Page 88 of Call it Fate

Everything had been status quo for days. After Emalee’s latest revelation, I threw myself even more into my work. I checked in with Harrison and Sam. I checked on Sterling, who still said I was sexy. I even drove out to Crazy Tilly’s house and checked on that damn raccoon, who didn’t seem to give a raccoon’s ass about me in return.

When I wasn’t working, I spent every minute with Iain and Em and their family. I couldn’t stand to be alone. Whenever I was, dark thoughts about my father crept in. Em seemed to understand that, spending all her nights with me. She got up early and went to The Dogtrot to fix breakfast. Then I brought Iain over to eat before I took him to school. If he thought anything was strange about us spending so much time at my home, he never said. I felt every passing day was like a ticking time bomb until that time when I’d have to return to Charlotte. Em had been interviewing candidates to work at The Dogtrot, but so far, none of them had been the right fit.

Doc Harold had been popping by, and I knew he was itching to get back to work. But I no longer felt like he was checking on me because he didn’t trust me, but more because he wanted to spend time in his clinic, doing what he loved. In fact, he’d even arranged for me to spend some time with another vet who specialized in large animals. I brushed up on my skills of cows and horses and even learned a few things about llamas.

I was just getting ready to head to The Dogtrot at the end of the day when my cell rang. I recognized the Valley Animal Hospital number and answered with a clear voice, despite the sudden gut feeling that everything was about to change.

“Zach. How are you?” Doctor Anders’s voice rang with his usual cheery tone. “I hope everything is still going well?”

“I’m fine. Everything is great here. What can I do for you?”

“Well, I have some news I think you’ve been waiting on.”

The ticking bomb grew louder. “Oh?”

“I’m pleased to inform you that the board unanimously approved your application for the surgical internship. They were understandably impressed by not only your school records and patient comments, but by how well you adapt to situations, including the sudden move to Sterling Mill and how you made yourself invaluable to the community there. Even Harold wrote the strongest letter of recommendation that I’ve ever seen, and he’s an old fogey who doesn’t impress easily, as you know. I think they’re going to miss you there, but we’re very excited to have you back.”

Tick. Tick. Tick.

“Wow, that’s just…” I couldn’t quite bring myself to find the right words to match the conflicting feelings I was experiencing. I was excited and relieved to get it, but the breathing space I thought I had to convince Em and Iain to move had just been sucked away. “That’s incredible,” I finally choked out. “I’m truly honored, and I really appreciate the opportunity.”

“Well, you’ve earned it, that’s for sure.”

“When would I begin?”

“Well, normally there’s a transition period to allow you to find a place to live and become familiar with our clinic, but since you already have those things covered, we’d like to move up that date. How’s one week work for you?”

Kaboom.

“Are you sure Harold is ready to come back?”

“Wanda is going to scale back the hours, and you know she’ll be there by his side constantly.”

This was what I’d wanted, wasn’t it? “That’s fine, sir. Thank you so much. I’ll work hard, I promise.”

“Never doubted it. See you then.” He hung up with a click.

I didn’t know how long I sat at my—no,Harold’s—desk. Wasn’t it just a couple of months ago I thought this day would never happen? I hadn’t lied to Doctor Anders. I was excited about the opportunity. But even leaving Emalee and Iain for a short time left me feeling cold. The world I told her weeks ago that was finally spinning right had suddenly blown up.

* * *

I waiteduntil Iain went to bed to tell her. That was going to be hard enough. Telling Iain was going to fucking suck.

“Okay, what’s up?”

I looked at the beautiful woman curled up in my arms as we watched a show on TV. Well, she watched it. I watched her, wondering how long it would be before I’d get to do this again.

“How do you know something’s up?”

“You’ve been quiet ever since you came home. I could tell you wanted to say something, but you keep stopping yourself. So, spill it.” She pulled herself from my lap and turned to face me, leaving my lap feeling cold and empty.

“I heard from Doctor Anders today.” I picked up her hand and watched as my thumb rubbed across the back of her hand. “I got the internship.”

“Oh, Zach! That’s amazing! I’m so proud of you. You definitely deserved it more than any of the other applicants.”

I laughed, marginally warmed by her belief in me. “You don’t even know them.”

“I know you, and that’s all I need to know.”

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