She scoffed. “Do you even know me?”
He burst into laughter. “It was a rhetorical question.”
“That’s better.” She rubbed shoulders with him, then went to the closet for the lift harness. “This is a lifesaver, for me and for Roxie.”
“I’m glad it gets more use.” He took Roxie outside and lifted her into the car. “Has she lost weight? Chance gained after his surgery from not moving around, but Roxie feels the opposite.”
“She’s been moving around a lot more. I think she’s determined to move like her old self.” Conflicting emotions swept over her. She was incredibly proud of Roxie’s progress, but it didn’t stop the distant sadness that she had lost a leg.
“Dr. Scott will appreciate that. I got a lecture about not spoiling Chance too much, and that it was more important than ever after his surgery to maintain a healthy weight.” He circled the car and slid into her driver’s side, adjusted the seat to his body. He stole a glimpse her way and smirked. “It’s not like I gave him a cheeseburger every day.”
“Sure, you didn’t.” She buckled her seatbelt, then turned her head to check on Roxie in the back. “As much as she hates going to the vet, she loves car rides.”
“Fifi hates them.” He snarled. “My parents are attending a conference next month and asked if I could watch Fifi again. I told them to ask Catelyn.”
“Is she taking Fifi?”
“No, she’s going to the same conference, go figure.” His lips curled into an ironic smile. “So guess who’s watching the cat and my niece?”
“You?”
“Lucky me.” He eased out of the driveway.
“I’m sure you put up a huge protest.” She winked then lowered the visor to block the sun.
“Of course, I did. Who wouldn’t want to spend the weekend with the world’s most awesome niece and persnickety cat?” He glanced at her in horror. “Paige insists on a tea party. I might need your help for that. I’m sorry to say, but my tea party planning skills are severely lacking.”
“I suppose I could help, but it will cost you.”
“Name you price. I’m desperate.”
“Hmmm.” She tapped her chin. “A kiss or two should suffice.”
“Honey, I’ll give you all the kisses you want.” His eyes darkened when he looked at her. “With or without help.”
Her stomach leaped. That was a promise she’d keep him to.
Chapter Eighteen
Dr. Scott removed the final suture and stood with a smile. “She is good to go.”
“Thank you for taking care of my girl.” Rachel hugged Roxie around the neck.
Aaron watched, unsurprised by his own joy to see Roxie cleared to return to normal life. He’d come to love that dog, too. “You’ve proven yourself again, Doc.”
Roxie must have sensed her frequent trips to the vet were over. She smiled and didn’t pull on her leash. She struggled to stand, as she had nothing but tile for her three paws to grip. Given a minute, she succeeded, and earned a treat from Dr. Scott.
The entire staff made a path out of the office and cheered for Roxie as she left. Gestures like that were one of the reasons why Aaron loved Eastern Veterinary Hospital. When it came time to have another dog, this is where he’d bring the pooch. He couldn’t imagine entrusting his pet’s care to any other vet.
He loaded Roxie into Rachel’s back seat, and the three of them left to pick up dinner at the church. Rachel’s face held a peaceful expression he hadn’t seen since the day they met. She stared forward with a smile on her face.
“Glad to have this behind you?”
“Oh, yes.” She glanced in the back seat. “I was so afraid of losing her, but I’ve learned to cherish whatever time I have left with her.”
“Which will be many more years.”
“I think so.” Stretching behind her, she gave Roxie a pet. “Other than the cancer, which is gone, she’s in good health, especially for her age. But regardless what happens, I can rest easy knowing she’s had a life full of love—both on the giving and receiving end.”
