“Sapphire Bay is gorgeous,” Amy said as they parked outside The Lakeside Café for lunch.
“It’s not perfect,” Lynda replied, thinking of some of the challenges of living in a small town. “But it’s real in a way Denver never felt to me, at least not in the later years.”
Over soup and sandwiches, they discussed the house in greater detail—the renovations it would need, the furniture from Denver that would work in each room, and the new pieces Lynda might want to purchase locally.
“So,” Amy said, stirring her iced tea with a deliberate casualness that put Lynda on alert. “When do I get to meet the wolfdog puppies I’ve been hearing so much about?”
“They’re at the shelter,” Lynda replied. “We can visit them after we see Matt if you’d like. Carol will still be there, and she can show you the plans for their new enclosure.”
“Perfect,” Amy said with a smile. “Tell me more about the wildlife rehabilitation center you’re planning. You’ve been suspiciously vague about the details.”
Lynda sighed, recognizing her daughter’s determined expression. “Because nothing is finalized yet. The shelter’s board approved the concept, and the community is excited about theplans. But we’re still working on funding and permits. I don’t want to jinx it by talking too much about it.”
Amy fixed her with a look that reminded Lynda uncannily of herself. “You’ve always been the practical one, Mom, the person who plans everything meticulously. But ever since you came to Sapphire Bay, you’ve been taking amazing leaps of faith, from buying a house to planning the rehabilitation center.” She reached across the table to take Lynda’s hand. “I’m proud of you. I want to hear about all of it, jinxed or not.”
Warmth spread through Lynda’s chest at her daughter’s words. “Thank you,” she said. “That means a lot.”
As they finished their lunch, Lynda told Amy about the big and small donations they’d received for the rehabilitation center. Her daughter was suitably impressed and looking forward to seeing the project come to life.
After paying the bill, they walked to Matt’s clinic. The familiar building with its simple “Reynolds Veterinary Clinic” sign brought a smile to Lynda’s face. She’d spent so many hours here during those first weeks with the wolfdog puppies that it felt like her home away from home.
“So this is where the magic happened,” Amy smiled at Lynda. “The scene of the great puppy rescue that brought you and Matt together.”
“Don’t be dramatic,” Lynda chided, though she couldn’t entirely suppress her smile. “It was a veterinary emergency. And, just for the record, we’d worked together well before the pups were found.”
“Uh-huh,” Amy said, clearly unconvinced. “A veterinary emergency that led to midnight vigils, puppy bottle-feedings, and my mom uprooting her entire life to move to Montana.”
As they entered the clinic, Brenda looked up from the reception desk, her face lighting up at the sight of Lynda. “We weren’t expecting you today.”
“I’ve brought someone special in to meet Matt,” Lynda told her. “Brenda, this is Amy, my daughter. Amy, this is Brenda. She keeps the clinic running smoothly.”
Brenda held out her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Have you come for the weekend, or are you staying for longer?”
Amy smiled. “I’m only here for the weekend. Mom and I are searching for the perfect house for her.”
“Have you found anything good?” Brenda asked.
“Actually, yes,” Lynda replied. “The old Simmons place on Lakeview Road. I’m making an offer this afternoon.”
“That’s wonderful!” Brenda exclaimed. “It’s a beautiful property and just the right distance from town.” She picked up the phone. “Let me tell Matt you’re here. He’s just finishing another appointment.”
While they waited, Amy wandered around the reception area, looking at the educational posters and the community bulletin board. “This clinic is smaller than your one in Denver,” she said quietly. “But it feels warmer, somehow. More personal.”
Lynda nodded. “Matt knows every pet and owner by name. He still makes house calls, keeps his prices affordable, and works with people who can’t pay the full amount.” She smiled, remembering how he’d helped a client who couldn’t afford her dog’s surgery by setting up a payment plan and bartering baking for some of the bill. “He’s a great veterinarian.”
The examination room door opened, and Matt appeared, escorting an elderly woman and her orange tabby cat. “Remember, Mrs. Peterson, one pill twice a day with food, and call me if his appetite doesn’t improve by Thursday,” he was saying.
“Thank you, Dr. Reynolds,” the woman replied, clutching her cat carrier. “I don’t know what Rusty and I would do without you.”
Matt’s eyes found Lynda’s over Mrs. Peterson’s head, and the warmth in his smile sent a warmth through her chest.
After the older woman left, he crossed the reception area toward them. “This is a nice surprise,” he said, his gaze moving from Lynda to Amy. “You must be Amy. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.”
Lynda watched her daughter study Matt as they shook hands.
“It’s nice to finally meet you, too,” Amy replied. “I’ve heard a lot about you from Mom.”
“All good things, I hope,” Matt said with a smile.
