Page 68 of Finders Keepers

Sophie peers up at me, seeking permission. I give her hand a gentle squeeze and nod. She takes careful steps forward, extending her small hand just like Gavin showed her at the clinic. The dog stretches his neck, sniffing her offered hand before giving it a gentle lick that makes Sophie giggle.

“What’s his name?” She asks, now running her fingers through the dog’s soft fur.

“This big guy here is Nugget.” He crouches down beside them both.

I raise an eyebrow. “Nugget? For this big fellow?”

Gavin chuckles, scratching behind Nugget’s ears. “He wasn’t always this big. When he was born, he was the smallest of his littermates, the runt. He could fit right in the palm of my hand, just a tiny little nugget. The name stuck, even though he definitely grew out of it.”

“He’s so soft!” Sophie declares, now using both hands to pet Nugget, who has rolled onto his back for belly rubs.

“Looks like you’ve made a new friend already.” I can’t help but smile at the scene. It’s been so long since I’ve seen Sophie this immediately comfortable. Both Gavin and Nugget seem to have a special way about them.

“Would you ladies like a tour?” He straightens up, gesturing toward the house. “Nugget can show Sophie the backyard where he keeps all his favorite toys.”

Her eyes light up. “Can we, Mommy? Please?”

I nod, though my stomach does a little flip as we follow Gavin up the steps. The porch boards are solid beneath my feet. Everything about this place speaks of careful attention to detail.

“Watch this,” Gavin says, opening the front door. “Nugget, go get your dragon.”

The golden retriever tears off into the house, returning moments later with a worn stuffed dragon, its green fabric faded from love and slobber.

“That’s his favorite toy,” he explains as Sophie claps in delight. “He’s had it since he was a puppy.”

We step inside, and I’m immediately struck by how the interior manages to be both modern and welcoming. The open concept first floor features polished concrete floors softened by thick area rugs. The kitchen to our right boasts black cabinets with warm wood countertops, while the living room to our left centers around a stone fireplace.

“This is beautiful,” I breathe, taking in the high ceilings with exposed wooden beams.

“Thank you. Designed it myself.” His voice carries a hint of pride. “Wanted something that could be both a home and a workspace. My office and exam room are down that hallway for when I need to check on emergency cases.”

Sophie tugs on my hand. “Mommy, look! Big windows!” She points to the wall of windows looking out over the back property. Beyond the covered portion of the porch, I can see a fenced area where Nugget must play, and beyond that, more trees and what looks like a small pond.

“Would you like to see the backyard, Sophie?” He asks. “Nugget has a whole toy box out there.”

“Can I?” She looks up at me with pleading eyes.

“Stay where we can see you through the windows, okay?”

Gavin leads us through glass doors onto the back porch. Nugget bounds down the steps, dragon still in mouth, with Sophie following carefully behind him. I watch as they reach the grass, where Nugget drops his toy and playfully bows, tail wagging in the air.

“I think those two just became best friends,” I say, leaning against the porch railing.

“He’s always been good with kids. I take him up to the clinic sometimes and he keeps clients occupied while their pet is in the back.” He moves to stand beside me, keeping a respectful distance. “Sophie seems to have a natural way with animals herself.”

I nod, watching as my daughter giggles, throwing a ball for Nugget. “She does. She’s always loved them, but she’s usually more reserved with new people and places.”

“Must be the country air,” he suggests with a smile. “Or maybe she just knows she’s safe here.”

His words hit something deep in my chest. Safe. That’s all I’ve wanted for her, for us both. Looking at Sophie now, her blonde hair catching the sunlight as she plays, her laughter floating up to where we stand.

“The property goes back about fifteen acres,” he continues, gesturing to the tree line. “That pond back there is spring-fed. Great for fishing, though I mainly just enjoy sitting out there in the evenings.”

“It’s peaceful out here,” I say, breathing in the fresh air. “Different from what I’m used to.”

“Good different?”

I turn to find him watching me, his expression open and genuine. “Yeah,” I smile. “Good different.”

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