Colleen’s family might find out about the settlement and want to fight her for custody even though Colleen was smart enough to have legal documents.

  Colleen’s mother and sister flew in for the funeral, but they were strangers to Josie and no one even came to her or brought up the custody. Almost like they were happy it wasn’t left to them.

  It was better in her eyes, but if they knew about the five million, would that change? She wasn’t taking the chance.

  “So we aren’t poor?” Josie asked.

  Avery laughed. “No,” she said. She had more than enough money put away and the island made her an offer she couldn’t refuse.

  There were patients lined up ready to come to her clinic. She even had one vet tech hired that she’d meet in person in two days along with someone to run the front desk.

  It was going to be crazy at first and she’d need more staff, but Laine had stepped up and run ads with her and met with the people in person while Avery did the interviews over the phone.

  The fact she didn’t feel so alone here was huge, even if only having one person.

  She was trying to listen to her mother about not having to do it all on her own, but she couldn’t seem to break away. She never wanted to ask anyone for help. She got that from her mother.

  “Then let’s go get lunch.”

  They left and found a cafe close to the grocery store. The warm August breeze felt good enough to sit outside while they ate their sandwiches and fries. The two of them laughed and joked about getting good tans and she felt great about the place they were in. Both the location and mentally.

  Hours later their kitchen was set up, food was put away, the TVs were working and Josie was looking exhausted, but she wanted to check out the clinic.

  If she were alone, it would have been the first thing she did, but she wasn’t and had to put Josie first.

  The part-time vet that was coming to the island once a week agreed to stay on for a month and she was thankful for that, but she was going to make all the changes she could. After all, she bought this practice for almost pennies since it wasn’t much of a practice.

  The building was owned by the island and the rent was being waived for two years. Even the rent of the house was much less than she figured it’d be, but Laine had told her they were doing whatever they could to get someone here full time.

  If it was a bad decision, she’d move, but she committed to at least two years knowing Josie was young enough and another move in elementary school wouldn’t be too bad.

  “Let’s go look at my new place of employment,” she said to Josie. “I’m going to see if the bus can pick up and drop you off there daily.”

  “Yay,” Josie said. “So I can play with the animals too?”

  “We’ll see,” she said.

  Since the clinic was only two houses down from where she was renting, they walked. It looked to be an old house that had been converted. Just a one-story home and it was small, but there was a building in the back too that she was told could be turned into kennels if need be for boarding. That was money she’d have to put into it and she would if she saw the need.

  She was coming from a state of the art facility to one that still had paper records.

  That would be changing fast. She also had all sorts of equipment ordered for the operating room. Everything she’d need to care for animals on the island the best she could.

  It was more money on her loan for the practice, but she couldn’t do this without having those things.

  She walked around back to enter that way and saw a truck there and frowned. There shouldn’t be anyone here.

  She used her key to unlock the door but saw that it was already unlocked.

  She pushed it open, “Hello,” she called out.

  A man popped his head out of one of the rooms. “Can I help you?”

  “I’m Dr. Avery Keegan. This is my practice now. Who are you?”

  “Carter Bond,” he said, moving forward. He was tall with dark hair and piercing eyes. He moved slowly but with a purpose, his hand out. “I’m one of the people putting some time in to spruce the place up. You’re early.”

  “Yeah,” she said after she rolled her tongue back in her mouth. She knew from Laine that Carter was the one that pushed for this, but she didn’t expect him to look like this.

  Why hadn’t her friend told her that?

  He was tall and in good shape, cargo shorts on that hit his knees, a navy fitted T-shirt that showed some pretty nice biceps on top of it. Maybe he worked for Bond Construction because he looked like he could do about anything put in his way.

  “Do you want me to show you around?” Carter asked.

  “If you don’t mind.”

  “That dog is huge,” Josie said.

  She turned her head and saw a massive St. Bernard standing up and moving toward them.

  “Dopey is harmless,” he said. “If Doc were here, then you might get a bit more slobber on you, but she’s home napping. Puppy energy.”

  “You’ve got a female named Doc?” Avery asked, grinning.

  “Women can be doctors too,” he said, lifting an eyebrow at her.

  “It’s the seven dwarfs,” Josie said. “But this dog is huge. Is Doc this big?”

  “Not yet,” Carter said, smirking. “But, being another St. Bernard, I’m sure she’ll be there soon. What’s your name?”

  She felt like an idiot not introducing them, but Josie was outgoing and friendly. “I’m Josie. Can I pet Dopey?”

  “You can. He’ll keep an eye on you if you want while I show your mother around.”

  “My mom died, but I live with Avery now,” Josie said. She said it quietly and then turned away to play with the dog.

  She’d seen the stricken look on Carter’s face and felt horrible. “Why don’t you show me around,” she said.

  3

  Very Appreciative

  “Sorry,” Carter said when he and Avery were at the front of the building.

  “About what?” Avery asked.

  He never said much because he hated to put his foot in his mouth, but he did when he assumed Josie was Avery’s daughter.

  “Josie,” he said quietly. “I didn’t mean to make her sad. I shouldn’t have assumed.”

  “It’s fine,” she said, reaching her hand out to touch his softly, then dropping it away. “I’m new here and people are going to think that. It’s not quite a year since Colleen, my best friend, died. I’m Josie’s guardian. We needed a fresh start and when Laine reached out to me, things fell into place.”

  “Laine?” he asked, scratching his chin. He had to move his hand; it burned from her touch.

  “She’s on the town board,” she said. “She told me you were the one that brought up the need for a full-time vet.”

  Now he felt like more of a fool. He didn’t even know the name of the woman who found Avery for the island.

  “I did,” he said. “I’m used to keeping to myself. I should know the names of people I’m talking to.”

  She laughed and reached out to touch his hand again and then pulled it back as if she didn’t think she should have done that. He was thinking she was used to doing that with patients. Maybe to make them feel more comfortable around her and the animals?

  “It’s fine,” she said. “I’m going to assume you don’t know anything about me then?”

  “No,” he said. “You could have been a man for all I know. Your name could go either way.”

  She laughed. “Very true, but as you can tell, I’m not one. And what are you doing here by yourself?”

  “As I said, I’m one of those that volunteered to get the clinic up and running. Well, it’s running, but I’m sprucing it up. You’ll have ideas of things you want, but a fresh coat of paint and some new fixtures and cabinets in the bathrooms and sinks in the exam rooms won’t hurt.”

  “That’s very sweet,” she said. “I had no idea that was happening. I’ve been in contact with Dr. Mullins and he’ll stay on for a bit. He’ll make sure we are fully stocked with what I need, but I want to check it out myself. I’ve got equipment that will be here and installed in the operating room next week too. I shouldn’t have been shocked by how little was in the clinic, but there are things I need to work on. I’m not open until Wednesday of next week when he’s here, but I’ll be starting Monday to get the staff going and the place organized. Then I told myself, maybe I’ll start sooner...if I can.”

  Man, that was a mouthful. “You can do what you want,” he said. “I’ve got the rooms all painted. Did that last weekend. I was replacing the sinks in the exam rooms next. The bathroom was finished over the weekend.”

  “Show me around then,” she said. “I’m very appreciative of all you are doing along with those on the island. Since it seems to me you’ve spearheaded the project, would you mind giving me a list of names that have helped? I’d like to thank everyone.”

  “Sure,” he said. They moved to the reception area. “This is where we normally checked in.”

  There was one window beyond the waiting area but a large space behind it for files, a big desk built into the two walls that had chairs where more than one person could work doing things.

  “It’s a nice space for owners and pets to wait,” she said, looking around the area. “Are those built-in benches? They look new.”

  “Yeah,” he said. “Bode was out here a few weeks ago with his crew and redid this room in one day. They built the benches for seating and covered them with a faux leather. It’s easy to clean and disinfect. The animals can get up on it without problems. The flooring is new too.”

  The place had looked so old and run down and if he wanted someone to stay, they had to make sure it was at least pleasing to the eye and welcoming when they came in.

  “It’s nice,” she said. “Vinyl plank flooring for easy cleanup too.”

  “Yeah. Everyone has donated time and materials. This area back here has a new workstation too. Bode and his crew again.”

  He was thrilled his cousin could find the time to do it when he knew he was balls deep in working on multiple projects including the retirement community.

  But this meant a lot for the island and the Bonds always put that first.

  Plus, Bode and Drew knew that those living in the new townhouses could have pets and maybe the new vet would make house calls if need be for those seniors. Who knew, but one hand washed the other on this island most times.

  “I’m touched,” she said. Her eyes got all soft and she looked stunned at what was being done. “It looks great in here. Even the paint colors are so soft. I love the blues and greens that were chosen.”

  That was his idea. Not sure why, but he went with it when he was buying the paint.

  “It works,” he said.

  They moved into the three exam rooms, the sinks missing from them because that was what he was doing tonight, taking them out to put them in this week.

  He showed her the operating room. There he made sure there were new floors and a fresh coat of paint. He didn’t know what else to do and she obviously did.

  “What kind of sinks did you get?” she asked, moving to the boxes in the corner of the hall. “Oh, stainless steel. Perfect and easy to clean and disinfect too.”

  “Yeah,” he said. “I know a little something about trying to keep things clean or wanting them clean.”

  “What do you do?” she asked, her head tilted.

  He was trying his hardest not to stare at her. Her brown hair with hints of red was down and had a little wave to it. Her eyes were a dark blue and there was kindness behind them. He wasn’t sure how or why he noticed that, but he did.

  Her smile was bright and engaging and he could see the excitement in her being here on his little slice of heaven.

  That was how he always thought of Amore Island.

  He kept his life simple and boring because he was at peace that way. He never got entangled in drama either.

  So much easier. More so when he came from the drama-filled William side of the family.

  Sure, that was generations ago, but sometimes it still stung.

  “For work?” he asked.

  “Yes,” she said. “I know Bode owns Bond Realty with his brother. Do you work construction with them?”

  “Their father owns it too,” he said. “Scott Bond. I own Bond Automotive. Not as pretty as some of my cousins' businesses.”

  She frowned. “It’s sad you think that. Someone needs to do the work and on this island I bet you’ve got a pretty nice and full clientele. Which means it’s even nicer that you are taking the time to do this. So, thank you.”

  He almost felt his face flush with her words. She was right. He never cared much what people thought of him and his career and wasn’t sure why he said what he had now to her.

  “You’re right,” he said. “I’m always swamped. It’s a needed service on the island and I’m glad I’m doing my part. Let me show you to your office.”

  She giggled and he turned to look at her. “Sorry,” she said. “My last job, I worked for someone else. It’s nice to know this is my practice and office even though I don’t own the building. It’s a giddy excitement laugh and nothing more.”

  “Some might think that is easier,” he said. “No need to worry about major repairs. Which I’m not sure if Laine told you, but the roof, furnace and AC were all replaced in the past few months too.”

  “No,” she said, shaking her head. “She did not. The island is going nuts with this. Now I understand why they wanted a two-year commitment.”

  “I think it’s the least someone could do,” he said.

  “I’m glad the island had the money and resources to do that,” she said.

  He wasn’t going to say that the Bond Trust footed the bill. Money was raised each year and many of the family businesses contributed to help keep the island growing. Everything was for a good cause.

  “Again, a much-needed service that the island has been lacking. This will make life so much easier for people and maybe more will get pets knowing the hardship of having to take a ferry to care for them is off the table.”

  “I hope so,” she said. “The more pets, the more business I’ll have. Dr. Mullins said right now he has a little over a hundred patients. Which, being here once a week, is a lot.”

  “There are more than a hundred pets on this island,” he said. “Trust me. Many take them off the island and I think you’ll find yourself very busy.”

  “Good thing I’ve got one vet tech and an office staff,” she said. “I know I’ll need more and someone to oversee my books. I believe there is an accounting firm on the island, I hope? If not, I’ll figure it out.”

  “Raymond’s,” he said. “They’ve got a satellite office here and one in Boston.”

  A relative of his. Karen Raymond and her daughter Kelsey ran it.

  “Is that who you use?” she asked. “Or do you have someone in house?”

  “My mother,” he said.

  He was moving out of her office and into another, pulling out keys and unlocking the door.

  “What?” she asked.

  “My mother does my books. It was my father’s business and she did it for him. I took it over and she continued. This is your supply room and all the meds are in here too. It’s locked for obvious reasons. The room next door is where Dr. Mullins kept the dogs that were sick or he was monitoring, which was only for the day since he didn’t stay overnight.”

  She looked around. “So most surgeries were done off the island then,” she said as if she was talking to herself. “It’s not stocked as much as I would like, but I’ll get here tomorrow and work on that. And since I know you are donating your time and it’s probably limited and Dr. Mullins will be here in two days to see patients, I should let you get to work and get those sinks in.”

  “He only needs one sink in,” he said. “I can do that fast enough, but I’ll get them all in. Dr. Mullins never used the other two rooms.”

  “Oh,” she said. “I hope to use them all. There are plenty of things a tech can do that I don’t need to.”

  He nodded his head. “I’m glad you’re here and I hope you find the island as wonderful as many others.”

  They got to the back where Josie was sitting on the floor and Dopey had his head in her lap. The little girl had been so quiet—just like his dog—that he’d forgotten she was here.

  “I think we will find it’s a great place to live, right, Josie?”

  “Can we get a dog, Avery? Look at Dopey. He’s so sad.”

  Carter grinned. He couldn’t help it. “That’s his happy face,” he said.

  “Really?” Josie asked. “What’s his sad face look like?”

  He scratched his head again, then stopped himself. He did that a lot for no reason. “Let’s see if I can show you.” He walked over to where there were treats in a jar for the patients. He didn’t think anyone would care he was taking a few. He pulled one out. “Treat, Dopey?”

  The massive dog stood up, opened his mouth and barked. “He’s smiling,” Josie said, jumping up now that Dopey wasn’t resting on her lap.

  “He smiles when he gets food.” He handed the treat over. Dopey ate it fast, then barked for another one. “All gone,” he said. “See his sad eyes now that he knows he’s not getting anymore?”

  Avery laughed and Josie giggled. “That’s very cute,” Avery said. She walked over and pet Dopey on the head and then got down on one knee. “You’re a beautiful dog. Your owner takes very good care of you. Anyone can see that.”

  He flushed again and didn’t know why. “Man’s best friend,” Josie said. “Right, Avery? You take care of your best friends. Just like Avery takes care of me for my mom.”

  Shit, if that wasn’t one of the saddest things he’d ever heard, but the little girl went to Avery and hugged her waist.

  “That’s right, sweetie. Two peas in a pod making it work,” she said.

  “About that dog?” Josie asked, lifting her head. Her eyes were fluttering and he figured this little girl had the sexy vet’s number.