Page 53 of Never Too Late to Date

‘But I have money. A lot of money.’

She hadn’t meant to let that last bit slip out. No one else knew the exact details of the generous legacy she’d been given by her parents. The full amount had been hidden from Ian for a very good reason. He’d have spent the lot if he could.

Her parents had made it clear he wasn’t to have access to the money, and they’d concocted a story between them about wanting to fund Tasha’s veterinary degree fully, so she left university debt-free.

It was partly true, but there was a lot more in the account that was solely in her name, piling up interest year on year. Ian had been so relieved that he didn’t have to contribute personally that he didn’t ask too many questions. Vicky had left the account well alone leading up to the divorce, since any major spending might have made him suspicious, and at the mediation session she’d deliberately not put up a fight over him keeping his pension for himself. But that was enough mental energy expended on Ian. She had more important things to think about.

Maeve was giving her a strange look, probably wondering if she was off in fantasy land with talk of her wealth. She’d better dial it down a little.

‘I mean, I’ve got enough to pay for anything to do with Dolly. I really want to.’

‘As I said, we can sort it later. Let’s get Dolly settled and you into bed.’

It was nice to feel that someone cared about her. Obviously, her daughter did, but she was so far away, it was hard for her to show it in practical ways. Ian only cared about his latest squeeze, Gemma. She was welcome to him. And that really must be the last thought that involved Ian for the day.

After a few hours’ sleep, Vicky felt like a new woman, and the long night with Dolly was manageable. It reminded her a little of being in hospital with Tasha, who’d had jaundice after her difficult birth. The nurses had put the baby in a plastic cot with a lamp shining on her, as the light made it easier for the liver to get rid of whatever was causing the jaundice.

Vicky had stood guard over her precious little girl, checking every few minutes that she was breathing, just as she’d done with Dolly. The little dog regained full consciousness somewhere around dawn, and even attempted some light tail wagging, which had pleased Vicky no end.

Maeve had sent Graham over with a camp bed at the start of the night, but although she’d lain down on it a couple of times between administering the medicines, she hadn’t slept a wink.

She needed to shake the feeling that if she fell asleep, Dolly could slip away unnoticed. The facts told her that her fears were just that, fears. The dog’s vitals were good, and she’d taken water in a syringe without a murmur.

Vicky longed to give her a bath, and see her white fur all bright and fluffy, but there was still a long way to go before they were at the cosmetic stage.

As the clinic was sited in one corner of the property, and there was no one else awake for miles, or at least feet, around, Vicky had been making her way through the Dolly Parton songs she knew the words to, to encourage her namesake to keep up the fight. She could swear that the little dog was trying to sing along, making funny yelping noises in time with the music.

Dolly’s ears had definitely pricked up when she heard the beginning of ‘Jolene’. Vicky was giving it full throttle on ‘Please don’t take him just because you can’ when she became aware she wasn’t alone.

She detected a familiar scent of shower gel mixed with lemony aftershave. Alex stood in the doorway, looking bemused.

Vicky put her finger to her lips. ‘She likes it. I can tell.’

‘If you say so. How is the patient this morning?’

‘She’s great. Vitals good.’

Alex went to wash his hands.

‘Let’s have a look at her.’

Vicky crossed her fingers behind her back as Alex bent down and stroked the top of the dog’s head.

‘Can you pass the thermometer, please?’

Ten minutes of tense silence later, Vicky wanted to grab him by the lapels of his jacket and force him to speak. He was methodical, but she wanted her positive assessment confirmed. Finally, he looked up and smiled that rare smile.

‘She’s a fighter. I’ll give her that. Everything is healing nicely. There’s no sign of infection at this point, and her breathing is steady. There are still potential dangers ahead, as I’m sure you’re well aware, but, in my professional opinion, with the right care, she’s going to make it.’

Vicky punched the air.

‘Yes! Thank you!’

Without thinking, she rushed to hug him and give him a kiss on the cheek, but in the confusion it landed on his lips. It was just for a moment, but the spark that rushed through her body was like an electric shock.

She jumped away from his warm body.

‘Sorry, didn’t mean to…’