Page 24 of Falling for the Veterinarian

“Well, in that case, thank you for saving me." Her expression relaxes. “The new one she made me was pretty good. I guess I shouldn’t jump to conclusions, it’s difficult though, you know.”

“Attention: contestants of the apple picking contest, please come to the stage at the far left of the town square,” the booming voice reads the announcement over loudspeakers that appeared overnight.

“Oh, that’s me, I almost forgot I signed up for that!” Sarah exclaims. She makes my heart swell.

“I’ll walk with you. I signed up for that too.”

She lifts her left eyebrow. “Let me guess, you are the champion of that event too?”

“Maybe,” I say playfully. Her mouth opens in shock. “What can I say? I’m a talented guy.”

“So modest too,” she flirts back.

Seventeen

Sarah

Iaminnoway ready for a new relationship. However, no matter how much I try to ignore Zach, all the signs keep pointing to give him a chance. He’s also irrefutably attractive but oh-so irritating. How does this complete stranger know how to trigger me so well? It’s truly baffling.

After the last coffee thievery, I felt hurt, angry, and betrayed. That was exactly how Rick made me feel when he walked out on me. Zach just clawed open the scabs. At first, I wanted to stay angry at him, but the more I think about it, I just can't resist him.

Did he know I love succulents or was it just a coincidence? Obviously, he knows I love pumpkin carving; I told him as much. It is a sweet gesture, but seriously, did he really think I could be bought so easily?

It is a good thing the announcer reminds contestants of the apple-picking contest. I had wasted most of my energy trying to avoid Zach. But as an awkward bonus, he is also entered.

“So, what brought you to Moonridge from New York City?” Zach asks as we walk toward the far end of the town square. The apple orchard is just across the street, but it is a bit of a walk from the pumpkin carving spot

“Well, long story short, I didn’t have anywhere else to go. I lost my job, my boyfriend, and my apartment all in two days,” I say, trying to sound less heartbroken than I am.

“Wow, that’s a lot,” he remarks. “How did your boyfriend die?”

“What?!” I snort. “No, he didn’t die. The jerk just cheated on me and moved out of my apartment. He tried to do it without telling me, but I walked in as he was finishing packing.”

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.”

“As for the apartment, he wasn’t on the lease agreement. I was reported as being in breach of the contract, so even though he had just moved out, I still lost my beautiful place.” I sniff at the absurd week that was.

“How’d you end up here though?” he asks as we stroll by the carnival rides. The low hum of indistinct chatter with the laughter and screeches of children and the smell of kettle corn reminds me of my childhood.

“Well, I must have sent out some sort of sonar S.O.S. without realizing it because Aunt Michelle called me out of the blue the next day and insisted that I come for a visit. She offered me their newly remodeled cabin at the Starry Night Inn.” I smile at him. “Enough about me, what about you? Did you grow up here?”

“No, I grew up in Texas actually, but after veterinary school, my wife and I moved to upstate New York.”

I am literally shocked and feel disgusted with myself for flirting with a married man and thinking I could possibly date the man. “Oh, I didn’t realize you are married.”

“Widowed, actually,” he says flatly. And just like that he seems a million miles away.

“Oh my, I’m sorry. I had no idea.” I fumble on what else to say. That pesky awkward feeling returns with a vengeance.

“Thank you.” He continues, “It was a car accident. It’s been six years now. When she died, my parents urged me to come here. They had recently transplanted here and fell in love with the place. I came for a short visit and fell in love with the town too. Everyone here is truly welcoming and sincere, especially that aunt of yours.” That sparkle in his eyes returns.

We follow the small crowd across the street to the orchard. I hear Janelle in the distance. She is the Master of Ceremonies for this event. There is a table set up with a sign-in sheet, and stacked on the ground next to it are several tan baskets. Off to the side, tables are set up with trash cans, bowls, and vegetable peelers.What on Earth did I sign up for?

“All right now! if you signed up to be in the contest, please check in at the table, grab a basket, and meet me over here.”

We sign in and it looks like there are more than twenty contestants ready and raring to go.

“Ok, this year we are doing this a bit differently. We are dividing the contest into two parts. First, you have fifteen minutes to pick as many apples as you can. Part two is the apple peeling portion of the contest. The winner gets a table for two at the apple cider-tasting contest tomorrow night. The Moonridge Brewing Company has graciously funded the contest and will be using your peeled apples in a special new brew, coming soon!” Janelle sounds like a radio announcer for a high-end commercial. She is a woman of many talents.

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