Rachel’s face turned gray in an instant and she dropped to her knees again, caressing Roxie’s back. “What’s wrong, my girl.”
“It’s from the anesthesia, not pain.” He lowered himself beside her and petted Roxie’s silky ear. “It could continue up to twenty-four hours, but it’s not as bad as it sounds.”
“I can’t leave her here tonight. She needs to be with me.”
Once again, he laid a comforting hand on her shoulder. “This is the best place for Roxie to be tonight. There is a vet tech present twenty-four hours a day, and they are trained for situations like these.”
“But no one can care for her like I do.” She slid an arm around Roxie and tugged her close.
Knowing what emotions, she battled, Aaron ached for her. He straightened to an upright stance and gently guided her to stand. He kept his hands on hers. “Think of what’s best for Roxie. Dr. Scott wouldn’t ask to keep her overnight if he didn’t think it was important.”
Irritation flashed across her eyes, and he briefly worried if he’d overstepped his bounds, but then her shoulders relaxed. “You’re right.”
The round of whimpering ceased, and Roxie leaned into Rachel. Trust and affection reflected from animal to human, and back to dog. A longing filled him. He missed having that bond.
After several moments, Rachel backed away. “I’m ready now.”
He knocked on the rear door that led to offices and lab space, allowing Rachel those extra moments beside Roxie. A tech soon appeared, and Rachel’s eyes followed Roxie until the door closed.
She remained quiet until they were seated in his car. “Thanks for coming with me.”
“Any time.” He checked the rearview mirror before backing from his spot.
“I promise I’m a stronger person than I seem today.” She fidgeted with the fitness band on her wrist. “All this with Roxie threw me off. Mentally, I knew she was getting older and likely to face issues, but she’s always been healthy, so I never had to dwell on the possibility of losing her. After ten years and all we’ve been through, it’s hard to imagine life without her.”
“Loving your pet doesn’t make you weak. You have a big heart and care deeply.” He cast her a sideways glance and smiled. “God gave you those gifts, and I’d venture to say that’s what led you to your career field.”
“Sometimes I wish I didn’t care so much.” Her hands dropped to her lap, and she stared out the front window. “I started out working in foster care, and my heart broke each time I had to remove a child from their family.”
“There are times it’s necessary.”
She nodded in agreement. “It doesn’t make it any easier.”
“I guess not.” He’d lived a sheltered life in that respect, for which he was grateful. “When did you make the transition from foster care?”
“When I saw the power of reunited families.” A broad smile leaped to her lips. “Many of the kids I had to remove were from homes that needed a little help and boost. Maybe they didn’t have the skills needed to run a house, or they’d fallen on hard times and were living out of a car.”
He shook his head. “We never understand a person’s story until we take the time to know them,”
“Exactly.” Her voice rose with passion. “Not every parent who has a child taken away is a bad parent. When I can help them achieve the skills they need to succeed, I can’t even describe the feeling of satisfaction.”
“Is that why Hope House is adding the education building?”
“Yes.” He barely caught the look of her surprise on her face. “You knew about it?”
“Only from what I heard on the news. Is it true there will be a school for the children as well?”
Her head bobbed up and down. “We’ve worked with the school board and department of social services to earn a grant for several teachers and aides.”
“How many children are at the shelter?” Too soon, he pulled next to Rachel’s parked car.
“Ten-fifteen on average.” She made no effort to leave his vehicle. “While we can’t have a teacher per grade, the classes will have smaller sizes and allow for individual attention to the students.”
“It sounds great all the way around.”
“I’m excited. This will make a huge impact in the lives of the women and children who seek refuge with us.”
“If you need help with anything, let me know.” He shrugged and gave her a sheepish smile. “I’m not sure what I can do, but I’m willing.”
