4 Avery I could have called to check on Pepper, but something compelled me to go visit the vet’s office in person. I told myself it was because I wanted to see with my own eyes that our furry baby-rescuing hero was truly okay, but deep down, I knew it was in large part because I wanted to see the handsome doctor again. When I pulled into the driveway of the large, white, clapboard home, I stared at the hand-painted sign that read “Noah James, DVM.” Noah was a good, strong name, and it perfectly suited the handsome veterinarian. How had such an eligible bachelor been in town for several weeks, and I was just now meeting him? Oh, right… I ignored Mrs. Branson and the other busybodies in town who tried to convince me to borrow a pet to bring to his office for a checkup. Perhaps, just this

