He tipped his head back and grinned at me. “Are you excited to see Emmaline?”
“I can’t wait. I put my hair in a braid just in case she’s hungry.”
Charlie laughed. “Don’t worry. I’ll bring extra treats.”
Aspen waved at us from down the pickup line. “See you in a few?”
I nodded. “Need me to bring anything?”
She shook her head. “I brought extras home from the bakery.”
I’d never argue with that.
I got Charlie settled in the car, and we headed for Aspen’s house. Charlie bounced his feet up and down in a rhythm that was only his. “Do you think Dad’ll get Drew a puppy for his birthday?”
I winced as I made the turn onto Aspen’s street. “I don’t know, buddy. A dog is a big undertaking.”
“I’ll help! Promise. I’ll even pick up the gross poop.”
A laugh bubbled out of me at that. “That’s really nice of you.”
Charlie grinned. “I’m really good with animals.”
“You are the best.”
And I wished the kids could have that puppy they wanted so much. I hadn’t broached the subject with Lawson. Mostly because he hadn’t seemed very open to conversation at all with me lately. It stung more than I wanted to admit.
“Maybe I’ll be a vet instead of a scientist,” Charlie said thoughtfully.
“That would be an amazing job. Think about all the animals you could help.”
His whole face lit up at the idea, and his little legs bounced harder. “Vet and SAR searcher!”
Warmth spread through me at what a great kid Charlie was. “You make the world a better place, buddy.”
Charlie stilled. “Really?”
My gaze flicked to the rearview mirror. “One hundred percent. You’re kind and caring. You want to help people and animals. That’s the best kind of person in my book.”
His chest puffed up with pride. “Thanks, Hallie.”
“I’ll always tell you how awesome you are.”
I pulled into a makeshift parking spot next to Aspen’s station wagon and an unfamiliar SUV. Charlie was unbuckling himself before I could even get out of my seat. “Can I go? Can I?”
“Be free,” I said with a laugh.
Charlie launched himself from the SUV. I followed behind him, not even coming close to keeping up. He ran ahead toward Aspen, Cady, and a taller figure. It took me a second to recognize the vet from my first day at Aspen’s.
Heat hit my cheeks as I remembered my freak-out. As I walked, I worked on keeping my breaths even and steady. When I reached the group, Charlie was peppering the man with questions.
“What school do you need to be a vet? Can I come work with you now? What kinds of animals do you take care of?”
The man let out a warm laugh. “That’s a lot of questions. Do you want to be a vet?”
Charlie nodded, his head bobbing so fast he was a blur. “I just decided. I’m gonna be a vet and a SAR searcher.”
“Sounds like a great combo to me. I think being a vet is pretty darn fun.” He glanced up at me, green eyes shining in the sunlight. “Hi, Hallie. How are you settling in?”
