Page 85 of Until Joy

“Anytime,” July replied.

Glenda headed for the door, then turned back with a brighter smile. “Don't forget about that girls' night, Joy. We have so much to catch up on.”

“I won’t,” I assured her. I watched her leave, then picked up my purse and headed toward the back. “I'm going to check on our overnight patients.”

The familiar sounds and smells of the kennel area wrapped around me like a warm blanket. Three dogs were recovering from routine surgeries, and two cats were being treated for upper respiratory infections. This was my favorite part of the job, the hands-on care that made me feel useful.

I started with the golden retriever mix who'd been spayed yesterday. She lifted her head when I approached her kennel, her tail giving a tentative wag.

“Hey there, beautiful.” I opened the kennel door and sat down beside her. “How are you feeling this morning?”

She nuzzled against my hand, and I carefully checked her incision site. Everything looked good. No signs of infection or excessive swelling.

“You're going to be just fine,” I murmured, scratching behind her ears. “Your family's going to be so happy to take you home tomorrow.”

My phone buzzed with an incoming call. Graham's name on the screen made my heart skip a beat.

“Hey,” I answered, unable to keep the smile out of my voice.

“Hey yourself. How's your first day on the day shift going?”

The warmth in his voice melted something inside me. “Good. Really good. The morning light makes everything feel different, more hopeful somehow.”

“I'm glad. Any word from our friend?”

The happiness drained out of me. “No. Nothing since the texts the day before yesterday.”

“That's good. Maybe he's moved on.”

I wanted to believe that, but something in my gut told me this wasn't over. “Maybe.”

“Hey.” Graham's voice gentled. “We're going to figure this out, okay? You're safe.”

“I know.” And I did know. With Graham, I felt safer than I had in years. “What time are you coming home tonight?”

“Around five. I've got a few people coming over to help with the call to your family.”

My stomach clenched. “Graham, you don't need backup for a video call with my dad and brothers.”

“Trust me, Doll. I do.” He chuckled, but I could hear the underlying tension. “Your brother Seth sounded like he was ready to drive down here and beat my ass just for existing.”

“He's protective.”

“I can handle protective. It's the homicidal rage I'm concerned about.” I could see Graham’s grin in my mind’s eye.

Despite my nerves, I laughed. “They're going to love you once they get to know you.”

“From your mouth to God's ears. I've got to get back to work, but I'll see you tonight.”

“Can't wait.”

The call ended, and I sat there grinning like an idiot. Glenda couldn't have been more wrong about Graham. He wasn't possessive or controlling like Rob. He was protective and caring, and the way he made me feel was nothing like the fear I'd experienced in London.

The golden retriever nudged my hand, bringing me back to the present. I spent the rest of the morning caring for the animals, letting their unconditional love and trust soothe my nerves about the upcoming call with the men in my family.

By the time my shift ended, the anxiety had crept back in. I swung by the supermarket before going to Graham’s and spent far too much money as I practically cleared out the baking aisle. I felt a little better, even though the drive to Graham’s house felt longer than usual, my mind spinning with worst-case scenarios.

What if Seth and Randy demanded I come home? What if they refused to accept Graham? What if they blamed me for everything that had happened?