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Saving lives is who they are
Risking his life for others is all in a day’s work for Coast Guard petty officer Jay Johnston. Until he comes to the rescue of Mia Frasier after her small plane goes down. Maybe it’s because the empathetic blue-eyed vet wants to save the world just as passionately as Jay wants to create a safe haven for his five younger siblings, but there’s no denying their bond. Despite his growing feelings for Mia, a romantic relationship isn’t on Jay’s radar. How can two people always on the move stay in one place long enough to create a family of their own?
“My life is very complicated, Mia.”
“Because of your family situation?”
Jay squeezed his eyes shut, but not before Mia saw the flash of pain. When he opened them again, she felt a hitch in her chest. There was so much raw emotion there—pain, regret and a sadness that made her own heart ache. He searched her face. “I can’t be what you need.”
“How do you know what I need?” she managed to say.
A sad smile played on his lips. “As much as I’d love to find out, I’m not the man to give it to you, to give you anything.”
“Jay, I’m not asking you for anything.”
He lowered his gaze to her lips. “This is such a bad idea,” he whispered.
“I know. That’s what I’m trying to tell you.”
“We’re going to anyway, though, aren’t we.”
It wasn’t a question, she realized, and knew he was right.
Like a lot of you out there, I’m an animal lover. I’ve always had pets: cats, dogs, bunnies, gerbils, hamsters, fish, goats. I spent a good portion of my childhood thinking I would be a veterinarian when I grew up. I held on to this dream until the day my cat “introduced” himself to my gerbil and I realized that I wouldn’t be able to save them all. Fortunately, there are those selfless and insightful people out there who understand that being a veterinarian isn’t all about them—it’s about saving or comforting an injured or ill critter in whatever way they can.
Heroine and veterinarian Mia Frasier is this kind of person. She sees the bigger picture and she wants to make a difference, to leave the world a better place. Maybe a little too much sometimes.
A chaotic upbringing combined with years of supplying financial support to his younger siblings have left Jay Johnston focused on his family and confident that he can provide. But when his teenage brother and sister come to live with him, he soon finds life spiraling out of his control. Jay needs help. Mia knows he needs help. It’s a tricky thing, though—help. It’s not easy to ask for, it’s difficult to admit that you need it, and offering it can often cause problems, too. Thankfully, an orphaned dog, a hellish tomcat and two troubled teens get Jay and Mia to finally learn to meet in the middle.
Thanks so much for reading!
Carol
Summer at the Shore
Carol Ross
CAROL ROSS lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two dogs. She is a graduate of Washington State University. When not writing, or thinking about writing, she enjoys reading, running, hiking, skiing, traveling and making plans for the next adventure to subject her sometimes reluctant but always fun-loving family to. Carol can be contacted at www.carolrossauthor.com.
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For Dr. Katie, to whom I owe a giant debt of gratitude. Not just for meeting with me and answering all of my crazy questions, but especially for taking such wonderful care of our precious fur-babies for all of these years. Your kindness, compassion and generosity are so inspiring. Thank you.
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