Page 19 of Bear Creek Father's Day
Zak nibbled his way through at least a dozen samples, savoring each bite and then making quick notes on the brochure. The last one was a soft and lumpy oatmeal pumpkin cookie, topped with a honey glaze. It was so good, he’d closed his eyes in utter bliss until he heard someone clear their throat. Zak jumped and found a fresh-faced man dressed in an apron and ball cap waiting to speak to him.
“Dr. Hall? Sorry to startle you, but I was afraid you’d slipped into a sugar coma. I’m Dustin Mowry…er, Cunningham, the manager here at the Red Barn. Gruff and I got married recently and I’m not used to my new last name yet.”
Zak smiled at the charming human man, reaching out to shake his hand. There appeared to be an abundance of mixed couples here in Bear Creek, though he wasn’t exactly sure why the thought pleased him.
“Hello, Dustin. I had the privilege of meeting your mate on the way in. I’m very impressed with what you have here, and I’d like to set up a weekly order for the clinic. Jillian said something about a charge account.”
“We can do that! Why don’t you pick out something to take with you as a welcome gift, and then we can work out a treat schedule for the clinic. We also carry a selection ofDeliciouschocolates, if you’d like to mix it up now and then. There’s a display right over here.”
Dustin led him into the gift shop, passing an eclectic mix of merchandise—edible, practical, and humorous. Zak selected severalDeliciousitems from the display that he was sure the staff would enjoy, adding them to the list of baked goods. As they returned to the register area, Zak spotted an assortment of items featuring a certain feline.
“What’s all this? Is Baxter the company mascot?”
Dustin grinned.
“Something like that. He has his own line of merchandise, and our customers love it. I even created a children’s board game called, ‘Where’s Baxter?’ and I’m working with a local author to publish a children’s book about his adventures.”
Dustin grabbed one of the board games to show Zak, and he started laughing.
“You know, this might be perfect for the little ones at the Cub House. I’m invited to supper tonight to visit my very first patient, and I wanted to bring something for them besides food.”
Dustin’s face suddenly turned pale.
“Did someone get hurt? Please tell me it wasn’t Zuzu! She’s supposed to spend the day with Gruff and I tomorrow. We’re thinking of adopting her.”
Zak hurried to reassure the frightened man.
“No worries—Zuzu is just fine. Orrin came in with three of the children on Wednesday, but the one I treated was a new addition to the Cub House. It wasn’t terribly serious, but she’ll need some time to heal. She asked me to come visit her, and I said yes.”
The relief on Dustin’s face showed his concern.
“I’m sorry to hear thatanyonegot hurt. Zuzu will probably bend your ear about Baxter, since she was ready to take him home the other day. She’s a sweet little spark plug, and loves to laugh. Orrin and Tasha do a wonderful job with the cubs, but it breaks my heart that there are so many who need homes.”
Zak nodded in agreement, immediately thinking of Rayn, Kip, and Orrin.
“Well, I trust you and Gruff will make the right decision soon, though I believe Zuzu is receiving the best of care. Tell me, do you think ‘Where’s Baxter?’ is a good choice for the cubs?”
Dustin handed him the game as they made their way to the register.
“I guarantee they’ll love it! I’ve seen Orrin looking at it several times, but he’s working with a really tight budget. The cubsusually prefer more active pursuits, but I’m positive they’ll get a kick out of the game—especially Zuzu.”
Dustin helped Zak set up a rotating snack menu for every Wednesday, automatically billed to a card on file at a fifteen percent business discount. Dustin also rang up the game at cost and threw in a free sampler of baked goods for Zak to take home.
“It’s been a pleasure meeting you, Dr. Hall, and please tell Zuzu that we’re looking forward to seeing her tomorrow. Have a wonderful weekend!”
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The Cub House
At a quarter to five, Orrin was focused on final supper preparations while Tasha kept an eye on the little ones before she left for the evening. What she did with her personal time was none of his business, though he knew she’d delayed her departure to meet their guest. The poor woman had been dismayed on Wednesday to learn of Rayn’s injury and subsequent trip to the new clinic, but she also regretted having already made plans for Saturday evening.
There were few secrets in a home full of shifters, and Tasha’s scent gave away her curiosity—not just about Zak Hall, but Orrin’s interest in the man. Even more intriguing was how Rayn and Kip fit into Orrin’s hopes to form a family. Would those plans include the intriguing doctor as his mate? Personally, she hadn’t known very many mixed couples, but there were several in town who seemed to be stable and happy. If that’s where Orrin and Zak were headed, the addition of children might complicate things.
Tasha made sure that her charges were presentable—something of a challenge after a busy afternoon ‘helping’ her clean the house. With Dr. Hall arriving any minute, she scooted into the kitchen to check and see if Orrin needed anything. Tasha cracked open the swinging door far enough to stick her head through and saw Rayn sitting at the island, stirring a large pitcher of lime Kool-Aid. Kip was busy filling wicker baskets with dinner rolls while Orrin whipped up a batch of thick gravy to go with the beef roast.
“How’s supper coming along? Do you need anything?”
Orrin looked up and gave her the‘I know what you’re up to’look. While he appreciated Tasha’s offer, he knew she was dawdling for a reason that had nothing to do with supper.
