“Oh.” Thorn looked happier, almost relieved. “I’m sure if I talk to the curator, we could arrange something. I’m certain we could add in a private tour of the museum as a lot. I’d happily give the tour and perhaps we could visit the basement and show off some of the exhibits that are stored there.”
“That’s very generous of you,” Ronni said, finding her voice.
“Not at all. You do a great job, it takes hard work and determination to look after all those animals.” His expression darkened once more. “It must be tough seeing some of the things you see.”
Ronni pressed her lips together and nodded. “It is. But it’s also very rewarding.” She thought back to the lady at the museum reception. “Taking in animals in need and nursing them back to health is something I enjoy. I wish I didn’t have to do the job, of course.” She took a deep breath to clear her head. “And then watching pets go to new owners and seeing them happy together. I think I’m blessed.”
“I can see how much you enjoy it.” Thorn patted Lucas on the arm. “You two are well suited.”
“We are.” Lucas slipped his arm around Ronni’s shoulders. “And I am about to adopt a dog named Jessie from the shelter. So I’m doubly blessed.”
“You are.” Thorn’s expression altered. “You know, that’s a great idea. Kids need a puppy to grow up alongside.”
“Are you sure Emilia will want a puppy?” Lucas asked.
“You might be right. She does have a thing for cats, though. I think it’s because they are more aloof.” Thorn shook his head.
“Then come on over to the animal shelter,” Ronni suggested. “If we don’t raise the money, we’re going to need to find a lot of homes for the animals.”
Thorn studied Ronni for a moment and she wanted to pull her jacket tight around her neck and shield herself from his scrutiny. “You’ll do it. You have that kind of drive and determination. And the support of the town.”
“We do. It’s amazing how many people have been so generous,” Ronni looked up at the ceiling once more. “So do you think we could hold the auction here?”
“I’ll go and find the curator and ask him. It might have to go before the museum board, but George and I will vote for you and I’m sure we can persuade a few of the others to vote in favor of such a good cause.” He took a couple of steps away from them. “In fact, I’ll go grab George now and we can tackle the curator together. I’ll call you as soon as we have an answer.”
“Thanks, Thorn.” Lucas watched Thorn as he left the gallery. “So what do we do now?”
“Well, we could always go and collect your new dog and take her for a walk.” Ronni linked arms with Lucas. “I think some fresh air might do us all good. My mind is a whirlwind of thoughts and ideas and I need them to settle down if I’m going to be productive.”
“Wait, my new dog. You mean you officially approve of me?” Lucas asked.
“I do.” She gave a short nod of her head and then blushed. She really would love to say those words to Lucas at a wedding ceremony so the whole world would know they belonged together forever.
One day, her bear reassured her.
One day soon, Ronni replied.
Chapter Twelve – Lucas
Lucas and Ronni arrived at the animal sanctuary, via a quick stop at the Bear Creek Bakery, where they purchased some delicious sandwiches and cakes. They planned to make the most of the fine weather and take Jessie for a run in the wooded area next to the sanctuary. Ronni’s description of the ancient trees now bare of leaves, where spring flowers would soon bloom after the winter snow, had conjured up an image of a magical place where even the most nervous of dogs at the sanctuary could run free each day.
Not that Lucas cared where they ate, as long as they were together.
That included Jessie. She was officially part of the family now and he couldn’t wait to take her home. Although that wouldn’t be until tomorrow since he would have to go out and buy her a bed and toys, and food, of course. He smiled to himself. His life was changing, in ways he could only have hoped for. The days of wondering if he would ever have a family of his own were behind him.
A surge of happiness filled his heart. “Shall we go get Jessie?”
“Sure, I’ll just poke my head into reception and check in with Sian then we can go and get her.” Ronni kissed his cheek and then slipped away from him. Lucas watched her get out of the truck, she was so full of life, so full of enthusiasm. He gathered their picnic supplies and jumped out of the truck, a spring in his step and a lightness in his heart.
This was a good day. The first of many. He could feel it in his blood that thrummed in his veins, stirring a primal need to provide for his mate. But how?
While he waited for Ronni, Lucas turned his attention to the buildings that made up the core of the animal shelter. This was where she needed the most help. Most of the buildings were in a good state of repair, however, there was a piece of gutter missing off one of the barns and a few of the slates on the roof of a small building immediately in front of him needed attention. Tomorrow, he would bring his tools and start on some of the repairs.
Why not wait until after the auction? his bear asked. If someone else buys the land, the repairs would have been for nothing.
No one else is going to buy the land, Lucas replied. We will raise the money we need. And making the repairs is my way of showing Ronni I believe in her and what she’s trying to achieve.
His bear understood completely. Do you think Jessie will like me? his bear asked, changing the subject completely. Or are you the only side of us that she’ll befriend?
Jessie seems to be a sensible, loving dog, I doubt she’ll freak out at meeting a bear. Not when she finds out how soft and cuddly you are.
His bear gnashed his teeth and then opened his mouth, roaring loudly in Lucas’s head. I am not soft and cuddly.
Lucas chuckled as the reception door opened and Ronni came out. “Let’s go get Jessie.” Ronni frowned at Lucas. “You have a strange smile on your face.”
“My bear wanted to know if Jessie will like him. I suppose I’d never considered if Jessie will get freaked out by him,” Lucas followed Ronni around to the gate which she unlocked and then opened just wide enough for the two of them to slip inside. Immediately there was a chorus of dogs barking and plenty of tails wagging. “They know you’re here.”
“I love them all.” Ronni cast a glance around the kennels. “But I wish they all had homes of their own. I really do.”
Lucas placed his hand on her arm. “Hey, you never know, the publicity over the auction and saving the sanctuary might encourage more people to come forward and adopt a pet.”
“I would love that to happen.” Ronni went to Jessie’s kennel and opened it up. “Hey, girl, want to meet your new owner?”
Jessie lifted her head off her paws. She had slipped back into her depressed state and Lucas couldn’t wait to snap her out of it. “Come on, girl. I’ll even share my sandwich with you.” He patted his thigh and Jessie gave one thump of her tail in reply. “It’s a start.”
Ronni hunkered down next to Jessie and clipped a leash on to her collar. “Let’s go, girl.” Ronni’s enthusiastic tone did the trick and Jessie got up off her bed and followed Lucas and Ronni outside. A pang of guilt hit him when he saw all the other dogs watching them eagerly.
“You’re right, they all need homes.” He gave her a sad smile.
“They do. But one step at a time and today it’s Jessie’s turn.” Ronni handed the leash over to him. “There you go, she’s all yours.”
Lucas felt an incredible sense of responsibility when he accepted Jessie from Ronni. Even though Jessie would eventually be living with both of them, for now, she was his. “You know, I always wanted a dog when I was growing up.” He leaned down and stroked Jessie’s silky ears. “But there was never enough time. Chance Heights Activity Center was in its infancy and Nana’s time was stretched too thin while we were at school.”
“Your dream has c
ome true now, though. Jessie is yours. She’ll look after you just as you have to look after her.” Ronni led them away from the kennels, then closed the gate behind them. “This way. There’s a good place to sit a little way up the hill.”
Lucas followed Ronni while Jessie walked by his side. Now that she was out of her kennel she was taking more notice of her surroundings. “She seems like a different dog already.”
“She’s doing great,” Ronni told him. “This is the first time she’s seemed alert when she’s outside. The first couple of days she was here she didn’t even want to leave her kennel. I can’t imagine what she must be going through. I can’t imagine losing my family.” Ronni looked shocked at her own words. “Sorry, that just came out. I never thought...”
“It’s okay, and you are right. Losing your family, or even part of your family is terrible. Just terrible. If my adopting Jessie makes that easier for her then I’m more than happy to do it. In the same way Nana adopted us.” He bent down and rubbed Jessie’s ears. “One day soon we will have kids of our own, too, and you can look after them and love them, Jessie.”
The yellow Lab looked up at him with her brown soulful eyes. The look they shared was one of two beings who understood each other. If Lucas didn’t know better, he might even think Jessie was a shifter, her level of understanding was so deep.
They entered the woodland through a small gate which Ronni held open for them and then shut it securely behind them. “Until you are confident she’ll come back when you call, make sure you only let her off the leash in confined places. Remember, this is all new to her. You are new to her.”
“Sounds like you and me,” Lucas joked.
“Yes, it does. We have a deep understanding of just what Jessie is going through. Which means we should be able to make it easier for her.” Ronni waited while Lucas unclipped Jessie’s leash.
“Go on, girl. Have a run.” He rubbed Jessie behind the ears.
“Jessie gets all the attention,” Ronni complained but her expression showed him just how happy she was to see Jessie emerging from her depressed state.
“There’s plenty of me to go around.” Lucas held his arms out and Ronni ducked under his left arm.
“Let’s go eat, I’m starving. Although you have to remember you promised Jessie some of your sandwich,” Ronni reminded him as she guided him deeper into the wooded area.
“Once she turns those big brown eyes on me, I’ll be lost. I’ll give her all of my sandwich.” Lucas spotted a fallen down tree trunk, the light shone through the trees, it was the perfect place to sit and eat.
“Will you spoil our children in the same way?” Ronni asked as if talking about them having children was as natural as the sun rising in the morning.
“I expect so.” He sat down next to Ronni on the tree trunk. “I’d spoil you the same way, too, but I doubt you’ll let me.”
“I doubt it, too. I’m not exactly used to anyone spoiling me. Even as a kid.” She handed him his sandwich. “The only thing my parents overindulged us all in was love.” She winced and added, “Sorry.”
He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. “Don’t apologize. I love that you had a happy childhood and parents who loved you. It would hurt like hell to think you had an unhappy childhood.”
“Oh, it was very happy. I think having brothers and sisters was the best part.” Ronni gazed up at the mountains in the distance. “We had the best fun. I can’t wait for our children to grow up here under the watchful gaze of the mountain.”
“Me, too.” He watched as Jessie came toward them, tail wagging. “Surrounded by the mountains and the animals, there can be no more perfect a place.”
“You wouldn’t mind living here?” Ronni asked. “My work pretty much takes over my life at times. Although I have been thinking that we need a schedule so other volunteers can take over some of the night shifts.” She gave him a goofy smile. “I’m not as good at delegating as I should be.”
“I’ll be on hand to help as much as I can. I can change diapers and feed babies so I’m certain I can handle a few puppies and kittens.” He took her hand and raised it to his lips. “We’ll muddle through. We both have the love and support of our families. And the wider community.”
Ronni took a bite of her sandwich and sighed contentedly. “One thing this whole experience has taught me is how great people are at rallying round when there’s a crisis.”
“Hey, Jessie, what’s this?” Lucas picked up a stick and threw it for Jessie. She happily ran to retrieve it, her tail wagging as she snuffled in the undergrowth for her prize. “It’s easy to think you’re alone or disconnected from the world. Then the shit hits the fan and you realize that people are there for you. That’s my experience anyway.”
“Just as Nana was there for you guys after your parents died.” Ronni nodded in understanding. “Then you pay it forward.”
“Exactly. So let’s finish our lunch and then get back into doing what you do best and help the animals.” Lucas picked up the stick Jessie had brought back to him and threw it again. Jessie ran after it with her tongue lolling out the side of her mouth and her tail wagging. “She looks so different, so much happier.”
“She does,” Ronni agreed. “That’s why I do the work I do. Not for monetary rewards, but for the wag of a tail, or the brush of affection against my legs. Purring is my most favorite sound in the world.”
“I could purr for you,” Lucas joked. “If you tickle me in just the right place.”
Ronni nearly choked on her sandwich. “I will hold you to that.”
“Promises, promises,” Lucas murmured.
Ronni stroked his thigh and leaned into him. “Thank you.”
“For what?” he asked. A frown spread across his face. “Are you okay?”
Ronni nodded, her eyes misting with tears as she watched Jessie rooting around in the undergrowth. “Despite everything, I’m happy. And hopeful for the future. I know no matter what happens, I’ll have you by my side.”
“Invincible.” Lucas stood up. “We should get to work.” He took his cell phone out of his pocket and glanced down, checking for messages. “I’ll also give Thorn or George a call and see if they have any news on using the museum as a venue.” He breathed in the fresh air and exhaled. “It’s all going to come together, just wait and see. We’ll raise enough money to buy the land. If not, there’s always Carter’s backup plan.”
They walked back through the woods to the gate leading to the parking lot. “I’m so grateful we have a backup plan, but I can’t even begin to think of the logistics of building a new shelter and moving all of the animals.”
Lucas slipped his arm around her shoulder and hugged her close. “Hey, it’s okay. I’m sure we’re going to raise enough money to buy the land. I don’t think there will be many more people interested in it. I mean what else could you do with the buildings?”
“Maybe someone else wants to build a house here. Or a couple of houses.” Ronni stopped, her gaze sweeping over the array of buildings that made up the animal sanctuary. “The shelter began when Kevin’s dad allowed Martha to turn a small group of barns into a kennel for stray dogs. Slowly, more buildings were renovated and added to. Over the years it’s morphed into what it is today.”
“I don’t think anyone who bought the land and made the animals homeless would be very popular in Bear Creek or Bear Bluff,” Lucas said reassuringly. “No one who lived locally would do that.”
“No, they wouldn’t. But a developer from out of town would buy the land, build the houses and then sell them. They wouldn’t care about the bad feeling it generated.” Ronni shrugged. “It probably won’t even come to that.”
“Ronni!” Sian yanked the reception door open and stepped outside.
“What’s wrong?” Ronni asked, hurrying forward.
“We’ve just had a call about some kittens stuck in a storm drain. Out near an old abandoned farm.” Sian looked down at a piece of paper in her hand. “Somewhere called Down
end.” She looked up and shook her head. “Do you know where that is?”
“Yes,” Lucas and Ronni answered in unison.
“I’ll stay here while you go.” Sian looked from Ronni to Lucas and back again.
“Yes.” Ronni lurched forward. “Okay, I’ll take the truck.” She turned to Lucas. “Are you coming, or do you have plans?”
“No, I was going to do some jobs around here, but I’d rather come out and help you.” Lucas followed Ronni as she ran to the truck the animal sanctuary used for rescue and transporting animals. It was only when he pulled open the passenger door and went to climb in that he realized Jessie was still with them.
“She can come, too.” Ronni climbed into the driver’s seat and called to Jessie, who jumped into the truck, barking with excitement. “That’s right, we’re on a rescue mission.”
Jessie settled down on the seat and Lucas climbed in beside her. “Let’s do this.”
Ronni started the engine and drove away from the sanctuary. “It should take us ten minutes to get there.” The urgency in her voice told him how seriously she took the rescue.
“It’ll be okay.” Lucas reached across Jessie and placed his hand on Ronni’s shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
“I hope so. But we don’t know if there’s any water in the storm drain.” She peered up at the sky as if searching for any rain clouds that might threaten the kittens.
“It’s been dry and cold for days,” Lucas reassured her. “But you have more experience than me at this kind of thing.”
She glanced sideways at him. “Kittens are so small it would only take an inch of water or less for them to drown. Plus, with the cold weather, they could die of exposure very quickly without their mother’s warmth.”
Lucas stared out of the window. “We’ll get there on time.”
She gave him a small smile. “I appreciate your confidence.”
“You’re welcome.” He held onto the door as Ronni turned sharply onto a road that led to some old abandoned barns. “This is it, Jessie.” He patted the yellow Lab on the head. “We’re ready.”
Animal Rescue Bear Page 9
