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He traces my lips. “Go on, Joey. Say it.”
I heave out a frustrated sigh at how easily he can transform me from worried to lighthearted. He’s always been a master at the controls.
He kisses me gently. “I need to hear you say it. I can’t leave here unless you say it.” He cocks one of his famous half-smiles.
“Ashton loves me,” I concede.
“That’s my girl.” He cups the back of my head and pulls my lips against his. “Don’t you worry today. I’ll be back afterthe game tonight, and we’ll get up early tomorrow morning.”
He heads to the bathroom again but turns, giving me a full frontal of the most manly beast with the kindest heart. He points at me. “Ashton loves me.”
“Ashton loves me.”
I’m back at my consultant work with Starlight Vets, treating all animals large and tiny, and today is as crazy as all my in-clinic days have been before. The Canyon being a small place affords me the opportunity to be a mixed-practice vet. Starlight Vets has been the only clinic in town for as long as I remember, and I still can’t believe when I returned to the Canyon, I actually wanted to open a rival clinic. That was me falling into life as usual.
I inwardly thank Colt again for stepping into the mentor role. He does it for all of us. No wonder he chose someone like Sam, who bosses him around from time to time. He probably likes not making all the decisions every second of the day.
Over the past week, I’ve thought more about how to make sure I protect my mental health in this job. I considered concentrating on farm animals only. I love being out in the fresh air. And even though horsey people often think they know what’s going on with their horse better than I do, the farmers and ranchers are more down to earth. I still come across the same sad days there, but often, they’re more practical about things which brings a lot less stress into the situation. But I know that line of work, when doing it full time leads to physical problems, as getting pushed around by cattle or manhandling a goat isn’t easy on the bones.
It replaces one problem with another.
So boundaries is my answer.
I’m in the clinic with the little furballs and I’m glad to be here. There’s nothing like a brand-new kitten or puppy or fluffy baby rabbit to brighten a day. And right now it’s time for vaccines for the cutest fluff of a collie I’ve ever seen. The black-and-white furbaby sits in the arms of another youngster I like—Gareth from Western skills school.
I bend down to pat his new pup on the head. “And what’s this little guy’s name?” I already know it’s Rocky, because I read the paperwork, but every kid likes talking about their new dog.
“Rocky.” Gareth wraps his arms around his pup, hugging him.
His mom gives me a thin-lipped smile, and I think about the hole Rocky is filling and how well animals do it. There were days after my dad died where our shepherds were the only thing that made me get out of bed in the morning. And they were the best listeners. Them. And Ashton.
Back then, Ashton could even hear the words I didn’t speak. And that’s why I’ve never been able to give up loving that man.
I prepare the needles and double-check the doses on a side counter because I only have ten minutes for the appointment. I wish I had more. I’m sure Gareth would love to talk about his puppy all day long. “You’re not afraid of needles, are you, Gareth?”
“Nah. I’m not afraid of anything.”
“Oh yeah? That’s a shame.” I pat the exam table, indicating for him to bring Rocky over.
He places the collie on the table. “Why is that a shame?” He smooths Rocky’s fur.
I pat the pup, too, trying to impart a lesson my dadtaught me. A lesson that, just maybe, a kid like Gareth could do with. “Because fear usually tells us what’s important. It can be kind of helpful in life if you don’t let it beat you. There’s no shame in being afraid.”
I listen to Rocky’s healthy heartbeat. Gareth is quiet next to me, likely thinking about what I just said.
I go to get the first needle off my stainless-steel prep tray and lift it in the air to give it a tap.
Gareth’s eyes go wide. “Maybe I’m a little nervous for Rocky.”
I smile. “He’ll hardly notice it. But your fear is telling you that you care about him.” I administer the shot, and Rocky takes it like the champ he’s named after.
Gareth puts his face in front of the dog’s and gets some anxious, slobbery kisses. I finish the rest of the shots, and Gareth scoops Rocky up in his arms.
“Good boy.”
“Now keep an eye on him over the next twenty-four hours.” I hand Gareth’s mom a paper with Vaccination FAQs including side effects.
She, like many clients, didn’t listen closely to the vet nurse talking through possible side effects, but now, reading them, and they all sound life-threatening, because they are, her steps slow as she approaches the exam room door. “Wait… so do I call you if any of these things happen?”
