“And the shelter?” Kathleen asked. “Carol was counting on you for that wildlife rehabilitation workshop next weekend.”
“I know,” Lynda said, guilt adding itself to the mix of emotions she was feeling. “I’ll stop by the shelter after I see Matt. We might be able to reschedule the workshop for when I return.”
Kathleen squeezed her arm reassuringly. “Everyone will understand. You’ve given so much of your time already.”
“I wasn’t planning to leave like this,” Lynda confessed. “Everything feels... unfinished. Matt and I were just getting to really know each other.”
“Sometimes life doesn’t work out how we want it to,” Kathleen said. “But this isn’t an ending. You’ll be back before you know it.”
Lynda hoped her friend was right. As she climbed the stairs to shower and dress, she tried to organize her thoughts. The practical matters were straightforward—she needed to book a flight, pack her belongings, and arrange for her mail to be forwarded. The emotional aspects were far messier. How would Matt react to her sudden departure? What would this interruption mean for their budding relationship?
An hour later, dressed in jeans and a soft pink sweater, Lynda drove to Matt’s clinic. The familiar single-story building with its simple “Reynolds Veterinary Clinic” sign had become a second home to her in recent weeks. Inside, everyone would be involved in their morning routines. Sarah would be checking the overnight patients, Brenda would be answering the phones at the reception desk, and somewhere in the back, Matt would be examining an animal.
Brenda looked up with a smile as Lynda entered. “Hi Lynda! We weren’t expecting you until this afternoon. Matt is just finishing with the wolfdog puppies’ checkups.”
“I need to speak with him when he has a moment,” Lynda said, trying to keep her voice casual. “Is he busy this morning?”
“Just the regular wellness appointments,” Brenda replied. “Nothing urgent. He’s in Exam Room 2 with the puppies now if you want to see him.”
Lynda thanked her and made her way to the examination room. Through the half-open door, she could see Matt kneeling on the floor, surrounded by the five wolfdog puppies who were full of energy. Star was trying to climb into Matt’s lap whileBaker and Rainier wrestled nearby. Helena was investigating a set of toys scattered on the floor, while Granite dozed in a sunny spot by the window.
Seeing Matt with the puppies made Lynda’s heart ache with a mixture of tenderness and regret.
“Well, look who’s here,” Matt said, glancing up with a smile that warmed his blue eyes. “Star’s been asking for you.”
As if on cue, the small puppy abandoned her attempt to climb Matt and scampered toward Lynda, tail wagging furiously.
“Hello, little one,” Lynda said, bending to scoop up the puppy. Star immediately began licking her chin, making Lynda laugh despite the heaviness in her chest. “I’ve missed you too.”
Matt rose to his feet, brushing dog hair from his khakis. “They’ve all gained weight since yesterday,” he reported. “Even our little runt is catching up to her siblings.”
“That’s wonderful,” Lynda said, holding Star close. “Have you found permanent homes for them yet?”
Matt nodded. “Carol’s finalizing the list. We’ve found four couples who’ve raised high-content wolfdog hybrids before, but we’re still making sure they’re the right match.” He stepped closer, his expression shifting as he studied her face. “Something’s wrong. What is it?”
Lynda had forgotten how perceptive he could be. Setting Star back on the floor with her siblings, she took a deep breath. “I had a call from Robert this morning,” she began, explaining the situation at her practice in Denver. As she spoke, she watched Matt’s expression change—surprise, understanding, and finally, a carefully masked disappointment that he couldn’t quite hide from her.
“When do you leave?” he asked when she’d finished.
“This evening. I’ve booked a flight from Kalispell.” Lynda held his gaze, needing him to understand. “Matt, I have to go.These people have worked with me for years. I can’t leave them in this situation.”
“I know,” he said, his voice gentle. “You wouldn’t be the person you are if you could walk away from people who need you.” He reached for her hand, his fingers warm and steady around hers. “How long will you be gone?”
“Two weeks, possibly three,” Lynda replied. “Just long enough to hire new staff and handle the most complex cases. Then I’ll come back.” She squeezed his hand. “Iamcoming back, Matt.”
Something in his eyes softened at her declaration. “I believe you.”
They stood for a moment in the quiet exam room, surrounded by playful puppies, their hands still joined. Lynda found herself memorizing details—the fine laugh lines around his eyes, the slight curl of his hair at his temples, the way the morning light through the window cast a golden glow over his features.
“I have something for you,” Matt said suddenly. “Wait here.”
He disappeared into his office, returning moments later with a small wrapped package. “I was saving this for later, but now seems like a better time.”
Curious about what it could be, Lynda unwrapped the package. Inside was a hand-carved wooden wolf, about five inches tall, standing proud and alert. The craftsmanship was exquisite—each detail of the fur texture, the alert ears, and the intelligent eyes had been rendered with obvious care and skill.
“Matt,” she breathed, running her finger over the smooth wood. “It’s beautiful.”
“I’ve been working on it in the evenings,” he admitted. “I wanted you to have something that reminds you of the pups, especially Star and her mother.”
