Page 83 of Never Too Late to Date

‘I thought it would be the ideal thing to cart Dolly around in while you were doing your rounds. It’s deep enough that she can’t get out and hurt herself while that leg’s still healing, but not so deep that she can’t benefit from some sun and fresh air.’

‘You genius!’

She’d surprised herself by uttering the words, but credit where credit was due, it was a very good idea. Alex looked far too chuffed by half at her comment.

‘I meant to say, what a genius idea, thank you so much.’

‘Glad you qualified that.’

Vicky ignored his comment. He was pointing inside the box and making an approximate measurement of the space with his hands, his long, thin fingers moving back and forth.

‘And the best thing is, there’s even room for Bruce too, so they needn’t be parted.’

The feeling of getting that Christmas present you’d always wanted filled her up. It was an incredibly thoughtful gesture.

‘Sounds great. Can we give it a go now?’

She’d never been one for waiting.

Alex glanced at his watch.

‘Yeah, I’ve got a few minutes before I have to be at the clinic for my first patient.’

Together, they carefully lifted Dolly out of her cage and placed her in the trolley, with a protective blanket underneath. Immediately she barked for joy and wagged her tail repeatedly.

Vicky couldn’t keep the grin off her face.

‘Look, she loves it.’

Alex reached over to stroke Dolly’s head.

‘She really does.’

Vicky looked round and spotted Bruce lying in the sun in the corner of the courtyard.

‘Bruce. Over here.’

The cat’s look of disdain at being summoned made them both laugh, but eventually he got up and ambled over.

Alex hoisted him up over the side of the box and placed him next to his great love.

‘Let’s see how they get on first before we make it a regular thing. Up till now their relationship’s been conducted through a metal grille, a bit like a prison visit, I imagine, unable to touch or smell each other, so let’s see how they interact on the outside.’

Vicky nodded her agreement. Mostly the vet was business all the way, but occasionally, and more and more in her presence, he’d voice some quite out-there stuff. Blessed with a more practical bent herself, she was fascinated by his fanciful notions.

Bruce’s arrival stopped Dolly’s barking in an instant. She’d settled down nicely at the bottom of the box, and Bruce had snuggled closer, and was now giving her a good wash with his tongue.

After a few moments, Bruce’s purrs could be heard far and wide.

Vicky clapped her hands together.

‘I think we could say it’s a success, don’t you?’

‘I certainly do. And before I go, I need to show you how the brake works.’

Alex bent down to demonstrate, gesticulating with his hands until Vicky couldn’t bear it any longer.

‘Yeah, I think I can cope. I did spend a couple of years pushing a pram around. I know it’s a long time ago, but it’s exactly the same principle.’