"Thank you, June," Lacey said, pausing to look back at her friend. "I know this was your idea."
"Why would you think that?" June asked with exaggerated innocence.
"Because you were the only person I told about my dream of turning the old post office into a veterinary clinic," Lacey replied knowingly. "That was way back when we were fresh out of college, and I was full of grand plans for saving every animal in the world."
June's expression softened with affection. "Go on, your granddaughters are eager to show you what they've helped create."
Lacey swallowed the lump in her throat and made a mental note to ask June later about how she had managed to convince Mina to allow her to use the building. The Dillinger family was one of Sandpiper Shores' founding families, and they built the post office when the town was first established over a century ago.
When the postal service moved to a more modern facility five years ago, Mina had simply closed the building without any apparent plans for its future use. Getting her to agree to lease it for a veterinary practice must have required considerable persuasion.
"The main examination rooms are going to be up front," Katey explained as she led Lacey through the space. "We figured that would be most convenient for people bringing in their pets."
"And all the wildlife rehabilitation areas are being built in the back sections and outside," Zoe added, her eyes wide with excitement. "Becky and I have helped the men with how you like the cages."
"Oh, thank you, sweetheart," Lacey replied, smiling. Zoe and her best friend, June’s granddaughter, Becky, both wanted to be vets and always helped out at the old clinic when they could.
They walked through what had once been the mail sorting area, now cleared and prepared for conversion into surgical and recovery spaces. The building's bones were solid, and Lacey could see the potential to create exactly the kind of comprehensive veterinary facility she had dreamed of for years.
"The best part is outside," Katey said, leading her through a back door that opened onto the extensive grounds behind the building.
Lacey stepped outside and gasped at what she saw. Construction had already begun on a series of outdoor enclosures and rehabilitation areas, with framework in place for what would clearly become specialized facilities for different types of wildlife.
“Zoe, did you and Becky…” Lacey’s eyes landed on her youngest granddaughter.
“Yes,” Zoe said and smiled. “When we were helping clean out your office, I found a folder called vet clinic expansion. I couldn’t resist looking inside and saw how you had drawn up the enclosures.” Her eyes dropped. “I’m sorry I snooped.”
“Oh, no, sweetheart,” Lacey said, lifting her granddaughter’s chin. “I’m so glad you did.” She swallowed the lump in herthroat. “It’s perfect.” She kissed Zoe’s nose, then was distracted by Katey.
"Mrs. Dillinger says her family owns all the land behind the building, too," Katey informed her. "She thought maybe you could talk to her about putting in some pools for marine animals and sea turtles. And the property stretches to the shore.”
Lacey was pleasantly surprised by the scope of what was being planned. She made another mental note to speak with Mina when she had the chance, not just about lease arrangements but about the full extent of what might be possible on the property.
"This is incredible," Lacey said honestly, looking around at the combination of historic architecture and modern planning that could create something truly special.
"Are you happy, Gran?" Zoe asked, her eyes searching Lacey’s.
“I don’t have the words to state how happy I am,” Lacey hugged her beautiful girls.
When they returned to the front room of the building, Lacey found that long tables and chairs had appeared as if by magic. The space had been transformed into an impromptu dining room, with people arranging food and place settings for what was clearly going to be a memorable celebration.
As she took in the scene and felt overwhelmed by everyone's generosity, a tall, elegantly dressed woman walked through the front door.
"Excuse me," the woman said, looking around with obvious curiosity. "I'm looking for Dr. Lacey Peltz."
June immediately got up to greet the newcomer, but Lacey stepped forward before introductions could be made.
"I'm Dr. Peltz," Lacey said, moving cautiously toward the woman who looked vaguely familiar but whose identity she couldn't quite place.
"Hello, Dr. Peltz," the woman replied with a professional smile. "I know I wasn't supposed to come here today, but I saw the door to your new clinic was open, and I couldn't resist taking a look inside. I hope you don't mind the intrusion."
"Well, we're not officially open yet," Lacey said carefully, stepping in front of the woman and shielding everyone inside, her shoulders and spine stiff. "Ms..."
"Oh, I'm sorry," the woman said, extending her hand. "I'm Dr. Judy Vernon. We have an appointment scheduled for an interview tomorrow at noon."
"I know you," Katey said suddenly from beside Lacey. "You were here at the memorial service last year."
"That's right," Grace added, her memory clearly triggered by Katey's comment. "You were the one who saved that injured bald eagle that got caught in the fishing line."
