soon as possible to put in his temporary offices.”
“I assume you plan to bring Owen in to help?”
“Gonna have to. I want to get a head start in case anything unexpected turns up. I’d rather be ahead than behind.”
Owen owns a prestigious art gallery in the city, but sometimes Lincoln will bring him in on bigger jobs. Over the years, they’ve toyed with the idea of combining the two companies, but they haven’t taken the leap yet.
“I think that’s a good idea. I know you always enjoy working with Owen.”
“It’s always good to have fresh eyes. I want to impress the hell out of Fischer. Could mean bigger commissions in the future.”
Just then, a big, obnoxious yawn grips me, and I cover my mouth. Lincoln’s concerned gaze is locked on mine once it passes.
“You’re doing too much, baby. You need to slow down and hire another vet.”
I ignore the wave of exhaustion suddenly hitting me. “I already have a couple of people coming in for interviews next week. Once I find the right person, I plan to cut back my hours.”
I’ve always loved animals, and from the time I understood what a career was, I wanted to work with them. I’m not the typical veterinarian who works with household pets, although I won’t turn them away. I specialize in more exotic animals such as wallabies, kinkajous, binturongs, and other uncommon animals. It’s truly surprising how many exotic animals are legal in New York. It’s even more surprising how many people own them, and how few veterinarians offer services to them. I not only offer my services, but I make house calls to those who can’t bring their beloved pets into the office. The last year has been busier than normal, and the workload has become cumbersome. I’ve been meaning to hire a second vet but haven’t had the time until recently.
Lincoln pulls me closer to his chest, and I melt against him.
“Once the kids get out of school for the summer in a few weeks, what do you say we head to the lake for a week? I spoke with Mrs. Bagley the other day, and she said her grandkids would be there a couple of weeks early. Gray and Gemma would love to see Eli and Mindy. I’m sure they’ll want to spend a night or two with them.” He wiggles his brows playfully. “We could take advantage and work on that third baby we’ve been discussing. Actually, why don’t you go ahead and stop taking the pill now?”
My tummy does somersaults at the mention of having Lincoln all to myself for an entire day. Our sex life is very active and satisfying, but between our jobs and having young children who could need us at a moment’s notice, it makes it difficult to find time to leisurely enjoy each other.
“That sounds like heaven,” I say wistfully. “If one of the two candidates works out, that should give me enough time to take a week off. But what about you? You just got this commission. Will you be able to step away from it for that long?”
His warm, callused hands slip beneath the back of my shirt, meeting my bare skin. “I’ll make it work. We both need this time away. And I know the kids will enjoy it.”
I nod. “Let’s do it.”
He gives me my favorite grin.
“Are you sure about a third baby?” I ask. “We can wait until after this job is complete.”
“Hell no. I want another little rug rat running around the house. It’s been too quiet.”
I laugh. “I wouldn’t say that, but I agree. It would be nice to have another baby. Gray and Gemma are growing up too fast.”
Gray turned thirteen a month ago. Gemma turns eight soon, which puts them a little over five years apart. We lucked out since most siblings with that many years separating them tend to not get along, especially at their current age, but Gray and Gemma are very close. It’s adorable to watch Gray’s protectiveness over Gemma. I never have to worry about anyone messing with her. Gray is a bulldog when it comes to making sure nothing happens to his little sister. And she adores her older brother to pieces. I have no doubt if another baby comes along, they’ll love her or him just as much.
“Besides, remember all the fun we had making the two kids we have,” Lincoln adds, his expression turning naughty.
I giggle. “Like there’s any way I could forget. We got pretty