Page 26 of Falling for the Veterinarian

I try to sound the same as before, but I know I just created an awkward distance. I shouldn’t have led Sarah on. I’m not ready for a relationship. Sarah deserves better than that.

The day fades to early evening. We grab a couple of cheeseburgers and Moonridge’s famous apple cider. The hints of nutmeg, ginger, and orange really elevate the flavor. She’s patiently trying to continue the conversation, but my guilt consumes me. I am having a hard time focusing on what she is saying.

“Attention! The results of the pumpkin carving contest will be announced on the east stage in 10 minutes,” the voice on the speakers booms loudly.

“Oh, it’s showtime.” I clap my hands together, “Time to collect my fourth title.”

“No way, José. Move over for the new queen.” She fluffs her hair from the ends. The pressure lifts from my self-imposed prison of guilt. Her confidence is so loveable.

A large group of spectators gathers around the east stage. Dusk finally turns to night and all the carved pumpkins are lit against a backdrop of stars. My eyes immediately find both Sarah’s work of art and mine. I grab Sarah’s hand and pull her toward the stage where the other contestants are. Her hands are icy. I enclose the hand I am holding with my other hand and try to warm it. She smiles up at me. When we get closer to the lit area, I give her hand back.

“Ok folks, looks like all the participants are here,” Sheriff Dewy announces over his microphone. “Now, let’s give all the contestants a round of applause. They did an incredible job this year.” The rowdy crowd claps.

Sheriff Dewy continues, “Judges have selected the top three. Please when I call your name, grab your pumpkin and come up on stage.”

“Stella Lane with herMidnight Forestpumpkin. Sarah Walker. Oh, I’m sorry, I misspoke.” Sarah’s eyes widen and cut to mine. Redness instantly rises in her face. I just give her a side smirk. She doesn’t return it. In fact, she looks like she would really love a rock to hide under.

“SarahMurphywith her Starry Night Inn creation, and our three years in row winner, Dr. Zachary Walker, with his Maple Days Celebration artwork.”

The crowd applauds loudly as the teenager Stella, Sarah, and I walk up to the stage. Luckily, the pumpkins are lit with flickering flameless lights and not candles. There is a table on the stage. We each place our pumpkins on the table and stand behind our carvings.

“Judges, have you picked an ultimate winner of the pumpkin carving contest?” Dewy asks. Mrs. O’Conner, the mayor’s wife, glides over and hands him an orange envelope embossed with gold accents.

He fumbles with the envelope. “I’ve heard of childproofing but never of Kevin proofing. Darla, did you put super glue on this?” Sheriff Dew jokes. “Alright, here we go. Who will the winner be? Our loveable reigning champion, the talented teenager, or the friendly newcomer?!” He gets the envelope open and pulls the card out. “And the winner is…”

I look over to Sarah, she still has a hint of blush.

“Sarah Murphy is this year’s champion! Congratulations.” The crowd cheers and gives enthusiastic applause. Stella and I stand off to the side as Mrs. O’Conner brings out this year’s pumpkin trophy. It is a bronzed jack-o-lantern about the size of a Honeycrisp apple; this one is just for show. From experience, I know they will deliver an engraved one next week. Mr. Dawdson from the Moonridge Magazine, the local newspaper, takes a picture of all three of us, then of Sarah alone holding the trophy.

The crowd thins as they return to the rest of the Maple Days festivities.

“Congratulations. I guess I owe you dinner after all.” I extend my arm for a handshake.

Sarah pushes my hand aside. “I think I’d rather have a congratulatory hug.”

I pull her in for a warm embrace. Her frosty fingers cool my back. I could hold her forever. She pulls away first. “Shall we see what else is happening around here?”

Nineteen

Sarah

Ihadagreatfeeling about the carving contest, but I wasn’t convinced I would win. I can’t believe it when Sheriff Dewy announces my victory. I observe Zach for a quick second. He gives me a full teeth grin that reaches his eyes. I no longer want to gloat but would rather feel the warmth of his arms around me.

He tries to give me a handshake, but I bat it away and go in for the hug. I wish I could just snuggle with him forever, but I break off the hug before I make it weird. We decide to check out the rest of the Maple Days nighttime activities.

“Hey, if I’m going to take you to dinner next week, I am going to need your number.” Zach pulls out his cell phone and taps the contacts app.

“Here, give me your phone. I’ll enter it for you.” I quickly tap my phone number in and then press call.

“Now I have yours too,” I say. “Oh, hmmm, I guess I already have it?”

“Yeah, I gave you my personal number on the vet appointment card.” He smirks and gives me a deep, soulful gaze.

The withering butterflies in my belly burst. My belly does a flip, and I break the intense stare. I can’t bring myself to look at him and my heart beats so quickly against my chest.Can he can hear it?

“Is there a bathroom around here?” I say eyeing our surroundings.

“Usually there is one… yep, right here.” He points to an area to the far right. “I’ll wait for you here.”

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