Falling for the Single Dad by Lisa Carter Read Free Book Online

gesture wasn’t lost on the intelligent lady vet.
    She swallowed. “I see my reputation precedes me.”
    Then her face blanked like a hurricane shutter nailed over a window. “And yes. I’m that Caroline Duer.”

Chapter Four
    R ecalling Weston Clark’s fierce scowl, Caroline felt tears burning her eyelids the entire journey from the Neck to VIMS. Izzie tugged on heartstrings Caroline didn’t know she possessed. And Caroline had been getting along so nicely with Izzie’s handsome ex–Coast Guard father, too, until—
    Until she told him her name.
    â€œWhat can’t be cured, must be endured.” A saying of her father’s, which had become a self-fulfilling prophecy for Caroline’s life thus far.
    At the sloshing sounds from the back of the SUV, Caroline monitored the Kemp’s ridley from the rearview mirror. She sighed as she bypassed Kiptohanock for Wachapreague. She might not be able to bring about reconciliation with her family, but she could make a difference in the endangered turtle’s life and with the other sea creatures she’d have a chance to save over the course of the summer.
    She was pleased to find her interns moved into the dormitory when she arrived at the makeshift surgical center. She’d need their assistance to help Izzie’s turtle mama.
    Caroline bit her lip. In her experience, it was best not to get too attached to the animals. Much less attached to humans, who were unpredictable and unreliable. When and if the female was deemed sea-ready, the turtle would be tagged for tracking and released into the open ocean once more.
    Hours later, Caroline emerged from surgery and wiped the sweat off her brow with her hand. Her students would settle the Kemp’s ridley into the tank and monitor the turtle’s vital signs.
    She’d managed to save all but a small portion of one of the turtle’s flippers. Barring infection, she was optimistic as to the turtle’s chances of survival and eventual release into the turtle’s natural habitat. Which, of course, was the ultimate goal of the pilot program.
    Behind the westerly horizon of the trees, the setting sun cast a molten glow upon the water in the harbor. Still in scrubs, she paused on the steps of the institute to take in the view of an Eastern Shore sunset. Her stomach growled. Lunch at the Island House with Roland had been hours ago.
    After she’d been on her feet for hours in surgery, dinner was her next priority. Perhaps she’d try the Sage Diner, a longtime Shore favorite, near the motel on Highway 13. It probably wouldn’t be a problem getting a table, since the tourist season hadn’t properly begun yet.
    She was startled to find her sisters waiting for her in the institute parking lot.
    Amelia gazed at her across the roof of the RAV4. “We need to talk, Caroline.”
    Caroline’s bracelets jangled as her fist tightened around the key. “I think Daddy pretty much said everything there was to say.”
    Honey came around the car. “Daddy is like an old sea dog. His bark is worse than his bite.”
    â€œShe’s right.” Amelia nodded. “Anger is easier for him to acknowledge than the hurt.”
    â€œHurt I caused.” Caroline gulped. “Anger I deserve.”
    â€œDaddy will move beyond both if you give him time.” Honey touched her arm. “I’m sure of it.”
    Caroline shuffled her flip-flops in the gravel. “You’re more confident of that than I am.”
    â€œI’m sure enough for both of us.” Honey gave Caroline a small smile. “It’s good to see you. I’ve missed you.”
    A lump the size of a boulder lodged in Caroline’s throat. “I missed you, too, baby sis.” She turned her face into the wind blowing off the water. “More than you’ll ever know.”
    â€œWe all missed you, Caroline.”
    Caroline angled at the pensive note in