Page 15 of By Your Side

Owen stands as well, his lips quirked, and gathers the papers. “I will start arranging things.”

We walk out together; my house suddenly feels very small knowing he’s going to be in it on a regular basis for the foreseeable future.

Suzanne, the vet in town, comes back into the examination room, her face grim. “Her leg needs to be amputated. It experienced some severe trauma and without amputation, it could cause some major problems down the line. She’s also malnourished and will need very specific care to recover. But with both, she can make a full recovery. I checked and she’s not chipped or tattooed.”

She trails off and I know what she’s asking. She. The little bundle of fur I held close has already grasped my heart.

“She chose me as her safe place. Please do whatever is needed to get her healthy. I will do whatever needs to be done.” My heart aches for the poor sweet girl. Suzanne estimates she’s about eight months old.

We go over her treatment plan and I sign the consent for surgery.

“Can I please see her before I go?”

Suzanne nods and leads me to the back. The kitten is pressed into the back corner, shaking. She comes forward when she sees me.

“It’s okay. We’re going to get you fixed up.” Sticking my fingers in the cage, I smile when she rubs her face against them.

The tech comes back, smiling at the two of us. “Does she have a name for her file?”

Pondering, I nod. “Nora.”

The tech smiles and heads back out.

Suzanne comes out of her office, smiling as I coo at Nora. “Hank was right. You are a kind soul.” When I look at her, she grins. “Hank’s my husband.”

Chuckling, I say, “Ah. I mean, everyone in this town seems to know me already. It’s been an adjustment from what I’m used to.”

She tilts her head back and laughs. We chat for a bit before I leave with a promise they will keep me updated on how Nora’s doing.

Nora. It’s the name Scott and I picked for our future daughter when we thought that was possible. It fits the tiny cat I’ve adopted, and I think Scott would approve.

nine

Adeline

Leaning back onto the blanket, I relish in the breeze coming off the lake. A heat wave is rolling through Willowbrook Lake and despite the progress on my house over the past couple weeks, I still have no air conditioning.

Raelynn is sprawled out next to me, soaking in the sun.

“How’re the renos coming along?” Her voice is low, relaxed, as she shades her eyes to look at me.

“The electrical and plumbing work is complete and new drywall has replaced the old where necessary. The basement has been framed, electrical and plumbing done, and drywalled as well. The past two weeks have been an exhausting revolving door of workers coming at dawn and working until near dark.” Rolling over, I lay on my stomach and sigh. “I just can’t wait to have air conditioning. And Owen will start on the porch replacement soon.”

He’s hardly been at my house, communicating mostly via email to let me know the schedule. Being near him is unsettling, so it’s been nice knowing work is getting done, but not being in close quarters.

“I’m sure you’re excited to get to the more satisfying aspect of house renovations.”

With a nod, I sit up and reach into the cooler for a bottle of water. “This stuff is important, but I really wanted to be more hands-on.” Tilting my face toward the sun, I murmur, “This was a good idea, thanks for dragging me out of the house. I’ve pretty much only left for groceries, supplies, and follow-up vet appointments for Nora. She’s not loving all the workers, so she’s happy the work this week is mostly outdoors.”

Opening my eyes, I smile at Raelynn as she props herself up too, accepting the bottle of water I offer her.

She smiles back at me. “Happy to be of service. I know how easy it is to work yourself to the point of exhaustion.” Her gaze sharpens. “I know you’re non-stop busy on projects you can do. Are you working so hard to get the work done? Or are you working so hard to avoid dealing with something that needs to be dealt with?”

I drop my gaze. “I’m not avoiding. I went through intensive grief counseling while I settled things after Scott’s funeral and generally feel at peace with how life has turned out. I miss him, but I know I can’t hold on to a ghost.”

Raelynn pushes her sunglasses up to the top of her head. “I’m glad. I know how hard it is to move on from someone you love, so trust me when I say there’s no judgment from me.”

Relaxing, I nod, looking out over the water. The waves lap the sandy beach gently, the sun making the water sparkle. The beach is shockingly empty for how hot it is.

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