No, it was the end of the office day, and Hugh would be going home. She didn't want to disturb him there. She dialed his cell number.

"I thought I'd hear from you soon," Hugh said when he picked up the phone. "I stopped hearing anything on CNN about the rescue mission. That usually means that you're going to be on your way home."

"I just got to the house. How are things at the clinic?"

"Wonderful. I haven't missed you at all. Why don't you stay gone for a little while longer? By that time all your patients will be so enthralled by me that I'll be able to steal them away from you. I need to open a practice of my own."

"No deal."

"Then will you marry me and support me?"

"Hell no." She could almost see Hugh with his lean, angular face, horn-rimmed glasses, and quizzical grin. He had gotten out of school only two years before, but he'd worked at a county emergency clinic and the experience had made him one of the best veterinarians she knew. "You haven't missed me, but have any of my patients?"

"Well, Mrs. Johnson has been waiting for you to have her bea gle spayed. She's very impatient. She won't trust me with her darling."

"Call her and tell her to bring Cuddles in tomorrow morning." She paused. "And save a little time to give an in-depth examination to a wounded Lab I brought home from Santa Marina. I don't think Nick or I will have time tomorrow. I'd bet there are a few more clients who just might prefer us."

"It's a possibility. Is this dog a stray or one of the rescue team dogs?"

"Neither. I just don't know where the own er is right now."

"I'll do the workup." Hugh paused. "It's good to have you back, Devon."