Brooke
It’s graduation day and I’m nervous as hell, but I don’t know why. All I have to do is walk across the stage, shake someone’s hand, and walk off. No big deal, right? Wrong. What if I trip and make a fool of myself? This place is going to be packed with students, faculty, staff, and family. I shake my head checking my appearance one last time. My hair is curled to perfection. I’ve applied enough makeup to look natural and have my eyes pop. I apply one last coat of lip gloss and run down the stairs. I’m wearing loose, flowing slacks that almost look like a skirt with a sleeveless top that hugs my curves. It’s comfortable and professional. The nude sandal heels I’m wearing are already killing my feet.
“Are you ready, sweetie?” my father asks as soon as I’m downstairs.
“Yes, let’s get this over with.” I step out the door he’s holding open for Mama and I.
My father drives us off toward the campus, but because I’m running a bit late, there’s already traffic and parking is tough. My father groans at the people driving like lunatics, trying to get a spot. He finally finds one. It’s a bit of a walk, but we consider ourselves lucky to even have a spot. “I have to go, but I’ll see you guys at the end.” I quickly hug my parents and race inside the building to find my seat.
No sooner do I sit than a gentleman takes the stage. He asks everyone to find their seats and announces the ceremony will begin shortly. I turn in my seat to see if I can spot my parents, but it’s no use, there are far too many people here. There’s a program on every seat. Opening mine up, I discover there are a few guest speakers and the valedictorian that needs to give a speech. I internally pray they don’t drag the speeches on forever. It’s the most boring part of the ceremony. We’re all so excited to be graduating the last thing we want to do is listen to people talk for hours on end. This is a difficult program, and we’ve all worked hard for this moment.
The ceremony finally begins, and they announce the first guest speaker. Before I know it the speeches are over. Luckily they did not drag on forever with their well wishes and bits of advice. We finally begin the never ending process of handing out the degrees. Of course it’s alphabetical order, so I don’t need to wait long to get mine, but I still have to sit and wait while the rest of the graduating class gets theirs. This guy Jack is on one side of me. He’s cool, but we didn’t really talk much, although we had a lot of classes together. On the other side is this girl, Kim. We studied a lot together but never really hung out outside of school. We all hug to congratulate each other when we get back to our seats and then we sit quietly as we anxiously wait for this to be over with. At this point we want to meet up with our families for pictures and celebrating. The class only has about sixty students, so although it feels like it was going to take forever, it really doesn’t take too long.
They’ve finally announced the last name and we are officially graduates. I’m so excited I hurry off to find my parents, passing a few friends along the way. We congratulate each other and hug before we continue looking for our families. My parents are in the entryway anxiously waiting with their camera handy to take my picture. They snap a few quick shots and we wander around. I introduce them to a few friends that happen to walk by. “Mom, I’m really not interested in hanging around. Are you guys ready to go? We can take more pictures at home if you want.”
Mama smiles. “It’s your day, sweetie. Whatever you want.”
I hug my parents and thank them for all the support they have given me over the years. I’m truly lucky to have such amazing parents. We walk back toward the car and there’s a pep in my step. I’m officially Dr. Brooke Bennett, DVM. When we finally arrive back at the car, my dad has a huge smile on his face. “What?” I ask him.
“I’m so proud of you. You have worked so hard for this moment, and to have graduated in the top ten in your class is such an accomplishment.”
“Thanks, Dad.” He hugs me one more time before we head home.
We pull up to the house and I’m completely shocked. I knew my parents were inviting some family over, but half the town is here, and there’s a huge banner outside that says ‘Congratulations, Dr. Bennett’ on it. I’m so touched. “You guys didn’t have to do all this.” I jump out of the car as soon as it stops, my parents right behind me. They each wrap their arms around me and congratulate me one more time. Kenzie is there with a camera capturing the moment before she comes over with Remy to give me a hug. Mama takes the camera and snaps off a picture of the three of us with me still in my cap and gown.
The pictures continue when Dr. Kramer and Courtney come over to congratulate me. He hands me a bag and asks me to open it. I dig inside to find a brand new lab coat with my name on it. ‘Dr. Brooke Bennett, DVM.’ I gasp tears welling in my eyes. “Dr. Kramer, thank you so much.”
“You’re most welcome. Congratulations. I’m so proud of you.” They both hug me one more time and I continue on greeting people and thank them for coming.
Aunt Kenderly and Uncle Jasper break my thoughts when they come running over. “Sorry we’re late.” She wraps me in a big hug. “You look beautiful, dear.”
“You’re not late, and thank you so much for being here.” It’s a beautiful day and I’m getting a bit warm in my cap and gown.
“We wouldn’t dream of missing it.” She smiles and gives me another hug.
“Excuse me a minute. Mama, are you good with pictures? I want to take this off.” She nods. I quickly strip. I’ve spent the last thirty minutes or so greeting and talking with guests and I’m ready to move on to something to eat. Mama has already told our guests to get started.
No sooner do I lay my gown over my arm than a voice comes from behind my back. “You look gorgeous.” His voice sends a shiver down my spine and I instantly know it’s him. My face lights up as I spin to see him looking down at me with a huge grin on his face. “Congratulations.” He looks deep into my eyes.
“Thank you.” My words are barely a whisper. A blush creeps up my body, this man does things to me. My body responds to him simply being close to me.
“You’re welcome. Do I get a picture too?” He looks at me with a slight grin and one eyebrow raised.
“Of course you do. With or without the cap and gown?” I question.
He laughs. “Without is fine.” He leans in next to me, pulls his phone out, and snaps a picture of the two of us. We both have huge goofy smiles on our faces, but it’s a great picture. “Thanks,” he whispers close to my ear. My body once again shudders. “Want to get something to eat?”
“Sure.” His eyes tell me he’s leery on how to proceed, like he has fears of overstepping some boundary.
“I’m going to put my cap and gown inside first.” I take his hand and pull him toward the buffet of food my parents have set up along the back of the house. He waits there while I run into the house to hang my stuff. I don’t want it to get ruined.
“You two look quite intense.” My brother Remy leans against the doorframe with his arms folded
I jump. “You scared the shit out of me, Rem.” He shakes his head at the use of my nickname for him. “I really like him, Rem. I have for a while now. When we were at the bar dancing it was like we had a connection. I felt it as he looked into my eyes, but then I hadn’t heard from him until the other day. Now here he is and it’s like he wants to ask me out but isn’t sure he should.” I look down to the floor. It feels weird to be talking to Remy about his friend.
“Listen, he’s a great guy. Take it one step at a time, don’t force anything. Trust me, he wants to ask you out, and if it is meant to be, it will happen.” He hugs me. “Congrats, sis. I’m proud of you.” He walks out to the backyard, leaving me to my own thoughts. I watch as he shakes hands and man hugs Vaughn. They exchange some words and Remy walks off to make his plate while Vaughn stands there waiting for me.
I better get back out there. I run down the back steps. “Thanks for waiting for me.”
“No need to thank me. My mom raised me right.” He hands me a plate and places his hand at the small of my back, setting my skin on fire. We walk down the food line picking our favorites and I can’t help but notice we like a lot of the same things. “Where would you like to sit?” he asks when we get to the end of the line. All the tables are taken but there are a few open seats here and there.
“Do you mind if we sit with my brother and Kenzie?” My back is practically pressed to his front when I look up over my shoulder to his gorgeous hazel eyes.
“Not at all.” I take his hand and we make our way to their table. “Are these seats taken?” he asks and they welcome us to join.
We take a seat next to each other and begin to eat. There’s a lot of tension at the table as we all figure out what to say. I figured this would be an easy place for him to sit, but apparently it’s not.
“How’s things at the shop?” Remy finally breaks the silence.
“Crazy, actually. We’re so busy and I have a few rookie mechanics right now. Two of them were working on a routine oil change not too long ago and screwed it up. Nearly blew an engine.”
“Shit.” Remy’s brows shoot up in shock.
“Tell me about it. The MPs and my commander would have had my ass.”
“What did you do?” He leans back in the chair, far more comfortable now than when we first sat down. Kenzie and I continue eating while we listen to his story.
“I chewed them a new asshole for making a silly mistake, and then made the entire team work overtime while they fixed it.” He places a napkin on his lap. “At the end of the day I lectured everyone on how these mistakes happen because we rush instead of following protocol and doing things one step at a time.” He shakes his head. “The two kids felt awful that the entire crew had to work late because of them and they got their balls busted for it, but you know shit happens. They bought a round of drinks the following Friday to apologize, and of course all is forgotten.”
“You know how it is, man. These kids learn best from the mistakes they make. I guarantee you they will never pull that shit again.” Remy leans forward so his elbows are on the table. “I had one guy who nearly caused a huge firefight from bad intel. He wanted to show off, trying to be the hero that figures shit out, and it nearly cost him his career.” Remy throws his napkin onto his plate. “We can’t screw around with shit like that. The kid still gets his balls busted for it.”
“I bet it brought him back to reality though, didn’t it?” Vaughn relaxes.
“Fucking right it did.” Remy nods his head.
“Remy, language,” Kenzie scolds him, slapping him on the arm.
“Sorry, sweetie. I forgot where I was for a minute.” I giggle at my brother getting reprimanded. He hardly ever curses in front of Kenzie or the family. Unlike Keaton, he always minds his manners.
Kenzie nods at him. “Make it up to me. Let’s go mingle with the family.”
Remy visibly cringes, because he’s not one to mingle. He would be perfectly happy sitting here for the remainder of the afternoon, but their wedding is approaching and Kenzie apparently has the need to get to know the people. He grumbles a “fine” and gets up to follow her. He adores Kenzie and would never disappoint her.
“Have fun.” I wave watching Remy follow Kenzie around the yard.
“She’s going to torture him, isn’t she?”
I laugh. “Nah, she just wants to get to know everyone more before the wedding, and this is a good chance for her to do that.” I cross my leg and lean in a bit closer to him. I want to apologize for blowing him off with the dog search. I feel like it hurt his feelings and that’s why he hasn’t touched base with me since the last text he sent me. “I want to apologize.” I place my hand on his arm.
“For what?” he questions, but if I’m reading him properly, he knows exactly what I’m apologizing for.
“I feel really bad that I had to push off helping you find a dog. I know you really wanted to do this and I need to explain.”
“You have no need to explain.” His voice a bit harsh.
I slip my chair closer to him. “Helping you find a dog is important to me, but I had to remember that finishing school was just as important. I wanted to be able to give you my undivided attention, you deserve it. When you asked me, I felt like I couldn’t do that, and that wouldn’t be fair to you.”
He looks at me with a small grin on his face. “Really?”
I nod. “Vaughn, I like you, and I didn’t want any distractions to be in the way of us not only finding you a dog, but maybe having dinner?” My voice rises a little, hopeful he won’t reject me.
He leans forward. “I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have gone silent. I guess I thought you really didn’t want to help me and just said you did to be nice.” He looks down for a minute and then his eyes come up to meet mine. “I like you too. I have for a while now, but never pursued an opportunity with you because of your brother.”
I laugh. “I knew it.” I shake my head. “Let me rephrase that. I had a feeling you liked me but weren’t saying anything because of my brother.”
He smiles brighter and his hazel eyes light up. “I’ve talked to him, and although he’s threatened my life if I ever hurt you, he’s cool with me asking you out.”
“He is, huh?” My left eyebrow raises. “And what if he wasn’t?”
He shrugs. “I would have figured it out, but he didn’t, so what do you say? Can I take you to dinner?”
“Under one condition.” I slip on a serious look.
He narrows his eyes. “What’s that?”
“You let me help you pick a dog.” My brows shoot up.
With a grin he stares into my eyes. “Why are you so intent on helping me pick a dog?”
Shit, do I tell him that I believe he needs it? Do I tell him I want to help train the dog to be more than a companion but a service dog as well? “I believe it would be good for you to have one. From what I’ve heard, you’ve been through a lot.” He breaks eye contact and suddenly looks really uncomfortable. “Please don’t shut me out.”
“I don’t exactly like discussing my past.” He pulls away sitting back in his chair.
“I’m sure. We went through it with Rem and I understand. I’m not asking you to talk about it. I’m asking you to let me help you pick a dog.” He finally looks back at me. “Please, I’ve already researched a few in the area for you and I have one I’d like you to meet.”
He chuckles and shakes his head. “You’re not trying to get me to adopt some lap dog, are you?” I can see he’s trying to recover and I can tell from his reaction he’s glad I’m not forcing him to talk about it.
I laugh. “I would never do that. You’re not a lap dog kind of guy. You need a dog that’s smart, strong, and responsive. He’s young, but not a pup, which I think will be good for you.”
“Where did you find him?” He rests his chin in his hand.
“He’s at a shelter. His owner recently passed away and not one of the family members wanted to keep him, so they brought him in.” I don’t point out that he’s had some training in the area of responding to situations. I truly think he’ll be a good match for him.
“All right. When do I get to meet him?”
I clap my hands, excited that I’ve convinced him. “I’ll make us an appointment and text you the time. I’ll make sure it’s at night, so it doesn’t interfere with work.”
He shrugs. “I have plenty of leave time saved up, it won’t matter either way. If it’s a day appointment, I would need time to put in a slip.”
“I can’t wait for you to meet him. He’s adorable and fun. I think you two will be perfect together.”
“Now does this mean I can take you out? I can’t wait to explore how perfect we are together.” I feel a blush creep up my cheeks. He’s so dang sweet.
“Sure, I’d like that.” I bite my lip.
Our conversation is interrupted by some guests who are taking off but came over to congratulate me and wish me luck with my new job. I hug them and thank them again for coming. As I do, Dr. Kramer and Courtney come over to say goodbye as well. They both tell me they’ll see me at work on Monday, and that’s when I notice the yard emptied out. I hadn’t realized how long Vaughn and I have sat here chatting. I take my seat and he goes right back into our conversation. “Now that you’re done with school, is your schedule more flexible?”
“Yeah, Dr. Kramer is taking me on as a full time vet, but I’ll mainly work days. I’ll be on-call periodically to take care of emergencies for him, but that will only be a few nights a week. I’ll only have to go in if there’s an urgent need.”
“Great. Do you have plans for tomorrow night?”
I look up to the sky, trying to pretend like I need to think about my schedule. Tomorrow is Saturday and the clinic is closed. I have zero plans, but he doesn’t know that. When I look at him he’s staring at me with both eyebrows raised and I can’t help but laugh. “I’d love to go to dinner tomorrow night.”
He stands from the table, taking my plate along with his. He throws them in the barrel set up not too far from us. “I’ll pick you up at six,” he says when he returns. Taking my hand, he pulls me from my seat and kisses me on the cheek. “I’ve got to go, but text me later.” I nod, not having any words. He leaves, and as soon as he does, I miss him. I pull my phone from my back pocket and immediately text my friend, hoping the dog is still there. When she replies that he is, I tell her we’ll be by tomorrow.