The tiny exam room at Doctor Richie Colton’s veterinary practice smelled of antiseptic and wet dog—thanks to Ripley, who’d decided to splash in every puddle on their way in. And because Sabrina couldn’t bring herself to be the bad guy while Ripley beamed up at her with those fudge-colored eyes, she’d let her get away with it.
It wasn’t a crime. And this was her first dog. First vet visit. First a lot of stuff. She got a pass.
“Up,” Noah commanded, patting the metal exam table, and Ripley executed a perfect jump without hesitation. Show-off. Not that Sabrina minded. They’d been crushing their training sessions lately.
“Your girl has perfect form,” Noah said with a wink, sliding an arm around her waist.
Noah was the most easily affectionate guy she’d ever met, by a mile. Most people gave her a lot of distance, but not this one. She kind of liked it. Reminded her that being prickly with everyone had earned her a lot of loneliness.
Who knew withdrawing her quills would lead to such a great time? Though lately she’d started thinking Noah had done a lot to dissolve those quills versus her making any kind of conscious choice.
“She’s smart.” Sabrina leaned into him, because why not? His shoulder was right there and he was warm. “Unlike her owner, who let her play in puddles before her vet visit.”
“The techs have seen worse. One time, Dancer rolled in something dead, and they told me I had to bring him in after-hours.” His fingers traced circles against her hip. “Uncle Richie made me hose him off in the parking lot first.”
“Uncle Richie sounds wise.”
Noah grinned. “Sometimes family has its perks, but most of the time, they just treat you like family.”
The door opened and Dr. Richie Colton strode in, somehow managing to look both distinguished and approachable in khakis and a crisp blue button-down under his white coat. He had the same eyes as Jacob and Noah. His weathered face creased into a genuine smile the moment he spotted Noah.
“If it isn’t my favorite nephew.” He clapped Noah on the shoulder, then turned a keen eye on Sabrina. “And you must be Sabrina West. I hear you’re Ripley’s new partner.”
“Yes, sir.” She caught herself straightening and fought the urge to salute. Force of habit when dealing with authority figures.
“None of that around here.” Richie’s warm eyes crinkled at the corners. “We’re all family. Though this one—” he jerked a thumb at Noah “—nearly lost his Colton card when he put a frog in my coffee during a family camping trip. He was seven.”
“It was a toad,” Noah protested. “And you never proved it was me.”
“Like father, like son.” Richie winked at Sabrina. “Sam pulled the same stunt when we were kids.”
The easy banter knocked something loose in Sabrina’s chest. Her own father had never been the type for pranks or fond remembrances. Everything was serious. In fact, she couldn’t remember a time when her father had taken her on vacation or even said the wordfrogout loud.
“Well, let’s take a look at our girl.” Richie moved efficiently through Ripley’s exam while keeping up a steady stream of conversation, asking about their training progress and Noah’s latest search-and-rescue operation. He had a way of drawing out information without making it feel like an interrogation.
“Perfect health,” he pronounced after checking Ripley’s teeth. “Noah mentioned you’re starting SAR certification?”
“Yes, s—” She caught herself. “Just beginning the process.”
“Breezed through the application.” Noah’s voice carried that note of pride that did funny things to her insides. “She’ll have her certification in no time.”
“That’s our Noah.” A woman’s voice drew their attention to the doorway, where a striking brunette leaned against the frame. “Always the cheerleader.”
She carried herself with the kind of polished grace that made Sabrina’s muddy boots and brown uniform feel extra ugly—which they were, even without the contrast.
“Sassy.” Noah’s grin widened. “Sabrina, this is my cousin, Uncle Richie’s daughter.”
“Sabrina West? Officer West? I can’t believe I’m meeting the great officer herself.” Sassy paused to mock-fan herself. “Noah talks about you all the time. Nonstop. Even if you ask him nicely to pick another subject. Any at all.”
Heat crawled up Sabrina’s neck.
“Ignore her.” Noah squeezed Sabrina’s hip, completely unfazed by his cousin calling him out. “Sassy owns the gallery downtown.”
“The one with all the incredible landscapes in the window?” The words slipped out before she could stop them.
“You know my gallery?” Sassy pushed off the doorframe, instantly warming. “I’ve got some new pieces coming in next week. You should stop by—I’d love to get your perspective on the local scenery.”
It was such a natural invitation. These people made everything feel natural. Easy.
