Page 34 of Love's Bloom
Misty looked down at Sugar, whose brown eyes were studying her. “I’m glad you’re here,” she said, stroking Sugar’s curly head.
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When Misty walked into Jake’s that evening, she was pleased to see that Poppy was already there.
Misty went right over to her. “I’m delighted you made it. Have you met everyone?” At Poppy’s nod, Misty continued. “David is coming with Gage Martens, the new vet in town. I met him this morning, and he seems very nice.”
“Heard you got a dog,” said Brad Collister. “What kind of guard dog is named Sugar?” he teased.
“She’s smart and protective,” said Misty. “I’m lucky to have found her.”
“Brad’s just teasing. You should see Brad with my dog, Pirate,” said Dani. “Talk about a doting dad.”
Everyone laughed at the sheepish expression that crossed Brad’s face.
“Is the new vet single?” asked JoEllen.
“I’m pretty sure he is,” Misty responded.
Just then, David walked in with Gage.
David approached the table and introduced Gage to everyone there.
After they sat down, Gage turned to Aaron Collister, who owned Collister Construction with his half-brother, Brad. “I understand you’re very talented with animals and that people call on you sometimes to help them with behavior problems.”
“He’s like an animal whisperer,” said Crystal, smiling at Aaron.
Aaron studied Gage. “Why do you ask?”
“I have a dog at the Animal Rescue Center who needs some individual work. I’m sure she’s been abused, but I don’t want to give up on her.”
“I’ll stop by,” said Aaron.
Misty listened to the exchange with interest. Aaron had a quiet, calming assurance about him. Aaron’s Native American mother, from the Abenaki tribe, was a healer before she died, and Aaron was left with Brad’s family.
JoEllen beamed at Gage. “I hear a Southern accent. Where are you from?”
“Virginia,” Gage said. “And you?”
“I’m from the Midwest, but I feel like a native of this town after my sister married Brad. I came to visit them often before she died,” said JoEllen.
Gage looked from her to Brad.
“I’ve since married Dani,” said Brad, putting an arm around her.
Misty knew from the tense way Brad spoke that JoEllen had touched a nerve as she often did when conversing with someone in the group.
“How’s the dog?” Gage asked Misty.
She felt a huge smile cross her face. “It’s a perfect match. I’m not staying too much longer. I’m testing to see how Sugar does with being left alone in my house.”
“Even if she misses you, it’s good for her to be there alone, to think of it as her place to protect,” said Gage.
Misty felt herself relax.
Emmett arrived with Crystal. Everyone moved to make room for them at one of the tables.
“How is everyone?” Emmett asked. “It’s my night off, so I can relax.” He spoke to Misty. “I hear you got a dog to protect you.”
