“Do you know what I’ve realized?” Matt said as they ate the huckleberry crumble they’d split for dessert.
“No, what have you realized?” Lynda asked, looking up from her spoon.
“I’ve spent fifteen years defining myself by what I’ve lost. I was a husband, father, and a widower. Even my role as a vet became wrapped up in carrying on Maria’s legacy.” He met Lynda’s eyes, finding understanding there. “But these past few weeks, working with you, I’ve felt like... just Matt again. Not defined by what came before, but by what’s happening now.”
Lynda’s expression softened. “I know what you mean. After the divorce, I became so focused on proving I was fine on myown, that I didn’t need anyone, that I forgot how to simply be with someone.” She set down her spoon, her eyes meeting his. “Until I met you.”
The moment stretched between them, filled with unspoken possibilities. Matt thought about reaching for Lynda’s hand but hesitated, still cautious about rushing what felt like a delicate new beginning.
“I called Robert yesterday about buying my practice,” Lynda told Matt. “He’s interested, although we’re still discussing the terms.”
Matt felt a surge of joy, quickly tempered by concern. “I don’t want you to feel pressured. Whatever’s happening between us shouldn’t be the only reason for such a major life change.”
“It’s not,” Lynda assured him. “I love working at the shelter, and there’s a real need for wildlife rehabilitation expertise in this area. The puppies were just the beginning. With the right facilities, we could help so many more animals.” Her eyes lit up as she spoke. “And then there’s Isabel’s bookstore. I enjoy helping her, especially with the community programs she’s planning.”
“You’ve made a place for yourself here,” Matt said.
“I think I have,” Lynda agreed. “It surprised me how quickly it happened, how natural it feels.” She paused, then added more softly, “And you’re part of that. A significant part.”
Matt finally gave in to the impulse he’d been resisting all evening, reaching across the table to take her hand. Her fingers were warm against his, and she didn’t pull away.
“I’m glad,” he said.
As they walked to their cars after dinner, Matt felt lighter than he had in years. The evening had confirmed what he’d been feeling for a long time—that Lynda Morth was someone special, someone who understood both his past and his present in a way few others could.
“Thank you for dinner,” she said when they reached her car. “It was lovely.”
“Thank you for saving five puppies with me,” he replied with a smile. “And for everything else these past weeks.”
They stood for a moment in the soft glow of the parking lot lights, the slight awkwardness of a first date’s end hanging between them. Matt wondered if he should kiss her or if that would be rushing things.
Lynda solved his dilemma by rising slightly on her toes and pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek. “Goodnight, Matt,” she said softly.
“Goodnight,” he replied, watching as she got into her car.
As he drove home later, the taste of huckleberries still on his tongue and the memory of Lynda’s kiss warming his cheek, Matt Reynolds felt something he hadn’t experienced in fifteen years: the simple, profound joy of beginning again.
CHAPTER 16
Lynda set the phone down on Kathleen’s kitchen counter, her mind racing with the implications of the call she’d just received. Outside, morning sunlight sparkled on the lake, a perfect Montana day that contrasted sharply with the turmoil she felt inside.
“Bad news?” Kathleen asked, looking up from the muffin batter she was mixing.
“It was Robert,” Lynda replied, naming her practice manager in Denver. “Two of our veterinary technicians have quit without notice. One left for a better-paying job at the emergency clinic across town, and the other because her husband got transferred to Chicago.” She sighed and ran a hand through her hair. “And our only other exotic animal specialist has pneumonia. They’re overwhelmed with cases that they can’t refer elsewhere.”
Kathleen set down her mixing spoon. “They need you to go back.”
It wasn’t a question, but Lynda nodded anyway. “Robert’s been incredible, but I can’t leave him in this situation.” She moved to the window, gazing out at the lake that had become such a comforting presence. “He’s interviewed three vet techs already, but needs my approval for final hiring. And we havea few complex surgical cases scheduled that no one else at the practice can perform.”
“How long do you think you’ll need to be there?” Kathleen asked.
Lynda turned from the window. “Two weeks, maybe three. Just long enough to hire new staff, handle the urgent cases, and put better contingency plans in place.” She attempted a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I was planning to go back soon anyway to sort through my things and discuss selling the practice to Robert.”
Kathleen wiped her hands on a dishtowel and came to stand beside Lynda. “Have you told Matt yet?”
The question made Lynda’s chest tighten. Since their dinner at The Lakeside Grill, her relationship with Matt had changed. They still focused on the puppies and their veterinary work, but with an undercurrent of something deeper developing between them. Last night, he’d invited her to his house for coffee after their evening shift at the clinic. They’d sat on his porch swing, talking for hours about everything and nothing, his arm gradually coming to rest around her shoulders as the evening cooled.
“Not yet,” Lynda admitted. “I need to tell him in person.” She glanced at the clock on the wall. “He’ll be at the clinic now, doing morning rounds before the regular appointments start.”
