Raising The Stakes (Heartwarming Romance) Read Online Free PDF

than it had this morning.
    “So she’ll be all right.”
    Doctor Morrison freed her gray-streaked braid from her name tag then nodded. “As long as her jaw heals well, there’s no impediment to her living a long life.”
    None except Officer Walsh...
    Vivie wondered what had kept him so long. She’d thought he’d be back in an hour or so, but was glad for the chance to delay whatever he had in mind for the bear’s future. Rather than dwell on the negative, she’d spent her time studying the DEC’s online material for the certification test. If Officer Walsh had been around, he might have said it was unnecessary, bursting the lovely plans inflating in her head.
    “May I see her?”
    The doctor nodded and gestured behind her. “Right this way. We had to sedate her earlier, so she might be a bit sleepy.”
    Vivie entered a spacious room with several cages, all empty except one.
    Her pulse leaped at the sight of the small black animal behind metal bars, her claws poking through them.
    “Hi, sweetie.” She stuck a finger inside and stroked the cub’s nose, making her lids lift slowly, her deep brown eyes meeting Vivie’s.
    Immediately, the bear jerked to her feet and pressed against the cage door, grunting.
    “It’s okay.” Vivie imagined the poking and prodding she’d gotten today. No wonder she was disoriented and frightened. What a long ordeal for such a young animal. “Everything is going to be all right from now on. Promise.”
    She turned to the doctor. “May I hold her?”
    The veterinarian studied her then nodded slowly. “Just for a moment. We’re not supposed to let wild animals around people, but you were so good to those animals last winter.” They smiled at each other, remembering when Vivie had sought medical attention for the lame critter she’d found by her dumpster.
    The doctor lifted the latch and swung open the door, gently pulling out the struggling bear.
    “She’s heavier than she looks!” Vivie exclaimed, holding her tight when Doctor Morrison handed her over.
    “Twenty-three pounds. A little underweight, actually, but within range. ”
    Vivie inhaled the musky, clean scent of the cub, pulling her warm body closer still. She sniffed Vivie and seemed to relax. Vivie held in a laugh at the ticklish wet nose poking her ear.
    The doctor stroked the cub’s back. “She likes you. She gave the vet tech a bit of a hard time earlier. Hardly got her to take half the bottle. But that’s understandable given her dislocation.”
    Vivie snuggled the bear closer, kissing the top of her head when she burrowed under Vivie’s chin. “Can I try?”
    Dr. Morrison appeared torn. “This is going against policy, but I’d sure like to see her eat.”
    A minute later, Vivie was in a rocking chair, a blanket spread on her lap, the cub on its back, pulling hard at the rubber nipple from the uninjured side of her mouth.
    “She likes it!” Joy filled Vivie as she watched the hungry youngster eat. The cub held the bottle between her paws, her eyes locked on Vivie’s. Too cute.
    “I’m glad she’s eating so well,” observed Dr. Morrison. “Wasn’t sure if she’d be able to do it. But she seems like a pro now. Once the swelling goes down, she should be able to try regular food.”
    “Of course she’s a champion.” Vivie smiled, feeling absurdly proud. She’d helped the bear eat. Had saved her last night. Everything about this moment felt right. Meant to be. If only Officer Walsh wasn’t in the picture...
    As if on cue, the tall, trim man pushed through the swinging door and came toward them, his face grim.
    “Thank you for caring for the bear today, Doctor Morrison.”
    The older woman smiled up at him. “Always happy to help out the DEC. Any word about the cub’s mother?”
    Vivie tensed, guessing his news from his expression. He glanced at her, his sad eyes belying the firm set of his mouth. “She’s been killed. Just finished up at the court house arraigning the