Page 19 of Call it Fate

The mayor rubbed his chin. “He wasn’t my pet to begin with. I inherited him from my mother when she died a few months ago. I guess losing two friends put him over the edge. He’s never seemed to like me, and it’s gotten harder ever since he learned to call me…well, never mind.”

“Could be.” I continued to scratch under Sterling’s neck feathers as I cuddled him near my chest. I was just relieved he’d settled down and was letting me hold him.

“So, do I need to get another dog? Maybe another bird for a mate?”

I could hear the stress in his voice. “No, unless you want to later. But give him some time, maybe a little extra attention from you or someone in your family until he adapts. If it doesn’t get any better, I can look up to see if there’s a sedative to slip into his meals so he doesn’t do any more harm to his feathers. But I think he’ll settle down naturally. Just keep things as routine as possible for him.”

The mayor sighed. “I guess I can do that. If he’ll let me.”

“I’m sure he will,” I assured him as I stroked Sterling on his head a few more times, pleased to feel his heart rate was slower beneath my fingers pressed against his mottled, gray chest. Speaking softly, I unwrapped and moved him to Mayor Bowen. I took a moment to appreciate what a beautiful bird he was, at least when he wasn’t plucking out his own feathers. They’d grow back, and at least he hadn’t damaged his beautiful red tail feathers.

Sterling accepted the transfer, but not before he had something to say. He dipped his head toward Mayor Bowen. “I won. Bowen is a loser.”

I had to bite my tongue to keep from laughing, guessing there was probably a good story there. The mayor gave another beleaguered sigh and rolled his eyes. “This isn’t going to be fun.”

Mayor Bowen thanked me for my time and ushered me to his door. A large crowd fell back, obviously guilty of listening at the door, and applause broke out as I stepped from the room, shutting the door behind me.

“How’s the mayor?” someone called out.

“If you’re referring to Mayor Sterling, I think he’ll be fine.” I chuckled. “If you’re referring to your other mayor, well, let’s just say he’s got his hands full.”

Calls of “way to go, Doc” echoed in the polished stone foyer. Several people came up to shake my hand and welcome me to Sterling Mill. One promised to buy me a drink the next time he saw me, and another offered a free haircut. I was a little overwhelmed by the attention, especially since I was just doing my job.

Someone slapped me on the shoulder. “Hey, Doc. Ruth says she’s got a free dinner waiting for you down at the diner.” He turned to the rest of the group. “And in honor of Mayor Sterling’s favorite, free apple pie as long as it lasts!”

I didn’t know if it was the words “free” or “apple pie” or the combination, but it got the attention of the majority of people who, almost collectively, turned toward the door and left the town hall.

“You should go. Ruth’s pies are nothing to turn down.”

I turned to see Emalee standing next to me, watching as everyone left.

“Are you coming?”

“I think I’m just going to head home.”

“But we’re supposed to talk.”

Her little snort was still cute. “If you think you’re going to have time to talk to me privately there after all of this, you really don’t know small towns very well.” She shrugged. “What’s another day after all this time? Besides,” she said, seeming to draw herself up straighter but still not looking at me, “I have someone waiting for me.”

I didn’t understand why her words pierced me like they did. “Of course,” I said, keeping my tone light and as neutral as possible. “Another time then.”

She nodded and followed the last of the people out the doors, slipping away once again.

CHAPTER10

Emalee

Despite the unexpected reprieve, I couldn’t deceive myself into thinking I’d get out of it a second time. Mindlessly, I went through my pre-dawn routine. By the time the guests were stirring, I had made stuffed french toast, scrambled eggs, and heaps of bacon that were keeping warm alongside my usual muffins and homemade jams.

The sky was a melting pot of pinks and blues when the first guests shuffled in. I noted the honeymooning guests were not among the ones who came down for breakfast and smiled to myself. And even if the other couples weren’t newlyweds, I felt a sense of pride that they often walked in hand in hand or at a slower pace than when they’d first arrived. I loved that The Dogtrot made people feel at home enough to slow down and remember they were on a vacation or, at least, not be so caught up in their work that they couldn’t stop and enjoy a relaxing start to their day.

Well, for most people anyway. I’d just finished refilling the orange juice pitcher when I sensed a dominating presence. My hand momentarily froze on the glass handle until I reminded myself that Zach would never cause a public fuss. I forced myself to greet him with the same welcoming smile I did any other guest.

His returned smile was tentative, but he nodded his head in greeting as he grabbed a plate from a two-seater table and moved to the serving trays. Standing so close, it was impossible not to be aware of how much broader his shoulders seemed. He’d always made me feel small and almost dainty when I’d known him in college, but now, I felt even tinier. Or maybe I was projecting my own fears, knowing that if Zach Abbott wanted something, there was very little he’d do not to get it. He was the most ambitious person I’d ever met, except maybe his father, and he was more about intimidation than hard work and charm.

“I’ll bring you some coffee in just a minute.”

“Thanks.”

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