard to find homes for a whole litter of mixed-breed puppies that came in last month.”

My stomach does an odd little flip at the mention of his name. I push the feeling aside, but it lingers like a shadow in the corner of my mind. Gavin is nothing like Matt. I’ve seen enough to know that. The way he speaks to anyone, his easy smile… I catch myself and redirect my thoughts. I’m not ready for… whatever this is.

Ms. Lucy turns the knob on the radio and soft country music fills the car.

The parking lot of the veterinary clinic comes into view, already busy with cars and people. Colorful balloons bob in the morning breeze, and a hand-painted banner announces “Pine Grove Pet Adoption Day!” in cheerful letters.

“Face painting!” Sophie exclaims from the backseat, pointing at a booth being set up near the entrance. “Mama, can I please get my face painted?”

“We’ll see, baby.” I help her out of her car seat, my heart warming at her enthusiasm. This is what childhood should be, face painting and puppies, not walking on eggshells and hiding bruises.

The crowd isn’t overwhelming, but it’s enough to make me instinctively pull Sophie closer. Ms. Lucy seems to sense my unease.

“The cat section is usually quieter,” she suggests. “Why don’t we start there?”

We make our way through the gathering of people, passing tables laden with information packets and donation jars. The cats are indeed in a more secluded area, peaceful in their temporary enclosures. Sophie immediately gravitates toward a grey kitten that’s batting at a toy through the bars.

“Hi, pretty kitty,” she whispers, careful not to startle it.

That’s when I hear his laugh, deep and genuine, carrying across the lot. My eyes find him before I can stop myself. Gavin is crouched down, a wiggling black and white puppy in his arms, talking to a family with two young boys. His scrubs are pristine despite the puppy’s enthusiasm, and his face is animated as he explains something to the children.

“That’s right,” I hear him say as one of the boys tentatively pets the puppy. “Always let a dog smell your hand first, just like that. You’re a natural, buddy.”

The scene hits me like a physical force, the gentleness in his voice, the patience as he demonstrates proper pet handling, the way he’s meeting the children at their eye level. Matt would have… I stop the thought cold. Matt isn’t here. Matt can’t hurt us anymore.

“He’s good with kids, isn’t he?” Ms. Lucy’s voice startles me, and I realize I’ve been staring. I quickly overt my eyes and turn my attention back on Sophie

“He seems to be.” I try to keep my voice neutral, but something must show on my face because Ms. Lucy’s expression softens.

“Not all men are wolves in sheep’s clothing, honey. Some are just… sheep. Good ones.”

I turn back and watch as Gavin hands the puppy to one of the boys, supporting the child’s arms to show him how to hold it properly. The boy’s face lights up with pure joy, and Gavin’s smile matches it in warmth. Something in my chest aches, but I’m not sure if it’s fear or longing.

“Mama, can we go see the puppies now?” Sophie tugs at my hand, drawing my attention back to her.

“Of course, sweetie.” I let her lead the way, though I’m acutely aware of Gavin’s presence getting closer. He looks up as we approach, and his amber eyes meet mine. The smile he gives us is different from the one he shared with the family, softer somehow, more personal.

“Miss Sophie!” He greets her first, which I appreciate. “I’m so glad you came today. And you brought your mom and Ms. Lucy too.”

Sophie nods, suddenly shy, and presses against my leg. She pulls the rolled-up drawing from my bag, holding it out to him.

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