Bonus Kisses - Freya Barker Page 0,79

past years. Beagles can live a healthy twelve to fifteen years, but Charlton—at only nine years old—is at his end. Frustrated I yank the stethoscope off and gesture for Jason to have a listen. I’ve tried to explain how dangerous obesity is in dogs. Urged her to keep the dog on a strict diet.

I wait for Jason to finish his examination. When he looks at me and faintly shakes his head, I know he’s come to the same conclusion I have.

“Mrs. Myers, Charlton is not well. In fact, his heart is failing.” I try to keep my tone gentle. In spite of her disregard for my warnings over the years, there’s no denying the woman loves her dog, as tears fill her eyes.

“Can you fix him?” her voice whispers and suddenly I see her for what she is; a lonely old woman, scared to death of losing another loved one.

My heart goes out to her, even as I prepare to break hers.

“He’s suffering, Mrs. Myers. His heart is not pumping effectively, and he has trouble breathing. I can’t fix him, but I can end his pain.”

“You mean put him to sleep? Now?”

“Rafe.”

Sarah’s voice is curt when she answers the phone. We haven’t seen Taz’s parents since last Sunday, although I spoke to Ed earlier this week when he called. He mentioned Sarah would need some time, but they wanted to see the kids before we left to go camping. They’re supposed to take them for dinner tonight.

“Mom, I need your help.”

“Are the kids okay?”

“Yes. It’s not the kids; it’s Cynthia Myers. Or more accurately, her dog. Heart failure. She’s agreed for me to euthanize him, but I’m worried about her.”

“Give me ten minutes,” she snaps, hanging up immediately.

We’ve given Mrs. Myers some privacy with Charlton. Jason’s looking after a cat with a torn ear someone just brought in, and I get a head start on my notes while I wait for Sarah to get here. I hear her come in as promised ten minutes later, and listen to the muted voices in the exam room next door for a few moments before I go in.

I hate euthanizing, but when an animal is beyond help, it’s the only thing left I can do for them. Still, it makes me feel like shit when I watch heartbroken owners leave.

Sarah has an arm around Mrs. Myers as they walk to her car.

“Don’t worry about your car, Mrs. Myers,” I tell her as I follow them out. “If you’ll leave me your keys, we’ll drop it off later.”

Without a word she pulls them from her purse and hands them to me. Sarah helps her into the passenger seat and makes sure she’s buckled up before closing the door and turning to me.

“Thanks for calling.”

“Thank you for coming. I thought she could use a friend.”

She nods, letting her eyes drift to the house. “I’d still like to pick up the kids from Kathleen’s for dinner as planned, but maybe Cynthia will want to tag along, if that’s okay.”

“Of course. Mom…” I reach for her but she turns away and quickly rounds the car.

I watch her get in and start the car. I’m still standing in the same spot when Taz pulls in minutes later.

“Was that Mom?” Taz asks the moment she gets out of the SUV.

“Yeah. With Mrs. Myers. I just had to put Charlton down.”

“Oh no, what happened?” She puts a hand on my arm and I automatically reach for her, pulling her close. She tilts her head back to look up at me.

“The inevitable. His heart gave up.”

She snuggles closer. “She must be devastated. That dog was like a child to her.”

“I know. That’s why I called your mom.”

We stand there for a moment, arms around each other. “Are you done for the day?” she finally asks, stepping out of my hold.

“I have to go back and arrange for Charlton’s body to be picked up, and get Jason to help me drop off Mrs. Myers car before I hand off the clinic to him.”

“Okay. I’ll go finish laundry and start packing the kids’ stuff. Why don’t you pick up some pizza on your way through town for dinner? We can start loading up some things after we eat.”

I tag her behind the neck and press a kiss to her lips. “It’s a plan.” I watch as she walks away and call her name right before she disappears inside. “Taz?”

“Yeah?” She stops and turns, her eyebrows raised.

“I love you.”

Taz

I’m still wearing the same smile