Isabel shot her a knowing look but mercifully dropped the subject as they climbed into Frank’s SUV.
As they drove toward the barn, Tommy chattered excitedly with Frank about the night ahead. Kathleen discussed the auction items with Isabel, and Lynda gazed out the window at the mountains silhouetted against the darkening sky.
Tonight was just a community fundraiser, she reminded herself. If she happened to share a dance with a certain silver-haired veterinarian under the twinkling lights they’d hung together, well, that was simply being sociable.
But the flutter in her chest told a different story.
CHAPTER 7
Matt straightened the last of the information pamphlets on his makeshift examination table. Even though it was raining, the red barn hummed with activity. The local band was keeping everyone entertained, the silent auction tables were attracting clusters of people, and the aroma of barbecue filled the air. Through the open barn doors, he could see more cars arriving as headlights swept across the dark sky.
So far, the fundraiser was shaping up to be their most successful yet. Carol had sold every ticket, and the auction items were generating lots of interest.
A woman in her seventies approached his booth with a small terrier cradled in her arms. “Is this where I can get my dog checked?”
“That’s right, Mrs. Hatcher,” Matt said, recognizing one of his longtime clients. “What brings Max in tonight?” He patted the examination table, and she gently placed the dog down.
“He’s been scratching his left ear something fierce,” she explained. “I’ve been meaning to bring him in, and when I heard you were doing free check-ups tonight, I had to come. Especially when I can support your fundraiser at the same time.”
“Let’s have a look.” As Matt examined Max’s ear, he was acutely aware of the activity at the booth next to his.
Lynda stood in a lavender-colored dress that made her eyes seem even bluer. She was speaking to a young couple about a tabby kitten in a small enclosure, her hands gesturing as she explained something about the cat’s personality.
“...and she’s already litter trained,” he heard Lynda saying. “She’d make a wonderful pet if you’re looking for one that’s affectionate but independent.”
Matt smiled to himself, returning his attention to Max’s ear. “Just as I suspected, Mrs. Hatcher. He’s got a mild ear infection. Nothing serious, but I’ll give you some drops to clear it up.”
As he wrote down instructions for the ear medication, Lynda glanced his way. When their eyes met, she smiled briefly before turning back to the couple, who were now filling out adoption paperwork.
After Mrs. Hatcher left with her prescription and a promise to bring Max in for a follow-up next week, Matt found himself with a momentary lull. He used the opportunity to lean toward Lynda’s booth.
“Looks like you’ve found a home for Mittens,” he said.
Lynda nodded, handing a clipboard to the couple. “It’s the fifth adoption of the night. We might break last year’s record at this rate.”
“Your dress suits you,” Matt said before he could stop himself.
A faint blush rose to Lynda’s cheeks. “Thank you. It was a bit of an impulse buy.”
“Well, it was a good impulse,” he replied with a grin.
Before Lynda could respond, Carol hurried over, clipboard in hand. “We’re ahead of schedule on the silent auction,” she reported excitedly. “And the barbecue dinner is ready to beserved. They’ve set up a table for shelter volunteers in the corner—you should both grab food while it’s hot.”
“I’ll watch your booths,” Brenda offered, appearing with a plate of her own. “Go eat. You’ve both been working hard.”
Matt glanced at Lynda. “Shall we?”
“Lead the way,” she said, setting down her clipboard. “I realized I was starving the moment Carol mentioned food.”
They made their way through the crowded barn, stopping occasionally to greet friends and neighbors. Lynda chatted with everyone as if she’d been part of the community for years instead of months.
“You’ve made quite an impression,” Matt told her as they joined the line for food.
Lynda laughed. “Hardly. I’m just the stranger who helps out at the shelter and the bookstore.”
“You’re more than that,” Matt said quietly. “You’ve become part of Sapphire Bay.”
Something flickered in Lynda’s eyes—uncertainty, perhaps, or something deeper he couldn’t quite read. Before she could reply, they reached the food tables piled high with barbecue brisket, pulled pork, coleslaw, and all the fixings.
