It made sense, but she still worried. “What if I cry when I see her?”
“My guess is that you’ll be so happy to see her and take her home, that you won’t even notice the missing leg and you’ll be too busy hugging her to cry.” He squeezed her hand. “I promise you the anticipation and wonder leading up to getting her is worse than seeing her. All your worries and fears will disappear the second they bring her to you.”
An embarrassed smile struggled to surface. “I forgot that you’ve been through this with Chance.”
“It’s a club no one wants to join, but I was fortunate to bring good out of it.”
“In more ways than one.”
A single brow arched. “The blog and?”
“Us.” She nudged him in the ribs. “It brought us together.”
“That’s not a good thing.” He winked. “That’s great.”
“I happen to think so.” She drew a long breath and shook her hands. “I’m ready now.”
“Should we take your car?”
“The familiarity will be good for her.” She tossed him her keys.
He caught them midair with a surprised gasp. “Sure?”
“I trust you.” She shrugged as though it wasn’t a big deal, but it was. She could count on one hand the number of people she’d allowed to drive her vehicle over the years, and that included her parents and siblings.
The honor returned in his smile convinced her she had nothing to worry about. “It’s good she’s coming home on a Saturday. That gives you the weekend to work with her and begin adjusting.”
“I wish I could have taken off Monday, but my parents are coming at the end of the week. I’m saving my time off for them.”
“Five days, right?” He grinned. “I saw the calendar countdown.”
“I can’t wait. When you only get to see your family once or twice a year, you make the most of every second.” Her excitement was palpable. “You’re coming over for the Fourth, right?”
“Yes. I’ll spend an hour or two at my family’s party for a while then come over.” He stopped at his car and pulled a blue and gray object from the front seat. “I meant to bring this in. It’s a special harness that helps lift animals into vehicles.”
She watched him unfold the fabric. “How does it work?”
“Slide this solid piece under her torso and secure the Velcro on top.” As he spoke, he demonstrated on an invisible dog. Then you lift her by these handles. It’s a lifesaver to get their front half in, at least with Chance. Once I did that, he could get his backside in.”
“I bet it works much better than wrapping my arms around her to get her in.” She blew out a breath and shook her head. “Stubborn dog is too independent for her own good most of the time. With this, it might trick her into thinking she’s doing it on her own.”
“That’s the idea.” He smirked then opened her door.
The short drive to the vet’s office provided ample time for her anxiety to come alive again. When Aaron cut the engine, she put a hand on his arm. “I need a minute.”
He tipped his head in acknowledgement and closed his eyes. His mouth moved silently, and Rachel made out the words “Dear Father.” She realized he was praying for her. The gesture touched a place in her heart no one had ever reached until now.
His patience with her knew no bounds. He was gentle and kind, masculine and confident. They’d known each other for only a short time, but the connection between them ran deep. She shut her eyes and said a prayer of her own.
For her, for Roxie, and gratitude for Aaron.
She inhaled deeply, tensing as she breathed in all the air her lungs could hold. She eased her muscles on her exhale. A steady calm came over her. “I’m ready.”
Hannah stood to greet them and came out from behind the desk. “Roxie is an all-star. I love her.”
“She’s a very loveable dog.” Even though she’d heard it a dozen times in the last weeks, the praise for Roxie still made Rachel beam. She could only imagine the pride she’d feel when she had children and someone complimented them.
“Come to room two. Dr. Scott will bring her to you and give you the discharge information.”
