Page 61 of Forever in the Country

I let him lead me into the hall and across the hotel to the conference room we’ve practically lived in this week. Tanner pauses at the entrance but then walks in without a word, leaving me to marinate in the fury I need to push from my mind.

I need to focus, and I can’t do that with the unknown hanging over my head. There’s no way to fix it now but if I can find a little sunshine, I’ll be able to make it through the rest of the day.

SORREN: No i’s or k’s

SUNSHINE: (picture of double fudge caramel brownies)

SUNSHINE: No i’s or k’s

SUNSHINE: *kiss face emoji*

SORREN: That for me?

SUNSHINE: The kiss or the brownies?

SORREN: Both

SUNSHINE: Then yes

SUNSHINE: I can’t wait to see you

SORREN: Soon.

Pocketing my phone,I allow myself one steadying breath before squaring my shoulders and walking into the room.

26

RHEA

“Did you see the paper?” Mama says before I’ve even made it inside my childhood home. I’d been at the Cedar Lake Spa for the better part of the day, courtesy of Sorren as an apology for making me cancel on our monthly pedicure appointments.

Colette hadn’t even told me what was happening; she just whisked me into the back where I’d experienced the most decadent afternoon of my life.

“No, I haven’t had the chance,” I say as she thrusts the paper into my hand, and I opt not to tell her I could read the article online. She looks at me expectantly so I turn my focus back to Sorren and Tanner on the front page of the local paper. They’re standing in front of Vetted Paws, arms crossed, biceps bulging, and every bit the military man candy Sorren will bitch about later.

My breath catches in my throat at the sight of him. Pride and lust, a heady concoction, fill me as my gaze drops down to the article.

Veterans Look to do More Than Save A Few Dogs in Clementine Creek

By: Arden James

Clementine Creek native Sorren Mackay and Tanner Holiday, a recent transplant, have been working hard to bring their dream to life in the small Tennessee town. “We’re looking forward to the opportunity to help not only those in the community but also provide relief to shelters already at capacity in the area and beyond,” Holiday said.

The Air Force veteran spoke fondly of being part of such a worthy cause. “So much of our life in the military was focused on honor and being bigger than ourselves, and I think this is our way of maintaining those values on the civilian side.” Holiday went on to describe the extensive training he and his business partner have gone through to make sure they’d be able to provide the best care to animal and owner alike.

“There’s no shortage of help needed in Tennessee,” Mackay said solemnly. The Marine Corps veteran, injured overseas, returned to the small town a decorated hero. While private about his time in the military, Mackay did share his desire to bestow a sense of hope, love of country, and second chances here at Vetted Paws.

Mackay and Holiday are looking forward to facilitating matching shelter dogs with veterans as well as others in the community. “We’re hoping that we’ll be able to expand within the next year to be able to provide more specialized training in-house. Services are not always easily accessed or readily available, and we’re hoping to help bridge that gap for those in this part of Tennessee,” Mackay said.

The article wenton to provide quotes from Miss Thelma, Joe, and Waylon, all praising Tanner and Sorren’s hard work and dedication to the community. My eyes are full of tears when they finally meet Mama’s, and I have to wipe a stray one from my cheek.

“He’s gonna hate it,” I say on a choked laugh and Mama chuckles, nodding her agreement.

“He most certainly is.” She turns the paper and trails her fingertips over the side of the picture. “I’m so proud of him. Tanner too. Those boys have had a lot of challenges, and I’m not naive enough to think this fixes everything for them, but what they’re doin’—it’s going to help so many people.”

I nod because I still don’t trust my voice to speak. Mama moves around the kitchen before placing a plate with a scone on it in front of me with a glass of sweet tea.

“How are things going with you two anyhow?” she asks just as I’m about to take a bite of the cranberry orange comfort.

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