Healing Hearts by Kim Watters Page A

the window where a large oak tree dominated her view. She could make out the leaves, which a 3 o’clock in the morning had taken on an almost ethereal quality in the silver moonlight.
    Sarah closed her eyes from the beauty. What was she to do? Grant didn’t seem to be like the rest of them, but her distrust of people, no matter how kind, would not allow her to think differently.
    “Oh, Rocky.” Sarah rolled back and gathered the dog closer. “What would I do without you?” The puppy’s warmth permeated her nightgown, chasing away the chill as he nuzzled her arm with his nose. Rocky understood her and loved her for what she was—a tough, streetwise kid from Oakland, who needed no one, depended on no one, wanted no one. They’d found each other. That was enough.
     
    In a few weeks, Sarah’s routine became established. Every morning she woke before dawn, stopped by the clinic to care for the boarded animals, then pedaled off to the diner. By mid-afternoon, she was back at the clinic to work, or pick Rocky up on her days off, then off to her apartment, obedience class, or school.
    Rocky had also settled into his routine, and his accidents at night had dwindled to an occasional puddle, which would make Mr. Baxter extremely happy. And thanks to chew toys and rawhide bones, he hadn't chewed up any more reports, shoes or clothing.
    Obedience classes were going well, too. Rocky learned to walk properly on a leash and sit at her command. They were still having a problem with ‘Stay,’ but she had gained enough confidence to know her beloved pet would master that soon.
    They were becoming a family, just the two of them. Though Sarah wondered if he’d ever forgive her for having him fixed. The sorrowful look on his face when she’d arrived that afternoon after the surgery was almost too much, but she didn’t need any more dogs.
    Especially ones of Rocky’s stature. He’d almost doubled in size and Sarah no longer tried to squeeze him into her basket. With some added help from the dog trainer and an extended leash, Rocky ran along beside her. Life was good.
     
    Grant looked at his watch. Sarah was due any minute. In the time she’d worked for him, he liked what he saw in his new assistant—not just her physical attributes. His trust in her had grown, as well as his emotional attachment, even though he knew better.
    Still, he’d come to rely on her silent strength and quiet determination. No matter what task he assigned her, she was always ready and willing to do it. A natural with animals, she interacted with them better than with his customers, though her performance there was exemplary, too. No, he could find no fault with Sarah, except for her reluctance to accept his generosity.
    Rocky padded over to him, sighed, and laid his head down on Grant’s knee as he examined the x-ray of Mrs. Carr’s cat. Sarah’s dog had become an institution around the clinic. The clients loved him, and surprisingly, he was no bother. He patted his head, unable to concentrate. “Come on, boy, let’s take you outside before Sarah gets here.”
    Slipping the negative back in the folder, Grant leashed Rocky and headed for the back door. “A few minutes of fresh air will clear my brain.” He looked down at the dog as they left the clinic. “What do you think?”
    Rocky cocked his head and looked at Grant with a quizzical expression before he caught scent of another dog. Immediately, the animal barked and lunged for the other side of the parking lot.
    Grant regained his balance and laughed. Not only at himself for talking to Sarah’s dog, but at Rocky, whose obedience training seemed to go by the wayside at any tantalizing smell that caught his attention. “Still having trouble with the ‘Heel’ command, I see. We’re going to have to do something about that.”
    “Rocky!” Sarah came wheeling across the lot, pedaling furiously. “I’m here. Did you miss me?” Grant released the leash just in time to keep from being pulled