“I could probably find it if you want.”
“Nope.” She leads us to a bench and sits, watching the ferry. “I don’t want it.”
“Why not?”
She glances at me again, her eyes searching my face.
“I haven’t spoken to her or anyone else in my family in more than fifteen years. I was never close to my mom, and it’s really okay. There are just moments, like on her birthday, that I wish it were different.”
“I wish it was different for you, too.” I lean over and kiss her temple. “I don’t know what I’d do without my family.”
“I have a family,” she insists. “I have Jax and Meredith. And my assistant, Rachel. There are people in my life that I love. Family doesn’t always come from blood.”
I love you.
I don’t say the words out loud. Instead, I smile at her.
“You’re right. I’ve learned that since our family has been absorbed by the Montgomerys. They’re a huge, close family, and not all of them are blood. In fact, I have a feeling Gail Montgomery would yank my ear off if I suggested otherwise.”
“Oh, she would,” Starla says with a laugh. “Gail is fiercely protective of her family. All of them. So, I have people in my life. I don’t need the ones I was born to.”
“I can see that.”
Just then, my phone rings in my pocket.
“It’s Joy.” I frown as I accept the call. “Hello.”
“Hey, favorite brother-in-law.”
“What do you want?” I ask with a chuckle.
“I need some help at the clinic. You’re handy. Jace is at work. Can you come help me?”
“Why don’t you call a professional?”
“Because I have a handy brother-in-law. Please?”
“Yeah, give me about an hour, and I’ll be there.”
“Great, thanks.”
She hangs up, and I look over at Starla. “Joy needs help.”
“I heard. I guess we should head back to the house.”
We stand, and I turn to the sidewalk just as Starla jumps onto my back.
“Carry me!”
“You said you wanted to take a walk.”
“My legs still hurt.”
“That was a week ago, sweetheart.”
“I don’t care. Just carry me.”
I laugh, hop a little to get her settled better on my back, and then set off to the house. It’s a good workout for me, and by the time we get there, I’m a sweaty, panting mess.
“Wow, I wasn’t going to make you carry me the whole way, but you were fast.”
“Good workout,” I reply as I set her down and take the steps three at a time, reaching the bedroom before her. “I wonder what Joy needs at the clinic?”
“I guess you’ll see soon enough.”
“We’ll both see. You’re coming with me.”
She smiles. “Yay! I love animals. Maybe she has puppies I can kiss on.”
“You can kiss on me.”
“You’re not a puppy. Take me to the puppies.”“Hi, pretty lady.”
Starla glances around in surprise as we walk into Joy’s veterinary clinic. There’s no one else in the lobby.
I know who’s talking; it’s just fun to watch Starla try to figure it out.
Bill whistles a long catcall, making Starla laugh.
“What the heck?”
I point to the African grey parrot sitting on the file cabinet behind the desk.
“Hi, Bill,” I say.
“Fuck off,” Bill says but eyes Starla. “Pretty lady.”
“Well, hello, handsome bird,” Starla croons. “How are you?”
“Shitty day,” he says and shifts back and forth on his feet. “Shitty day.”
“Well, hopefully, it’ll get better,” Starla says as Joy comes walking out. “Your parrot is awesome.”
“Hey, guys. He has a bit of a potty mouth, but he’s a staple here now. Good boy, Bill. Come on back.”
We follow Joy through the doors to the area of the clinic that most people don’t get to see. Cages of all different sizes line one wall, most containing cats and dogs that Joy and the other vets are treating.
“I love animals,” Starla says with excitement. “Your job is so cool.”
“Thank you,” Joy says. “Come on into my office.”
“What do you need fixed?” I ask her.
“Oh, nothing.” She reaches into a bed and takes out the kitten she’s been nursing. “You haven’t checked on your kitten in a while. She misses you.”
“Wait. We’re getting a kitten?”
Starla dances in place and reaches out for the baby, cradling it against her face.
I’m stuck on the we. We’re getting a kitten.
“I told Levi he needs to adopt her,” Joy says. “He needs something to love.”
“I have plenty of love,” I object, but Starla is already kissing and hugging the little feline.
“Oh, you’re the most precious cat to ever be born, aren’t you? Baby mine . . .”
“She’s singing a lullaby,” I inform Joy, who just smirks at me. “You did this on purpose.”
“She needs a home,” Joy says. “And you’ll give her a good one. She’s the sweetest thing.”
“Yes, she is,” Starla says, kissing the baby’s cheek, then lets it nuzzle down against her neck. “Look, she’s already attached to me. I’m her mommy.”
“Christ.” I rub my eyes and then glare at Joy for the ambush.