Meant to Be Yours

by Susan Mallery

  “She says she will absolutely do her best. I’m going to get her right now and we’ll meet you at the animal preserve.”

  “Thank you.” Carol raced out, turned. “Really. Thank you so much. I can’t wait to meet your mom.”

  “Give us twenty minutes.”

  Renee was still contemplating the unexpected turn of events as she parked in front of the Sweet Dreams Inn. Verity was waiting by the main doors and quickly hurried to the car.

  “I hope I can help,” her mother said as she fastened her seat belt. “I’ve never been able to understand wild animals because we don’t share a language. Domestic animals are different, of course. I’m hoping your friend’s giraffes have been around people enough that they can share their thoughts with me.” She smiled at Renee. “This is very exciting.”

  “It’s not how I spend my day—that’s for sure.”

  Renee drove out past the dump and recycling center and entered the animal preserve. Carol was there, along with Ed, her father. Renee made the introductions.

  “I put the female giraffes in their barn,” Carol said, leading the way. “I’ve kept them separate so they won’t distract each other.”

  “I have to warn you that while I’ll do my best, I can’t make any promises,” Verity said before explaining how she couldn’t communicate with wild animals. “We don’t have a shared frame of reference.”

  “Makes sense,” Ed told her. “What about birds and fish? Or is it just mammals?”

  “I’ve never been able to tell what a fish is thinking. I can get through to some birds. Doves are silent but swans don’t shut up and they have opinions about everything. I’ve always wanted to try communicating with a dolphin, but I haven’t had the chance.”

  “Fascinating,” Ed murmured, holding open a large door. “Let’s go see what the ladies think of you and vice versa.”

  Renee felt incredibly out of place in a dress and pumps. Her mother was in jeans and Carol and Ed wore what she would describe as safari gear—khakis and polo shirts. Given their work at the preserve, their wardrobe made sense.

  The barn wasn’t a barn at all, but a huge open building with big cages or stalls with wood and chain-link walls. The ceiling had to be at least twenty-five feet high, which made sense when one was housing giraffes.

  There were tall windows, plenty of light and lots of ventilation. Renee inhaled the scent of hay and fresh air. Three beautiful giraffes watched them curiously. They were leggy and powerful with stunning faces and incredibly long lashes.

  “The giraffes are usually kept outside during the day,” Carol told them. “We bring them in at night to keep them safe. They’re not exactly domesticated but they were all born in captivity and have a ‘will work for food’ mentality. I’m hoping you can tell me what they’re thinking.”

  “Wonderful,” Verity said. “They are simply wonderful. What a joy to work with them every day.” She glanced at Ed. “You started the preserve?”

  “My brother and I did. We’d had plans for a while and just needed the right location and an influx of cash.” He shrugged. “We found this place right as a distant relative passed away, leaving us the heirs. It all worked out.”

  They smiled at each other. Renee couldn’t help thinking this was the strangest afternoon she’d had in maybe forever.

  Carol led them to the first giraffe. “This is Mrs. Santora. She’s the one I’m worried about the most. She’s just not herself lately.”

  Verity nodded and looked into Mrs. Santora’s brown eyes. “You are a beauty, aren’t you?”

  The giraffe stared back, then took a step forward. The barn went silent. Anticipation crackled in the air. Renee desperately hoped her mother would be able to—

  “Oh! That was very clear.” Verity smiled at Carol. “Who is Dave?”

  “Our male giraffe. I left him outside. He can be a little bit of an attention hog.”

  “Mrs. Santora doesn’t like him at all. She wishes you’d stop putting them out together. She finds him annoying and just wants to be with her friends.”

  Carol’s mouth dropped open. “No way! I was thinking of taking her off birth control so she and Dave could mate but first I wanted to see how they got along. That’s why she’s been acting so weird.” She looked at Mrs. Santora. “Is that what it is? I’m sorry. I won’t make you hang out with him if you don’t want to.”

  “Well, I’ll be,” Ed muttered. “That’s amazing.”

  “It is,” Carol said, leading Verity to the second giraffe. “This is Ida. She and Mrs. Santora came together. They’re Millie’s girlfriends, her herd. I just want them to be happy.”

  Verity nodded, then stared at Ida. Once again the barn went silent. Renee watched her mother and saw her lips twitch, as if she were trying to hold in laughter. Verity listened for nearly a minute before looking at Carol.

  “Ida doesn’t have many concerns, except she would like you and the man I’m assuming is your husband to stop having sex in the savanna. She finds it upsetting and not anything she wants to see. You should stay in your own barn for that sort of thing.”

  Carol flushed. “Oh. I didn’t know they could—Um, well, that’s interesting. Let’s go meet Millie. She was our original giraffe. We did some fund-raising to get her a herd so she could have friends.”

  As Carol approached Millie, the giraffe lowered her head over the gate. Carol rubbed her face while Millie nibbled her fingers.

  “You’re a beautiful girl, aren’t you,” Verity said, smiling at Millie. The giraffe looked at her.

  This time there was no laughter. Verity’s expression was intense and their conversation went on for a long time. Finally Verity looked at Carol.

  “Millie is very worried that you’re going to get distracted by your husband and baby and won’t have time for her anymore.”

  “Oh, that would never happen.” Carol looked at Millie. “You’ll always be my girl. You have to know that.”

  “There’s more,” Verity told her. “Millie’s pregnant.”

  Carol stared at the giraffe. Ed walked over and hugged his daughter.

  “Did you hear that?” he asked. “Millie’s pregnant.” He looked at Verity. “We were hoping, but with a giraffe, it’s difficult to tell. Plus the gestation is so long.” He grinned. “We’re going to have a baby.”

  “That’s wonderful.”

  Renee felt as if she couldn’t keep up. There was too much information coming at them too fast. Not liking Dave, Millie worrying about being abandoned, a new giraffe baby.

  She squeezed her mother’s hand. “You’re doing great, Mom.”

  “Yes, it’s fantastic.” Carol hugged her. “Thank you so much. This means the world to me. I’ve been so worried and now I know what to do.”

  “You’re welcome. I’m happy to help. Shall we go see what Dave has to say?”

  “Let’s.”

  Carol paused to give Millie one last pat before taking them outside where Dave stood in a large pen, dining on leaves. Several massive branches had been hoisted up and hooked onto a pole that was just the right height for him. As they approached his pen, he glanced at them before strolling over.

  “He’s quite the handsome man,” Verity said.

  Carol laughed. “Dave has some attitude, that’s for sure. I’m curious as to what he’s concerned about. He doesn’t seem to have any problems in his life.”

  “Men are simple creatures,” Ed said with a laugh. “I’ll be the first to admit it.”

  Verity and Dave established eye contact. It was only for a couple of seconds, then Dave turned and walked away.

  Carol glanced at Verity. “Anything?”

  “He would like more of something called a leafeater treat. That was it. He was fairly insistent.”

  Carol laughed. “They’re like giraffe cookies and Dave loves them. I’m not surprised he wants m
ore.” She spun in a circle. “I’m so relieved. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

  “You were incredible,” Ed said. “This has been a big help. If I promise not to make you talk to any other residents, would you like to take a tour of the grounds?”

  The question surprised Renee, as did her mother’s response, “I’d like that a lot, but I’m afraid I came with my daughter and I would guess she has to get back to work.”

  “I can take you where you need to go when we’re done,” Ed said, as he smiled at Renee. “If that’s all right with you.”

  “Of course.” Renee hugged her mother. “Have fun on the tour. It’s a wonderful place.”

  “I can see that.”

  “I’ll walk you out,” Carol said.

  They returned along the same path they’d taken on the way in.

  “Thank you for loaning me your mom. I’m relieved and happy and excited to know what my giraffes are thinking. I can’t believe Millie’s pregnant. I hate that she’s been worried about me not being there for her. I’ll take extra time with her. Maybe I should bring Devon out to meet her. Do you think that would comfort her or make her jealous?”

  “I have no idea. Sorry.”

  Carol grinned. “That’s okay. Giraffes aren’t your thing the way they’re mine. I wonder if there’s any research on the topic. I’ll have to go online and see.”

  Renee was more caught up in the total acceptance of her mom’s ability and the fact that Carol believed everything she said. It hadn’t ever been like this before. Not that she’d had many friends who’d needed help with their giraffes.

  “I’m glad she could help,” she murmured as they approached her car.

  “More than helped. I can’t wait to see her show. It’s going to be amazing.” Carol hugged her. “Thank you again. You’re the best.”

  “I didn’t do anything, but sure, thank me all you want.”

  They both laughed. Renee headed back to work, happy about what had happened and just a little confused about how easily her mother was fitting in. Maybe she’d been worried for nothing. Maybe it was all going to be just fine.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  “ARE YOU SURE?” Verity asked for the third time as she set a stack of plates on the long table next to a cafeteria-size takeout container of enchiladas. “You’re sweet to invite me, but this is your life. I don’t want to interfere.”

  Not that long ago, Renee would rather have had a root canal than invite her mother to hang out with her friends, but ever since the “giraffe incident” as she thought of it, Renee had found herself much more relaxed when it came to her mother. Maybe she’d just needed a few positive experiences to put things in perspective.

  “You’re only in town a few weeks,” she said. “Once the show starts, you’re going to be wildly busy and I’ll never get to see you. The girlfriend lunches are a big part of my life. Of course I want you here.”

  “Thank you, sweetie. I appreciate that. So how often do you have these lunches?”

  “Mostly every week. We rotate through the locations.” Renee smiled. “When it’s Carol’s turn and the weather is nice, we eat out with the animals.”

  “Did that bother you?”

  “At first. They got a little close but I never heard their thoughts.” Something for which she would always be grateful. “When it’s my turn or Pallas’s turn, we eat here, at Weddings Out of the Box. Whoever is hosting provides an entrée. Everyone else brings what they want.”

  Renee and Pallas had already set up a long table with enough chairs in the shade. There were pitchers of iced tea, along with lemonade.

  Pallas walked in a few minutes before noon. She set down a nine-by-thirteen casserole dish and waved a large bag of tortilla chips.

  “To complement your enchiladas,” she said. “Seven-layer bean dip. We are going to party today.” Pallas smiled at Verity. “I’m so excited you’re going to join us. This is fun.”

  “Thank you for letting me participate.”

  Wynn and Bethany walked in together. Renee made introductions all around, then poured drinks for everyone.

  “I heard what happened with Carol,” Bethany said. “It’s so great how you were able to help her.” She paused. “Cade and I have some horses we’re concerned about. We have a horse ranch. Do you think you could come talk to them or am I asking too much?”

  “I’d be happy to help if I can,” Verity said easily. “I get along well with horses.”

  “Me, too, and I can usually guess what’s going on, but a little direct communication would be helpful.”

  “You should open a satellite office here in Happily Inc,” Pallas teased. “Verity’s Animal Communication Network—East.”

  They were all laughing when the rest of the women arrived.

  Everyone met Verity and got drinks, then they put food on their plates and settled at the big table. Renee quickly realized she didn’t have to worry about her mother. Wynn sat on one side and Silver sat on the other and she had both of them laughing.

  Carol was next to Renee. She leaned over and lowered her voice. “I hope you’re okay with us stealing your mom like we did.”

  “Of course. She was thrilled to help.”

  “Are you upset—I guess you wouldn’t be anymore—but when you were little, were you upset that you couldn’t do what she does?”

  “What?”

  “Her gift or whatever you call it. You don’t have it. That must have made you sad.”

  Something Renee had never considered. She hadn’t wanted what her mother had, she hadn’t wanted her mother to have it. But Carol’s perspective was totally different. Not just because she hadn’t lived through what Renee had, but because she had a practical application for the information.

  “I wasn’t sad,” Renee told her, not sure what else to say.

  “So Hunter’s getting interested in girls,” Wynn announced, drawing everyone’s attention. “I can’t believe it. He’s only thirteen. I thought I had a couple of years left until I had to deal with that.”

  “Thirteen.” Pallas looked shocked. “Don’t tell me that. I don’t want to have to deal with Ryan and girls for a while yet.”

  “He’s barely six months old,” Silver reminded her. “You have a ways to go.”

  “But still.” Pallas sighed. “My baby.”

  “What did you do?” Renee asked. “Talk about it with him or lock him in his room?”

  “I wish I could lock him in his room, but they frown on that now.” Wynn grinned. “I told him to talk to Jasper.”

  Everyone burst out laughing. Renee chuckled as she thought of what she would guess was a serious case of panic on Jasper’s part.

  “I have an announcement,” Bethany said. “I told my parents I’m pregnant.”

  “Good for you.”

  “Yikes, how did it go?”

  “Oh, no. Poor you.”

  Verity glanced around the table. “I’m confused. Why wouldn’t you tell your parents? Don’t they want grandchildren?”

  “Oh, they want them. There was shrieking and tears and a thousand questions about my health, and that’s just from my dad.”

  “Bethany comes from an unusual family,” Pallas told Verity. “How should I put this...”

  “Oh, you’re the royal one,” Verity said. “Did I get that right?”

  Bethany sighed. “You did. My dad is the king of El Bahar. Technically he’s my stepfather, but he adopted me and I’m the only daughter and my brothers are much younger, so it’s a lot of pressure. I wanted to tell them because they’re my parents and I didn’t want to tell them because he’s going to be overprotective and make my life a nightmare.”

  “Ah, I see. He loves his little girl.” Verity nodded. “That’s lovely.”

  “You say that now, but you’re not the one who’s going to have fifteen bodyguards
and a cadre of servants making sure I don’t fall, trip or otherwise injure my delicate self and his very first grandchild.”

  “It’s tough being royal,” Silver said. “Bethany, be brave and endure the pain.”

  “Bite me.”

  They all laughed again. Conversation shifted to different topics. Renee enjoyed the time with her friends and appreciated how easily her mother fit in. She couldn’t help wondering how everything would have been different if her mother wasn’t...special. In some ways, a lot of ways, life would have been easier. But Verity’s ability made her who she was and Renee knew that whatever happened, she wouldn’t want her mother to change for anyone. Not even for Renee herself.

  * * *

  JASPER HAD NO idea what Verity wanted, but she’d sounded upset on the phone. He drove to town and met her in the lobby of the Sweet Dreams Inn.

  She was pacing anxiously when he walked in and immediately hurried over to him.

  “Thank you for coming. Something’s happened and I just don’t know what to do.”

  Jasper had just texted with Renee a couple of hours before so he knew she was fine. He led Verity to a quiet area of the lobby and pulled a chair close to hers.

  “Tell me what’s going on.”

  She bit her lower lip. “Odele, my producer, called. They’ve been brainstorming fun prelaunch ideas for my show. Something that would get the public’s attention and get them interested. Odele wants it a little gimmicky, but not off-putting. I was fine with all that and said she could reach me here if she wanted to talk.”

  Jasper really wanted to hurry her along, but knew it was better to let Verity tell her story in her own way. Eventually she would get to the point.

  “Odele called me this morning,” Verity admitted. “They’ve come up with what they think is a wonderful idea.”

  He waited.

  “A giant dog wedding.”

  Her voice was thick with emotion and he had the horrifying thought that she might cry. How many dogs would there be in a giant dog wedding? Twenty? Fifty? And why did it matter?