“Thanks.” Fighting back tears, she ended the call and laid her phone aside. She’d looked forward to having Roxie home tonight. The fact she wouldn’t be home, made Rachel worry that there was more to her pup’s problems.
Chapter Four
Aaron stood outside the vet’s office. Any other time he had no problem walking inside, but this time was different. This time was reminiscent of Chance’s days fighting cancer, and those were days he didn’t care to relive. He’d almost told Rachel no when she’d asked if he’d come with her. The refusal lingered on his lips, but when he’d answered, “sure” came out, much to his surprise.
If he could get past the memories of Chance, the decision would have come much easier. Spending time with Rachel wasn’t a hardship. In the twenty-four hours since meeting, Rachel and he had formed an instant bond. Their lunch had been pleasant until she’d received the news from Dr. Scott.
They’d left her car at the shopping center, and he’d driven her straight here. She’d protested at first, but quickly acquiesced with an appreciative downcast nod that attempted in vain to hide tears.
“It’s just a dog,” she whispered outside the front door. “I shouldn’t be worried.”
“She’s part of your family.” He cupped her shoulder. “And a dear friend. It’s okay to show concern.”
“Did I tell you how I got her?”
He shook his head. “Only that you’ve had her since a puppy.”
“My fiancé and I adopted her. I begged him for months, and shortly before the wedding he agreed. We went to the shelter to adopt. Josh fell in love with a beagle, and on our way out of the kennels, I saw Roxie and fell and love. We left that day with two dogs.” A sad smile appeared. “The wedding never happened. Josh called it off the day before. Silly as it sounds, Roxie got me through those rough weeks and days after. My friends and family too, but Roxie was with me those long nights alone.”
Oh man.No wonder the bond between Rachel and Roxie went so deep. “She’s going to be fine. I feel it in my heart.”
She blinked twice. “I feel it, too, but I’m still worried.”
“Let’s go in.” He gestured toward the door. “You’ll feel better once you see her.”
“You’re right.” Drawing a long breath and squaring her shoulders, she stepped toward the door.
He opened it for her, and they walked into a lobby empty of patients.
Meghan, one of the receptionists, shot a sympathetic smile Rachel’s way. “Here to see Roxie?”
“Yes. Is she doing okay still?”
“She’s doing great. Room two is open if you want to go back, and I’ll bring her to you.” Meghan pushed away from the counter and stood. “I’ll be right with you, Mr. Bradley.”
The statement caught him off guard, and he stumbled with his response.
Rachel saved him. “He’s with me.”
“Sure thing.” Meghan stepped away. “I’ll meet you in the room.”
He walked a pace behind Rachel, noting her tense form and rigid back.Give her peace, Lord.
A dog barked in the exam room next to them. Aaron closed the door, hoping to block the noise for Rachel’s sake.
The rear door of the room opened, and Meghan brought Roxie in on a pink lead. “When you’re done, knock on the door and one of us will come get her.”
“Thank you.” Rachel wasted no time kneeling beside Roxie. Not even the plastic cone could keep her from embracing her beloved pet. She wrapped her arms around Roxie, speaking soft words that were muffled by the dog’s thick coat.
Observing from a distance, he didn’t say a word. He gave Rachel this time she needed for reassurance that Roxie was, indeed, okay.
After a minute, Rachel rose to her feet. Her eyes cut a sharp look at Roxie’s bandaged leg, taking in the sight for the first time. She drew in a long breath, held it, then let it out slowly. “It’s not so bad all wrapped up.”
Her stoicism made him proud, but he saw the worry lingering in her eyes. “It will all be better from here.”
She gave a definitive nod. “I believe it will.”
Roxie started whimpering. It was a dreadful sound, like someone dying a thousand deaths. The sorrowful cadence brought back unpleasant memories.
