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L ynda set the phone down on Kathleen’s kitchen counter, her mind racing with the implications of the call she’d just received. Outside, morning sunlight sparkled on the lake, a perfect Montana day that contrasted sharply with the turmoil she felt inside.

“Bad news?” Kathleen asked, looking up from the muffin batter she was mixing.

“It was Robert,” Lynda replied, naming her practice manager in Denver.

“Two of our veterinary technicians have quit without notice. One left for a better-paying job at the emergency clinic across town, and the other because her husband got transferred to Chicago.” She sighed and ran a hand through her hair.

“And our only other exotic animal specialist has pneumonia. They’re overwhelmed with cases that they can’t refer elsewhere. ”

Kathleen set down her mixing spoon. “They need you to go back.”

It wasn’t a question, but Lynda nodded anyway.

“Robert’s been incredible, but I can’t leave him in this situation.

” She moved to the window, gazing out at the lake that had become such a comforting presence.

“He’s interviewed three vet techs already, but needs my approval for final hiring.

And we have a few complex surgical cases scheduled that no one else at the practice can perform. ”

“How long do you think you’ll need to be there?” Kathleen asked.

Lynda turned from the window. “Two weeks, maybe three. Just long enough to hire new staff, handle the urgent cases, and put better contingency plans in place.” She attempted a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“I was planning to go back soon anyway to sort through my things and discuss selling the practice to Robert.”

Kathleen wiped her hands on a dishtowel and came to stand beside Lynda. “Have you told Matt yet?”

The question made Lynda’s chest tighten.

Since their dinner at The Lakeside Grill, her relationship with Matt had changed.

They still focused on the puppies and their veterinary work, but with an undercurrent of something deeper developing between them.

Last night, he’d invited her to his house for coffee after their evening shift at the clinic.

They’d sat on his porch swing, talking for hours about everything and nothing, his arm gradually coming to rest around her shoulders as the evening cooled.

“Not yet,” Lynda admitted. “I need to tell him in person.” She glanced at the clock on the wall. “He’ll be at the clinic now, doing morning rounds before the regular appointments start.”

“And the shelter?” Kathleen asked. “Carol was counting on you for that wildlife rehabilitation workshop next weekend.”

“I know,” Lynda said, guilt adding itself to the mix of emotions she was feeling. “I’ll stop by the shelter after I see Matt. We might be able to reschedule the workshop for when I return.”

Kathleen squeezed her arm reassuringly. “Everyone will understand. You’ve given so much of your time already.”

“I wasn’t planning to leave like this,” Lynda confessed. “Everything feels... unfinished. Matt and I were just getting to really know each other.”

“Sometimes life doesn’t work out how we want it to,” Kathleen said. “But this isn’t an ending. You’ll be back before you know it.”

Lynda hoped her friend was right. As she climbed the stairs to shower and dress, she tried to organize her thoughts.

The practical matters were straightforward—she needed to book a flight, pack her belongings, and arrange for her mail to be forwarded.

The emotional aspects were far messier. How would Matt react to her sudden departure?

What would this interruption mean for their budding relationship?

An hour later, dressed in jeans and a soft pink sweater, Lynda drove to Matt’s clinic.

The familiar single-story building with its simple “Reynolds Veterinary Clinic” sign had become a second home to her in recent weeks.

Inside, everyone would be involved in their morning routines.

Sarah would be checking the overnight patients, Brenda would be answering the phones at the reception desk, and somewhere in the back, Matt would be examining an animal.

Brenda looked up with a smile as Lynda entered. “Hi Lynda! We weren’t expecting you until this afternoon. Matt is just finishing with the wolfdog puppies’ checkups.”

“I need to speak with him when he has a moment,” Lynda said, trying to keep her voice casual. “Is he busy this morning?”

“Just the regular wellness appointments,” Brenda replied. “Nothing urgent. He’s in Exam Room 2 with the puppies now if you want to see him.”

Lynda thanked her and made her way to the examination room.

Through the half-open door, she could see Matt kneeling on the floor, surrounded by the five wolfdog puppies who were full of energy.

Star was trying to climb into Matt’s lap while Baker and Rainier wrestled nearby.

Helena was investigating a set of toys scattered on the floor, while Granite dozed in a sunny spot by the window.

Seeing Matt with the puppies made Lynda’s heart ache with a mixture of tenderness and regret.

“Well, look who’s here,” Matt said, glancing up with a smile that warmed his blue eyes. “Star’s been asking for you.”

As if on cue, the small puppy abandoned her attempt to climb Matt and scampered toward Lynda, tail wagging furiously.

“Hello, little one,” Lynda said, bending to scoop up the puppy. Star immediately began licking her chin, making Lynda laugh despite the heaviness in her chest. “I’ve missed you too.”

Matt rose to his feet, brushing dog hair from his khakis. “They’ve all gained weight since yesterday,” he reported. “Even our little runt is catching up to her siblings.”

“That’s wonderful,” Lynda said, holding Star close. “Have you found permanent homes for them yet?”

Matt nodded. “Carol’s finalizing the list. We’ve found four couples who’ve raised high-content wolfdog hybrids before, but we’re still making sure they’re the right match.” He stepped closer, his expression shifting as he studied her face. “Something’s wrong. What is it?”

Lynda had forgotten how perceptive he could be.

Setting Star back on the floor with her siblings, she took a deep breath.

“I had a call from Robert this morning,” she began, explaining the situation at her practice in Denver.

As she spoke, she watched Matt’s expression change—surprise, understanding, and finally, a carefully masked disappointment that he couldn’t quite hide from her.

“When do you leave?” he asked when she’d finished.

“This evening. I’ve booked a flight from Kalispell.” Lynda held his gaze, needing him to understand. “Matt, I have to go. These people have worked with me for years. I can’t leave them in this situation.”

“I know,” he said, his voice gentle. “You wouldn’t be the person you are if you could walk away from people who need you.” He reached for her hand, his fingers warm and steady around hers. “How long will you be gone?”

“Two weeks, possibly three,” Lynda replied. “Just long enough to hire new staff and handle the most complex cases. Then I’ll come back.” She squeezed his hand. “I am coming back, Matt.”

Something in his eyes softened at her declaration. “I believe you.”

They stood for a moment in the quiet exam room, surrounded by playful puppies, their hands still joined.

Lynda found herself memorizing details—the fine laugh lines around his eyes, the slight curl of his hair at his temples, the way the morning light through the window cast a golden glow over his features.

“I have something for you,” Matt said suddenly. “Wait here.”

He disappeared into his office, returning moments later with a small wrapped package. “I was saving this for later, but now seems like a better time.”

Curious about what it could be, Lynda unwrapped the package.

Inside was a hand-carved wooden wolf, about five inches tall, standing proud and alert.

The craftsmanship was exquisite—each detail of the fur texture, the alert ears, and the intelligent eyes had been rendered with obvious care and skill.

“Matt,” she breathed, running her finger over the smooth wood. “It’s beautiful.”

“I’ve been working on it in the evenings,” he admitted. “I wanted you to have something that reminds you of the pups, especially Star and her mother.”

Lynda looked up at him, deeply touched by the gesture. “You made this yourself?”

Matt nodded with a hint of shyness in his expression. “I used to enjoy woodcarving. After Maria died, I couldn’t pick up a knife. But recently...” He glanced at the carving in her hands. “Recently, I’ve felt inspired again.”

The simple admission brought unexpected tears to Lynda’s eyes. This wasn’t just a memento of the puppies. It was Matt sharing part of himself, part of his past, and how he was moving forward.

“Thank you,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’ll treasure it.”

Matt stepped closer, his hand coming up to gently brush away a tear that had escaped down her cheek. “I’m hoping it will remind you of Sapphire Bay,” he said, his voice warm with affection. “And give you even more reasons to come home to me.”

The gesture undid her careful composure. Lynda hugged Matt close. His arms wrapped around her, strong and comforting, as his chin rested lightly on the top of her head.

They stayed that way for several moments, saying without words what neither was quite ready to articulate aloud. When they finally separated, Lynda felt both steadier and somehow more vulnerable than before.

“I should go to the shelter next,” she said, reluctantly stepping back. “I need to talk to Carol about rescheduling the workshop.”

Matt nodded. “I’ll walk you out.”

As they passed through the reception area, Brenda looked up with concern, clearly sensing the shift in mood. “Everything okay?”

“Lynda’s heading back to Denver for a couple of weeks,” Matt explained.

Brenda’s face fell. “Oh no! What about the puppies? They’ll miss not having you around.”

“I won’t be gone for long,” Lynda promised. “Matt’s promised to send me plenty of photos.”

Brenda came around the desk and hugged Lynda. “Take care. It’s amazing what you’ve done for us since the pups arrived.”

Lynda smiled. “I’ve enjoyed being here.”

Outside, the morning had warmed further, promising another beautiful day in Sapphire Bay.

Matt walked Lynda to her car. “Can you call me when you land? I’d like to know you arrived safely.”

“I will,” Lynda promised. On impulse, she rose on her toes and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. “I’ll miss you.”

Matt caught her hand as she began to turn away. “Lynda,” he said, his voice low and serious. “I’ll miss you, too, but I meant what I said the other night. There’s no pressure, no expectations. Take the time you need in Denver.” His blue eyes held hers. “I’ll be waiting here for you.”

The simple promise, offered without demands or conditions, affected Lynda more deeply than flowery declarations or passionate pleas would have.

Matt understood her sense of duty, her need for independence, and her cautious approach to change.

And he was giving her the space to honor all those parts of herself.

“I’ll see you soon,” she said, the words feeling somehow inadequate for the emotions swirling within her.

As she drove toward the animal shelter with the wooden wolf on the passenger seat beside her, Lynda realized she was falling in love with Matt. It should have terrified her, given everything that had happened with Ray, but it felt like the most natural thing in the world.

Holding the steering wheel tighter, she made a promise to herself. She’d spend two weeks in Denver. Then she’d return to Sapphire Bay—to the shelter, to her friends, and to Matt. Not for a visit this time, but to begin the next chapter of her life.