Page 83 of Call it Fate

“You’re a good man, Zach. Thanks for talking to him.”

“He knew what he said was wrong even before I talked to him. You’ve done an incredible job raising him.”

I blinked back the moisture that threatened to flood my eyes. Wrapping my arms around him, I leaned my head against his chest. “Thank you. I think I needed to hear that from you.”

His arms, strong and secure around me, squeezed. Then, after a brief kiss, he pulled back enough to look at me. “I didn’t say anything to Iain without checking with you first, but I wondered if I could go on the field trip in your place.”

I gave him a skeptical look. “Are you sure you can handle being around a bunch of first graders, especially a bunch of boys? They can be overwhelming, and it’s going to be a long day.”

He scowled playfully. “Hey, I was president of my fraternity. What’s that if not trying to be in charge of a bunch of obnoxious boys? Besides, Iain’s friends are smaller. I can handle it.”

I shrugged. “Okay. If you can get the day off from work, I’ll let his teacher know. I’ve been meaning to add you to the approved list to pick him up anyway.”

Zach beamed. “All right, then. It’s settled.”

I didn’t say anything more, but I couldn’t hold back my grin, already looking forward to the stories he was bound to bring home.

CHAPTER36

Zach

“What in Sam Hill is going on here?”

The booming, deep voice behind me had me looking toward the front door with a frown. Standing in the clinic’s doorway was a mountain of a man leaning heavily on a cane, my part-time receptionist next to him.

When had I come to think of anything about this place as mine?

Wanda cast a worried glance my way before linking her arm through his. “Now, Harold, getting all spun up isn’t gonna do you a lick of good.”

“But what is he doing to my clinic?” he rasped as his face grew into an unhealthy shade of red.

I hurried toward him, eager to introduce myself and to explain the small amount of chaos that had greeted him. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir. I’m Zach Abbott.”

He waved his hand as if he was swatting flies. “I know who you are. I want to know what you think you’re doing here.”

“Why don’t we have a seat and I’ll explain.” I asked a young couple to move because every seat was full, and when one seat cleared, it was quickly filled. I looked behind me, expecting him to follow, but he continued to glower at me.

“Harold? Sit.”

He sat. So did I. Even a couple of the dogs in the room responded to Wanda’s command.

Grateful I wouldn’t have to catch him as he wobbled on the cane that looked like it could snap like a stick, I tried again. “Doc, it’s nice to finally meet you.”

“Hmmph.”

“Today is National Pet Day. I thought it was a good day to coordinate with the county animal shelter and try to get some of the animals adopted. I’m offering free vaccinations and cursory exams to anyone who adopts one of their pets.”

I pointed to the full waiting room where everyone was watching like they expected us to throw a few punches. I wasn’t sure they were wrong.

“As you can see, it’s been highly successful. The high school is doing dog baths in the parking lot next door to raise money for new lights for the football field, and the Ladies Auxiliary is having a bake sale for whatever it is they do. As you can see, it’s working out great for everyone.”

Wanda beamed. “It’s a perfectly wonderful idea!”

Her husband grunted again. “And where’s the money coming from for all this free care?”

“Everyone here volunteered their time. As for the vaccinations, they’re supplied by a donation from a charitable organization I’ve worked with many times.”

Wanda nudged him. “See? I told you Doc Zach knows what he’s doing.”

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