Page 35 of Falling for the Veterinarian

ZachloadsMaggieupinto the cab of the truck and I squeeze in next to her again. Maggie’s tail wags happily on the seat. We arrive at the Starry Night Inn just in time to have dinner.

“Looks like a busy night,” I comment. Occasionally, people around town will come to eat one of Cookie’s meals. She must be cooking something special tonight.

“There’s my parent’s truck,” Zach points out the red Ford F150.

“Oh, I forgot it’s Thursday night.” Zach points at the family-style table in front. “The dinner party that your Aunt Michelle organized a while ago finally arrived.”

“Oh yeah, she mentioned it this morning, but I already forgot.”

Zach lifts Maggie out of the truck for me. I attach her leash and hold on tight.

I open the door and hear cheerful chatter. Maggie makes a jovial bark as we turn the corner to the restaurant.

“IS THAT MY GIRL I HEAR?” Cookie’s booming voice calls out. She rushes out from the kitchen carrying a couple of dog treats.

“She just had anesthesia, Cookie, we should go slow on the food and treats,” Zach instructs her.

“Nonsense, she’s got a solid stomach.” Maggie gives her an approving whine. “See? My good girl wants ‘em.” Cookie gives her the two treats and steals the leash from me.

“I’m just the vet, what do I know?” Zach scoffs with sarcasm.

Cookie pretends she can’t hear and saunters off with Maggie. She helps her make a quick round of greetings from Aunt Michelle and others at the table. Finally, Cookie leads her to the dog bed brought out special for tonight.

Michelle waves us over to the plates she has set out for us. I grab Zach by the hand and pull him over to the table.

“I see you two made up,” Michelle discretely whispers in my ear.

“Well, he did just save my best friend. I thought it might be the polite thing to do,” I joke.

Trixie arrives with her boyfriend. “Hey, Sarah! Your aunt told us they were having a dinner party tonight to celebrate Maggie. I brought her a bone.” She pulls out a wrapped package in the shape of a big bone with large knots on each side. “I figured you could give it to her tomorrow when she’s had time to recover.”

“That’s so sweet, thank you!” I rise from the table to receive the gift.

“Guess what?” Trixie has a sparkle in her eye. I immediately look for an engagement ring but don’t see one.

“What?”

“I got the loan! I can open my bakery and—bonus—there’s a vacant spot next to Lisa’s office.” She gives me a bear hug.

“Where’s my Magpie?!” Lisa asks as soon as she enters the restaurant. Even above the noise, the rhythmic thud of Maggie’s tail wag can be heard. Lisa dashes over and gives her a gift. It is a foot-long red stuffed dog toy. Maggie happily accepts it, places it softly on her bed, then proceeds to use it as a pillow.

Lisa strolls over to us. She pats Zach on the shoulder and then gives me a squeeze. “She really gave us a fright today, didn’t she?” Then she takes the seat opposite Michelle. When I glance around the room, I sense the love, support, and companionship that I didn’t even realize I was missing in the city. Moonridge is a magical place with a community that makes even a heartbroken and weary vagabond feel like she’s come home.

Eight months later…

Lisa calls me into her office. “Sarah, do you remember that place I had you assess when you first started working with me?”

“The one with the large property, barn, and three homes on it?” I ask.

“Yes! That’s the one.”

“I can’t believe it’s still on the market. It is such a gorgeous place.” I fondly recall the beautiful, exposed beams and the fabulous master bath.

“Well, I think I finally found a buyer!”

“What? Excellent!”

“I need you to do me a favor, though.” Lisa is suddenly serious.

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