Page 3 of Falling for the Veterinarian

“Oh yes, I was just about to make your drink,” she says, her brown eyes quickly turning a lustful shade of black. “You must be Zach.”

“Yes,” I grin in spite of myself, “I’ll take some of those bacon egg bites.”

“Perfect, I’ll have it ready in no time,” she assures me with a wink and duck face pout.

I run to the bathroom, hoping to avoid her for a few minutes. I wash my hands and glance at my wristwatch again.Shoot, only an hour and fifty minutes to get through security at Newark Airport. How long was I in the bathroom?I feel the time pressure and grab the closest medium drink and the paper bag filled with my delicious sous vide eggs.

“Thanks, um, Anna!” I shout at her with a wave.

I stroll towards the door just as this gorgeous brunette with full red lips and thick thighs walks in. I accidentally bump her with my bulky shoulders.

“Oh.” I hesitate for a second as she glares at me with the most striking green eyes. “I’m sorry. I’m late for a flight,” I finish lamely.

“Yeah, it’s ok,” she states in a tone that suggests a hint of anger. My eyes blur briefly as I stroll outside. I involuntarily chance a second glance at her. The emerald blazer and skirt perfectly hug her curves. I suppress the urge to go back inside.

Instead, I flag down the closest taxi and glance back one last time at the café window.

“Where you headed?” the gruff taxi driver inquires.

“Newark Airport. I’ll pay double if you get me there quickly,” I declare.

I take a sip of the coffee. Mmmm, this is extra good. This most definitely is not a normal caramel macchiato. I rotate the cup to see what the barista made for me, but the name scribbled on the cup is Sarah. “Well, Sarah, you have great taste,” I say aloud. That must’ve been the green-eyed girl’s name. I wish I could have stayed at the coffee shop a bit longer.

Thankfully I make it to the plane on time, but my phone blows up the minute I land. Several missed calls and a few text messages from my office manager.

Boss, Old Man Winters’s cow, Trudy, is in labor, and he thinks she’s in trouble. Call me. Hurry.

My heart pumps in my chest. Paul loves that cow. I call Jen as soon as I exit the plane.

“Jen, I just landed. Tell me exactly what Paul said and when labor started."

“Well, she’s been in labor almost six hours now, and she doesn’t seem to be progressing. You have to come quick. Old Man Winters is fit to be tied,” Jen says, her long-forgotten southern accent suddenly springing forth from fear.

“Okay, I’m still about thirty minutes out from Paul’s farm. Let him know I’m on my way. I need you to meet me there with my large black go bag, you know the one. I will be there as quickly as possible,” I finish and sprint to my pick-up truck parked at the airport.

Racing up the highway, I ruminate on all the possible complications I might face when I arrive. Breach calf, bleeding, dystocia … the list of possibilities is lengthy. I take a deep breath to focus and calm my nerves. I may have a cool exterior but inside, I'm a bundle of nerves. I arrive at the farm in record time, jump out, and dash toward the barn. Jen waves me down.

As I approach the barn, I can see worry etched across Paul’s furrowed brow. The normally jovial man is practically in tears.

“Oh, thank the heavens, Zach,” he says as I gently approach Trudy and assess the situation. She’s breathing hard, and I see she is getting worn out. To the back, I see the calf’s hooves pointing upwards.Sunny side up.

“Jen, put the head cage on her. I’m going to have to assist,” I instruct.

While she and Paul place the cage on Trudy, I place my thick apron on, disinfect my hands, and don the shoulder-length gloves with lubrication. I push the calf back in and then stand the cow back up to manipulate the position of the calf using pressure and turning techniques.

Trudy lets out a loud “Moo!”

I return to check the progress. Excellent, the feet are in the right direction now.I attach a birthing chain around the front end of the calf in utero. With the next contraction, I pull with firm force. The head and front feet are out. With the next contraction, I pull the calf the rest of the way and fall backward, calf in my arms. After removing the amniotic fluid, the calf takes its first breath.

“It’s a healthy girl!” I shout at Paul.

Tears of joy sprout from both Jen and Paul as I return the calf to Trudy and remove the head cage. I hear the relieved laughter from Mr. Winters. I clean up and dispose of the gloves.

“Doc, I can’t thank you enough! You saved my Trudy and sweet Caroline!” Paul explains as he claps me on the back and pulls me into a big bear hug.

"Yeah," a relieved chuckle escapes. “I’ll send you the bill tomorrow.”

Paul laughs. There won’t be a bill—he pays me monthly on retainer. Jen and I collect my things and walk out to my old Chevy truck.

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