“Just yourself,” Lila said with a smile. “I’ll take care of the rest.”
As Whit left to finish up his paperwork, Lila felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. She couldn’t believe she had actually invited him over. The rest of the day passed in a blur as she finished her tasks and made her way home to prepare.
By the time seven o’clock rolled around, Lila had set the table and cooked a simple yet delicious meal of roasted chicken with vegetables, a fresh salad, and a homemade apple pie for dessert. She was just lighting a couple of candles on the table when the doorbell rang.
Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Lila opened the door to find Whit standing there, holding a bottle of wine, and wearing a warm smile. “Hey, Lila. This is for you,” he said, handing her the wine.
“Thanks, Whit. Come on in,” Lila replied, stepping aside to let him enter.
As they settled around the table to eat, the conversation flowed easily, moving from their shared experiences at the clinic to their lives outside of work.
After dinner, Lila invited Whit into the living room. “Would you like more wine? I have a bottle of pinot noir from a winery in Oregon you might enjoy.”
“Sure, I’d like that.”
She grabbed the bottle and a corkscrew from her wine rack. They moved to the sofa.
“Here, let me,” Whit offered. He uncorked the bottle and poured, filling their glasses.
As they sipped on their wine, the conversation turned deeper, more personal. She told him about her classes and how excited she was to finish and get her certification.
“Did you always know you wanted to work in this field?” he asked.
Lila chuckled and shook her head. “No, I stumbled into it. After Aaron died, I needed a job. Doc Tillman needed an assistant. I had no experience, but he took pity and offered to train me.” She kicked off her shoes and tucked her feet up under her on the sofa. “What about you?”
Whit leaned back on the couch, his eyes reflecting the warm candlelight. “Like you, I wasn’t always planning on being a vet. My dad wanted me to join the family ranching business, but I quickly realized my heart wasn’t in it.” He paused, seeming to reflect on what he was about to say. “That didn’t exactly set very well.”
Lila stared at him wide-eyed. “I’m so sorry. Have you smoothed things over?”
Whit shook his head. “Not entirely. My mother quickly joined my dad’s side when I announced I was moving to Wyoming. I mean, she was fine with me following my aspirations, so long as I practiced in Texas…preferably within twenty miles of Abilene.” He laughed lightly before adding, “The sprawling cattle ranch I grew up on was originally in my mother’s family. She was firm in her expectation that the next generation step up and take over. Since I am an only child, that landed on me.”
“Wow, that’s a lot,” Lila said, filling his wine glass.
“Yeah, the whole family legacy thing. It can be heavy, you know?”
After completing his veterinary studies and gaining several years of experience, Whit’s desire for a fresh start and to escape the weight of his family’s expectations led him to move to the Tetons after seeing the notice that Doc Tillman’s practice was up for sale. “The scenic beauty and tight-knit community offered me the perfect opportunity to redefine my identity and start anew, far from the shadow of my family ranch…and other accompanying complications.”
Lila looked at him, intrigued. “What made you switch to veterinary medicine?”
Whit smiled softly, a distant look in his eyes. “There was this stray dog that used to hang around the ranch. I started feeding him, and one day he got hit by a car. I rushed him to the nearest vet, and the way they saved his life…it just clicked for me. I knew that’s what I wanted to do—help animals. So, I switched majors, and here I am.”
Lila nodded, feeling a new depth of understanding and admiration for Whit. “That’s incredible, Whit. I had no idea. It’s amazing how life can change direction like that.”
Whit chuckled. “Yeah, it is. And coming here, to this town, meeting you…it’s one of the best changes I’ve made.”
Lila’s heart skipped a beat. Meeting her had fed the equation that added up to his satisfaction with the move.
Lila found herself relaxing, enjoying Whit’s company and the way he made her laugh.
Whit turned to her, his expression thoughtful. “You know, Lila, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I came here—especially after that first meeting at the rodeo—but you’ve helped make Thunder Mountain feel like home.”
Lila felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words. “I’m glad you feel that way. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you, too. More than I expected.”
There was a moment of silence, filled with unspoken possibilities. Whit reached out and gently took her hand. “I know this might be sudden, but I think there’s something special between us. I’d like to see where it goes if you’re willing.” He cleared his throat. “I know I’m technically your boss, but I hope that won’t be a problem. I feel like we’re a team, you know?”
Lila’s heart raced, but she felt a sense of certainty she hadn’t felt in a long time. “I’d like that too, Whit.”
As they sat there, hand in hand, Lila realized that maybe, just maybe, she was ready to open her heart again. Yes, things were complex, but the complications were worth working out.
