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She smiled as she dried the skillet. "Thanks, Doc. It's nice to be here." And it was.
"At least one of you thinks so," he muttered before turning and disappearing out the door rather than heading back upstairs.
"That was an unexpected surprise," Drew admitted before draining his coffee mug.
Hope wiped off the stove and countertops. "He doesn't seem like an unreasonable man, Drew." She swiped the dishcloth over the table. "I'm sure he understands about our long drive yesterday. And since it's been a while since you've been back, he's probably just allowing you a chance to settle and get your bearings before diving into the deep end. Plus, Thanksgiving is in two days."
"Yeah. You're right." He didn't sound convinced.
"Are you sorry you agreed to come?" Hope crossed her arms and leaned a jean-clad hip against the counter.
"Not yet."
"Your entire family is glad to have you home, Drew. For however long or short the visit."
"But what happens if, after this six-week trial run, I decide to stay at Wakefield?"
"Plan more visits?"
Drew plowed his fingers through his thick hair. "That's one option, I guess."
"Yeah, it is."
"They'll still be disappointed."
"But they'll understand." Hope pushed herself away from the counter and narrowed the gap between them. "Because regardless of where you choose to continue practicing, all they truly want is for you to be happy."
"You really think so?"
"I’m positive."
"I'm gonna hold you to that," Drew forewarned her with a smile.
Rising, he took his mug to the sink and rinsed it out before stashing it on the top rack in the dishwasher. "Since we don't have to play veterinarian today, how about I give you a tour of Beaumont?"
"Will we still be able to have lunch with your grandmother?"
"It's not exactly a booming metropolis." Drew grinned, and Hope's heart stuttered. "I think we'll be back in plenty of time."
"I'll get my coat."
Chapter Seven
By Thanksgiving, Hope and Drew had been in Virginia two full days. On Tuesday, after breakfast, Drew showed Hope around Lone Oaks as well as Beaumont proper, the epitome of small-town America. There were no shopping or strip malls, big-box department stores, or fast-food franchises; only quaint shops, locally owned eating establishments, and family-run businesses.
With its one stoplight, an abundance of foot traffic, and absence of public transportation, Beaumont was quite different from where Hope grew up in Kentucky, but as she and Drew strolled down Main Street, Hope instantly fell in love with the welcoming appeal of the humble little burg.
Though only three and a half blocks long, Hope could easily spend days exploring the vast array of privately owned establishments, each with its own unique wide-windowed storefront shaded by awnings, porticoes, or strategically placed flowering dogwoods. She yearned to wander aimlessly from shop to shop, discovering every single one of their treasures, indulging in everything each had to offer.
She especially wanted to check out Serendipity, the gift shop that included just a little bit of everything; the Artisan’s and Grower’s Market, which sold locally sourced food, a wide array of handcrafted wares, and a large section of art in various mediums—all of which was grown or crafted by local farmers and artisans; and Sugar Whipped, the bakery that offered everything that smelled delicious and no doubt tasted even better.
After Drew promised to bring her back for a more thorough exploration of Beaumont as well as Sheridan, they returned to Lone Oaks for a lovely lunch with his grandmother. Sarah Blackwood was as petite as her husband was strapping, but Hope had no doubt the tiny woman with her sharp green eyes could be as strong-willed as any of the men in her family.
Probably even more.
It was also evident by her perpetual smile that she was beyond ecstatic to have her second-oldest grandson home.
Once they'd finished with lunch, they'd gone to the main house, where Hope had visited with Drew's mother, assisting her with dinner preparations while Drew went out to help his father and Reese with the endless chores on a farm the size of Lone Oaks.
