The Long Road Home 22 - Home Changes by Michaels Kris

Author:Michaels, Kris [Michaels, Kris]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: KMRW LLC
Published: 2025-09-29T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 12

Today had been busier than most days Seth spent with his father. Before heading into town to let Chester whittle with Delbert at the general store, Seth had driven out to the stockyards on the south edge of Hollister. The buildings there were a patchwork of corrugated metal and weathered wood but well constructed and solid. The air was thick with the scent of hay, manure, and diesel from passing livestock trailers. Dr. Kate Wells ran her veterinary practice in a converted barn at the far end of the lot.

Seth hadn’t expected to know the vet, but when he stepped into the office, he froze in the doorway.

Kate Johnson, now Wells, he assumed, looked up from her desk and blinked in astonishment. “Oh my God. Seth?”

He laughed, just as shocked. “What in the hell are you doing in Hollister?”

She pushed up from behind her desk and rounded it without hesitation, wrapping him in a hug. “I could ask you the same thing. I thought you were stationed in Germany. Last I heard, you were at Ramstein.”

“I was. Didn’t know you were from South Dakota.”

“I said Colorado, right?” She laughed, pulling away.

“You did.”

“Well, my dad’s from here. Hollister born and raised. You remember Lawrence Johnson?”

“I do. He was in my class.” Seth blinked. “Wait. You’re Lawrence’s sister?”

Kate nodded, grinning. “Sure am.”

“Of all the things in the world,” Seth said, shaking his head. “Small world. Blessing said to say hello.”

“Oh, you’ve met her. She’s …”

“Unusual,” Seth supplied.

“She has the sight,” Kate said. It was a challenge for him to doubt it. He didn’t.

He nodded. “Probably.”

Chester, seated off to the side with Gomer at his feet, raised a brow. “Thought we were here to get the dog checked, not flirt with the vet.”

Seth rolled his eyes. “Kate, do you know my father, Chester Hansen?”

Kate extended her hand with a warm smile. “Mr. Hansen, we haven’t officially met, but I’m Tegan Wells’ wife.”

Chester stood, took her hand, and gave it a brief shake. “Here to get the dog’s paw looked after. My fault he got it cut.”

“Oh, is that so?” Kate bent down and offered Gomer her hand. “Hello there. You look familiar.” She looked up at Seth. “Is this Gomer?”

“Sure is. A little gray around the muzzle, and he’s stiff with arthritis. I have a sixty-day supply of meds, but I need to make sure we’re on the best routine. Here’s the list of what he’s on.” He pulled a sheet of paper from his pocket. “When they retired him, I made a trip back east to get him. I have a soft spot for this dog.”

Gomer offered his paw instinctively when Kate extended her hand, taking the medication sheet with the other before she chuckled and ruffled the scruff behind his ears.

“Well, I have a soft spot for him, too.”

Seth crouched beside her. “He cut his paw in the pasture almost two weeks ago, now. It was healing just fine, then I noticed some swelling. It’s hot to the touch, and the salve I’ve been using isn’t helping.

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