Page 75 of Finders Keepers

Henry actually smiles, though he tries to hide it behind a cough. “Well, go on then. Those puppies are waiting.”

As we say our goodbyes and continue toward Gavin’s booth, I hear Henry behind us: “Nice folks. Still too many new people in town, though.”

“Oh, hush up, you old softie,” Mr. Locke responds.

Ms. Lucy leans in closer to me. “Henry’s bark is worse than his bite. Once he decides he likes you, you’ve got a friend for life.”

“And the cat man nickname?” I ask, worried it might have offended him.

“Oh honey, that’ll stick better than any name he’s had before. And secretly, he’ll love it.” She pats my arm. “Now, let’s go see about those puppy kisses. And maybe a certain handsome veterinarian too?”

I feel my smile fall as Sophie walks in front of us. The one I made for Gavin suddenly feels heavy in my hand, and I wonder if bringing it was too forward. Suddenly I hear Sophie.

“Mr. Gavin! Look what I made!”

His booth has a few people around it, most of them children eager to get their pictures taken with the dogs. He’s kneeling next to a little boy who’s petting a boxer, but his eyes find mine immediately. My heart skips when he smiles, and I clutch the flower crown tighter.

A stunning woman stands next to him, her copper-red hair falling in perfect waves past her shoulders. Her emerald green scrubs complements her olive skin tone, and when she laughs at something a parent says, her whole face lights up. For a moment, my stomach twists with uncertainty.

“Gavin,” Ms. Lucy calls out, waving her paper plate. “Got time for some old friends?”

He whispers something to the red-haired woman and makes his way around the booth to us.

I feel that twist in my stomach again as I watch him approach, the woman’s laughter echoing behind him. The jealousy surprises me, catches me off guard.

He’s wearing dark jeans and a deep red polo with his clinic’s logo, and I try not to stare.

“Ms. Lucy, I’ll always have time for y’all.”

“Mr. Gavin. Look at my crown.” She points to the daisies adorning her head. “I made one for Tommy too!”

“It’s beautiful.” He crouches down to her level. “Would you like to meet some dogs? Melina over there can help you pick one for a picture.”

“Melina?” I ask, trying to keep my voice neutral.

“My new vet tech.” He straightens up. “Started last month. She’s great with the animals and the kids.”

“She’s very pretty,” I say before I can stop myself.

He blinks at me. “Is she? I hadn’t noticed.”

Ms. Lucy coughs something that sounds suspiciously like “liar” into her paper plate.

“Can I?” Sophie tugs at my shirt, her eyes pleading.

“Of course, baby. Stay where I can see you.”

She runs over to Melina, who greets her with a warm smile. “Well, hello there! I love your flower crown. Want to meet our special friend Duke?”

“Yes, please.” She says suddenly shy as Melina leads her to a gorgeous tri-colored miniature Australian shepherd who’s sitting patiently on a blanket, then her excitement comes out.

“So,” Gavin turns back to me, “how are you enjoying the festival?”

“It’s good,” I fidget with the flower crown in my hands. “There’s a lot more people here than I thought there would be, but we’ve been keeping busy with our flower crowns at Mary Beth’s booth.”

“I saw. You’ve got quite the talent with those flowers.”

I actually blush. “Speaking of which…” I hold out the crown I made him. “This is for you.”

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