He frowned. “That’s a lot of time.” He looked at Joe. “I’d have to leave you, Dad. And Scarlet. And Cinnamon.”
“You would,” Gayle said. “But you told your mother last time you wanted to see her.”
“I guess I do.”
Gayle watched him. “Then how about if we start off slowly. Maybe one weekend a month at first.”
“Can I do that, Dad?”
“If you want to.”
“Maybe.”
Joe took over. “I think Seth might need time to adjust to this new part of his life.”
“We can do that.” But Evangelina’s tone was sad.
“Why don’t you tell them about your day at school.” Scarlet was trying to be fair.
“Good idea.” Joe stood. “I’ll get you a snack. Would you two like something?”
“Water please.”
Scarlet popped up. “I’ll get it.” She left the room. Once in the kitchen, she took a deep breath and tried to relax her shoulders. This situation out there was tense. And worrisome. But they’d deal with it. Because Seth said he wanted to see Evangelina, they had no choice.
* * *
“I want one thing,” Joe told Scarlet two days later as they waited for Seth to get back from school.
She grinned. “Only one?”
She loved teasing him so he played along. He arched a brow. “Only onenow.”
“Hmm.”
“What is it?”
He took her hand. “I’d like to move into your house as soon as possible.”
“Nothing could make me happier.”
“I’m glad. Then I can work on the rest.”
“The rest?”
“I want your opinion on something. I’m thinking about reestablishing my veterinarian practice again.” It had been ayear since he’d given it up and he missed working with animals. “I’d run the business at my farm.”
Joy filled her green eyes. “I guess something could make me happier.”
“I’m glad.”
“Joe, what kind of practice did you have?”
“I work with large animals. Vets must choose either that or small animals.”
“Looks like Stanley and Cinnamon will have a doctor in the house.”
He grinned.
