“Nothing would have been good enough. First it would have been the added specialty, then it would have been something else. I was searching for something unattainable. That is, until I found you again. It’s been you the whole time. Well, now it’s you and Iain. That’s all I need to be happy. You, who loves me whether I’m a vet or a Derby Day judge or a frustrated field trip chaperone.”
I shook my head, still not able to grasp this new twist. “You’re right about that. I love you. But you’re an excellent vet, and I truly believe that’s your calling. Whatareyou going to do? That’s too much to give up.”
“I’m going to own half a clinic, that’s what.”
“What?”
“Sweetheart, I’ve been in the biggest negotiation of my life this past week. But as of yesterday, I’m part owner of the Sterling Mill Animal Clinic. Doc Claypool is nowhere near ready to retire, but the clinic has become too much for just him. It was hard for him to admit it, but I think he had a little guidance from his wife on that point. Then he wanted to only consider me as an employee, but I think I have Doctor Anders to thank for that change of mind. Thanks to my grandfather, I have the money to buy into his business. We reached an agreement a few days ago, and we both signed the paperwork yesterday.”
His happiness was contagious. “You’re serious?”
“As a heart attack.”
“I…I’m not sure what to say.”
“Say you forgive me for being such an idiot. I swear to you, I will always take the time to listen to you.”
“Of course, I forgive you. I told you that already.”
“So, we’re good?”
“Oh, honey. We’re more than good. I love you.”
“God, sunshine. I love you so much.”
We moved at the same time, our mouths seeking and finding each other’s. Zach’s arms tightened around my waist as my hands slid to hold his head to mine as I sank into him. After a minute, he picked me up and whirled me around, making me laugh. When he set me down, he leaned his forehead against mine. “Fuck, Em, I want you so much,” he groaned. “Please say you’ll come home with me tonight. You, Iain, me, and the pets.”
“We’ll be there,” I promised.
He caught my hand up in his and we headed back to the crowd. My friends were gathered with my mom, who had a huge grin on her face. They were all watching us.
“You knew what he was up to, didn’t you?” I asked my mom.
She nodded.
I was about to question her more, but I was interrupted by a loudsquawk.Sterling flew in a circle over our heads before he landed on Zach’s shoulder. “Doc Zach’s bringing sexy back.”
Our group of friends and family roared with laughter. But Milo, seeing the bird, jumped and barked. Sterling took off, flying low across the park with Milo on the chase with his leash dragging after him. It caught the attention of the other dogs nearby, many of whom fled from their surprised owners to join in the chase.
Within seconds, there were shrieks and shouts as one of the dogs knocked into someone carrying one of the pie entries. The pie went flying through the air right into the face of Mayor Bowen, who stood stunned as cherry filling dripped down his face.
The chase continued as Sterling seemed to intentionally zig zag across the park, the dogs blindly giving chase causing people to either move or be bowled over until Sterling swooped down low over the banquet table.
My hand slapped over my mouth as I watched wide-eyed as two of the dogs leaped up on the table. They slid across, knocking over leftover casseroles and Jell-O salads. The rest of the pack happily came to a stop to eat the unexpected treats. By the time Sterling settled on a tree limb to look over the destruction below, chairs had been upset, small tables had been knocked over, plates of food and other trash had been scattered, and people were picking themselves up from the ground. The dogs were happily filling their bellies.
“Oh, my god,” I whispered, taking in the second year of destruction. Even from across the park, I could see the redness of Beverly Seymour’s face as she stood gaping at the disaster around her. I worried she was having a heart attack as she collapsed into a chair that hadn’t been turned over as her hand clasped her chest.
From his perch in the tree, Sterling squawked again. “Winner,” he announced.
From behind me, I felt Zach’s body vibrate. I turned to see what was wrong and found him laughing. “Only in this crazy town,” he said, almost choking on his mirth.
Reid began to laugh with him, and pretty soon, our entire group had tears streaming down our faces. I fell against Zach’s chest, gasping for air. “Well, one good thing will come of this,” I gasped.
“What’s that?” he said, enfolding me in his arms.
“I won’t have to do Derby Day next year.”
We started laughing all over again.
