Page 33 of Finders Keepers

“Mama, look!” Sophie calls, drawing my attention back to her. The puppy in her lap has rolled onto its back, tiny paws batting at the air. “His belly has spots!”

I move closer, sitting down beside her on the grass. “It sure does. What a cute little guy.”

Gavin shifts slightly to give me more space, and I notice how he’s careful not to crowd me. It’s such a small thing, but I’m grateful.

“He likes you,” Gavin says softly, and for a moment I’m not sure if he’s talking to Sophie or to me.

My mouth curves into a slight smile as I rise to my feet.

“How long have you been doing this?”

He gets up too. “I took over from my dad a few years ago,” he says, leaning against the fence beside me. “But I’ve been around animals my whole life. Dad was the local vet for thirty years or so before he passed away.”

“Ms. Lucy mentioned him, Doc Mitchell?”

“That’s right.” His face softens with pride. “He taught me everything I know about veterinary medicine, but more importantly, he taught me about compassion. Every animal deserves a chance at a good life.”

I watch as his eyes light up at the mention of his father. There’s something about the way he talks about him that makes my heart ache, not from sadness, but from witnessing such pure admiration.

“Yeah, Dad graduated from Texas A&M’s VMBS back in ‘85,” he says shifting on his feet.

“VMBS?” I tilt my head, curious.

He chuckles, running a hand through his dark hair. “The Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. It’s a mouthful, I know.” He shrugs. “I followed in his footsteps and graduated from there myself in 2018.”

It’s then I remember the A&M hat that Sophie found on the ground last night at the fair.

“So the hat that Sophie found last night…”

“Dad gave it to me the day I got accepted into vet school. It was his hat when he was in school.” His voice softens. “He told me he wore it during every final exam he took at A&M, and it never failed him once.”

“Did it help you too?” I ask, not taking my gaze off Sophie holding a sleeping brown puppy in her lap.

“It sure did. I wore it for all my big tests too, just like my dad did.”

“What made you want to become a vet, other than your dad?” I ask, trying to redirect my thoughts.

“I practically grew up in the clinic. He’d bring me along on his rounds, let me help feed the animals, and clean the kennels. I saw how much good he did, how many lives he touched, both animal and human.” He pauses and scratches at his neck. “There was never really any question about what I wanted to do.”

“That must have been amazing, growing up with such a clear purpose.”

“It was,” he nods, then gives me a curious look. “What about you? What did you want to be when you were growing up?”

The question catches me off guard. It’s been so long since I’ve thought about my own dreams, before Matt, when life was a lot less complicated.

“I…” I start, then pause as Sophie tugs at my shirt.

“Mommy I’m hungry. Can we get something? Please?” She folds her hands together and looks up at the both of us.

Gavin laughs. “That would be Papa Rollas’ food truck you’re smelling. Best grilled cheese in north Texas, if you ask me.”

I check my wallet, counting the few bills I have. Before I can respond, Gavin pulls out his wallet.

“My treat,” he says firmly. “Consider it a thank you for saving my lucky hat.”

“Oh, no, we couldn’t—”

“Please?” He looks at me with those warm eyes. “It would make my day to treat you ladies to some lunch.”

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