Page 14 of Bear Creek Father's Day
Zak grinned at his impudent employee.
“That’s quite an endorsement. Maybe I’ll drive out there and see for myself. I haven’t had much time to explore, so I’m sure there are places to discover.”
With patients waiting for call-backs and records to sort, the pair hurriedly finished their break and got back to work. Once the initial rush tapered off, it looked like the clinic would be busy for weeks. After that, friend and family referrals should follow, andZak had other ways to drum up business once they’d settled into a routine.
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Meanwhile, at the Cub House
Kip, Rayn, and Zuzu watched quietly as Orrin gave the older cubs instructions while they waited for the school bus to arrive. Griffin and Fort were used to the routine by now, but it was all new to Scout and Birdy.
“Remember to bring your backpack home with you every day, including any homework assignments. If you aren’t sure, just ask Griffin, Fort, or your teacher. At lunchtime, you’re always allowed to ask for more if you’re still hungry. Be on your best behavior and no shifting until you get home. Any questions?”
Scout and Birdy shook their heads while Griffin made a bold declaration.
“It’s okay, Orrin. We’ll take care of them.”
Orrin offered quick hugs before hustling them out the front door as the yellow school bus pulled up. He and the little ones waved goodbye and closed the door as soon as they were gone. It was supposed to be cold but sunny today, with no new snow in the forecast, and Orrin decided that a trip to the library was in order. Though it was Tasha’s day off, he’d be fine with only three little ones to watch.
First, he sent all of them to the bathroom while he grabbed the books that needed to be returned. Then they lined up near the front hall closet for their winter gear. Rayn looked cute as a button in her new coat, hat, and gloves, and he gave all three of them a loud smooch on the little patch of forehead still showing.Out in the garage, he lifted the little ones into the van and strapped them in behind the driver’s seat.
The Cub House was in an older section of town that included the Post Office, City Hall, and the library. As Orrin wound his way through residential streets, he passed the first of two new areas of construction. The old Locust Lodge Apartments had been condemned and torn down early last year. Dash Hawthorn and a bunch of local investors then purchased the property and a number of adjoining parcels to build a new housing complex, dubbedPine Meadows, consisting of nearly three hundred modern apartments and duplexes.
Two streets further west, and directly across from the library, was the second piece of property being developed by the same investor group. NamedScarlet Oaks, it would be the first tiny home community in the area. Each lot featured a four to six hundred square foot house on a foundation and included a garage and small yard amid a pocket of wooded privacy. A centralized office and community building would give residents a place to gather, eat, or celebrate. The response had been so enthusiastic that a phase two addition was already being planned.
Orrin pulled into the library lot and noted the solid, classic structure. Though this one had been donated by a lumber baron, it was very similar to the Carnegie libraries being built at the time. The single-floor edifice sported a grand entryway, high ceilings, and arched windows. Rayn clung to Orrin’s hand as they made their way up the snow-speckled steps and went inside.
At the main desk sat the head librarian—a handsome human fellow named Jameson Taylor (complete with black glasses and bow tie) who waved a silent greeting when he spotted Orrin andthe children. His soft voice, no doubt trained by years of working in a quiet environment, welcomed the group when they stopped at the desk.
“Good morning! What may I do for you?”
Orrin handed him several books.
“Hello, Jameson. I’m returning these, but can I put a hold on the next in series we’re reading? I think it’s book number four.”
Jameson scanned Orrin’s library card and returned it, fingers dancing over the keyboard to find the volume he needed.
“Here we are. Yes, it’s the fourth volume of the series. Book three is due on Saturday—would you like a seven-day extension for that one?”
Orrin nodded.
“That would be great. Kip and I are going to show the girls around and see if there’s anything else to borrow.”
Rayn shyly tucked her face into Orrin’s hip, while Zuzu waved at the pleasant stranger behind the desk.
“Oh, I love first-time visitors! Are you going to introduce me to these little cuties?”
Orrin gestured to each girl as he shared their names.
“This is Zuzu, and this is Rayn. They both arrived a few days ago.”
“You have such pretty names, and I’m so glad you came to the library today. Now, hang on a second—I have gifts for you.”
Jameson opened a drawer, pulled out two sturdy, colorful bookmarks with corded tassels attached, and handed them over.Both girls smiled, and with a little prompting from Orrin, said thank you.
“You’re welcome. Now go find some good books to take home, and I’ll see you here when you’re ready to check out.”
Kip reached out to take Rayn’s hand on one side and Zuzu’s on the other, leading them to the children’s section in the corner. They were allowed to borrow one book at a time—always difficult when there were so many to choose from. Kip picked one that featured a blue dog, while Zuzu found a collection of fairy tales with a fancy cover. Rayn finally pointed to a book about kids who lived in a boxcar, and Orrin grabbed volume one of the series.
