Highland Doc's Christmas Rescue. Susan Carlisle

the first to admit it. The next time he got involved with a woman he wanted it to be a mature, mutual lifelong commitment. That certainly couldn’t be with a resident who would soon be gone and had her own life thousands of miles away. He needed to stop any kind of thoughts like the ones he was having now.

      “We’re glad to have you join us,” he informed Cass as he stood and pulled out the chair next to him. Smiling, he added, “I was worried I might have to go out in the weather to hunt you down.”

      She gave the therapy dog belonging to the resident on the other side of her a long uncertain look before taking the offered seat. “It isn’t because I didn’t think about skipping out.”

      “I’m glad you changed your mind.”

      She gave him a direct look. “Hunger pangs changed it for me.”

      He nodded. “Whatever the reason, I’m glad you’re here. Let me introduce you to everyone.”

      “You don’t—” She didn’t finish the sentence when those at the table turned to look at her.