“Or she’s old fashioned and waiting for you to make the first move.”
She’d been the one to kiss him, so Bryce didn’t think that was the case. “Dakota seems the type to go after what she wants.”
And from the looks of things, she didn’t want him.
She hadn’t used the F-word—friends—but that appeared to be what they were, but he couldn’t forget her kissing him. He needed to focus on something else. “If the rain lets up, I’ll drive you by your job sites.”
His father perked up. “You can try out your new socks.”
Bryce half-laughed. “Yes, I can.”
“Maybe we could go by the feed store.”
“I don’t need another pair of socks,” he played along.
His father’s eyebrows furrowed. “To see how the adoption event is going.”
“We’ll see how long the rain lasts.” Bryce hoped not long. The dreary weather was affecting his mood.
His dad picked up the remote and turned on the television. “I’m going to see what college football games are on.”
Bryce had been so busy with the animal rescue’s proposal and his dad that he hadn’t been working on his own business. “I’m going to dive back into my proposal so I can have stuff to my assistant on Monday morning.”
“You really want to win that big contract?” his father asked.
“Yes.” Just thinking about winning brought a rush of pride and exhilaration. “It would take my firm to the next level.”
“You’ll be working even harder than you do now.”
“That’s how I pay bills and survive.”
“You still need to live.”
“I do.”
“As fully as you could?”
“I’m trying.”
His father’s eyes clouded “Your mother had so many dreams, but not many came true.”
“Mom was a daydreamer. She liked talking about things rather than actually doing them.”
“Part of the problem was me. If I hadn’t been so focused on work, I could have done more to make her dreams come true.”
“Mom knew how much your business meant to you. She loved you so much and wanted you to be happy. The same with me.” Saying the words brought that funny taste back to his mouth.
“Your mother put our needs ahead of her own. Ahead of her health.”
“That’s the kind of person she was.” Dakota was like that in some ways, but she was working toward her dream of getting animals adopted with her proposals. That made Bryce wonder what other goals she had.
“I should have thought about putting her first. Gone on the trips. Made you come home.”
His throat constricted so tight only a small amount of air seemed to be able to get through. “Having regrets after you lose someone is normal, Dad.”
“Yes, and the holidays coming up don’t help. But what good are the regrets if you don’t do something? Take some sort of action so you don’t have the same ones later?”
Bryce’s jaw tensed. “I wish I could go back and do over so many things with Mom. That’s why I want you to move to Seattle. So we can be closer and spend more time together.”
Time he’d missed with his mom for no other reason than focusing on what he’d wanted at the time—fun with his friends or then-girlfriends—rather than what his mother wanted—a holiday together or a family vacation.
“And that’s the same reason I want you to stay in Marietta.” His father’s gaze bore into Bryce. “The pace is slower than what you’re used to, but you could marry a nice woman like Dakota and raise a family. You could be happy here and have a good life.”
No wonder his dad was playing matchmaker. He wanted Bryce to stay in Marietta, but in spite of his father’s intentions, that wasn’t going to happen. “I have a good life where I am.”
“If you say so.” His dad didn’t sound convinced. “But think about it.”
“I will.” Bryce would. He owed his dad that.
“Think about asking Dakota out, too.”
Bryce laughed. “You’re not going to give up on that one, are you?”
“Nope.”
“I’ll think about that, too.”
But no way did Dakota Parker play into his future. Not the one his father imagined for him in Marietta or the one Bryce saw for himself in Seattle.
*
Sunday morning at the feed store, Dakota tried to keep her nervous energy under wraps. She held Scout on her lap. She placed the bright yellow “Adopt Me” vest on his back, clasped the buckle underneath his belly, and then attached the strap around his chest. A symphony of meows sounded from the cats, but Scout stood still as if he knew what was at stake.
She checked the two buckles to make sure they weren’t too tight or loose. “You’ll find your family soon, little guy.”
Scout stared up at her.
She touched his head. “You are too cute.”
But his eyes seemed those of an old soul, not an almost seven-year-old dog. Maybe that was why Scout had seemed so comfortable with Walt on Friday night. Walt had the same look in his eyes.
Not Bryce. Or maybe that baby blue color mesmerized her so she couldn’t see anything else. He hadn’t stopped by yesterday. She’d half-expected Walt to send him on another errand for a pack of seeds or something, and she’d been disappointed when Bryce hadn’t shown.
Silly. She barely knew him and couldn’t even call him a friend. Guess she was crushing on him.
Veronica, one of today’s volunteers, wore her Whiskers and Paw Pals T-shirt. She secured a blue vest on one of the other dogs up for adoption. “Thank goodness the rain stopped. Do you think the weather affected the turnout yesterday?”
“Hard to say.” Dakota glanced to the double glass doors. Yesterday, they’d been able to see the rain coming down outside, but people had still dropped by. They needed heavier traffic today. “Two dogs and five cats found forever home. I hope drier skies mean more animals will find homes today.”
“I’ve told everyone who’s come into the clinic to come see the animals. So has Kelly.”
“Appreciate that.”
The Cooper Mountain Animal Hospital was a big supporter of Whiskers and Paw Pals. They also were the main medical provider. Dakota hoped word of mouth and social media would be enough to bring in potential adopters.
She crossed her fingers. Not much else she could do at this point, though Lori was being interviewed on a radio program this morning to try to get more publicity for the adoption drive.
Maybe the thought of displaced shelter animals would tug on heartstrings. That was all they had going for them right now. Although, Lori had approved of the changes to the Home for Thanksgiving proposal. She would present the plan to the board of directors as soon as they heard from the benefactor. Unfortunately, no one knew when that would be.
But not knowing didn’t lessen the pressure to find adopters. These fur babies needed homes.
A dog barked—Rascal. This was his first adoption event. Yesterday, he’d been restless. She had a feeling today would be the same.
Other dogs joined in, including Hank, the feed stores’ hound dog who’d been adopted from the rescue two years ago. He was the store’s mascot and appeared in their ads.
Dakota had to laugh. “Looks like the day has begun.”
“It’s going to be a loud one.” Kelly checked the vests and leashes on each dog. “Hey, the boss is here.”
What? Lori was supposed to be doing the radio broadcast.
Dakota glanced toward the door. Sage, the owner of Copper Mountain Chocolates, walked in. She wore jeans, rain boots, and a tan parka. Her long, red hair and golden complexion looked gorgeous as usual.
Sage carried something covered with a large plastic bag. “Good morning.”
“Hey.” Dakota hoped nothing was wrong at the chocolate shop. She handed Scout’s leash to Kelly and walked over to her boss. “I didn’t expect to see you here this morning.”
“Portia mentioned what you’d ta
ken on at the rescue. I want to help.”
“That’s so nice of you.”
Sage pulled out a basket full of small chocolate paws wrapped in cellophane and tied with brightly colored ribbons. “Dawson took the kids to the park yesterday, so I went into the shop to start on holiday items. I had leftover chocolate, so I thought I’d try some new molds before I left.” She handed over the basket. “Rosie and Portia packaged them for me.”
“This is such a surprise.”
Her boss’ generosity brought tears to Dakota’s eyes. Some people wondered why she chose to work at a chocolate shop—part time no less. Working for Sage was a big reason. Another was she loved the job. She didn’t have any frustrations over feeling incompetent or slow to catch on. She didn’t need the money, but the salary covered her meager expenses, and she was free to volunteer as much as she wanted. A fancy title and big paycheck had never been as important to her as being happy and being home.
“They’re adorable,” Dakota added. “Thank you so much.”
“Least I can do after all you do.” Sage looked around. Her eyes widened. “Look at all the animals.”
“I’m hoping many potential adopters show up.”
“Me, too.” Sage smiled warmly. “Give these chocolate paws away or sell them. Whatever you think will best help the animals.
“Will do.” Dakota stared at the paws with gratitude in her heart. Maybe this was a sign today would be awesome. “I hope you have a great day.”
“I hope yours is better. Good luck finding forever homes for the animals.”
As Sage spoke to friends and feed shop customers, Dakota handed the basket to today’s social media person, a young woman named Amie, who’d volunteered the night of the water damage to help out. “Take a picture of the basket and get the word out that we have chocolate paws made by Copper Mountain Chocolates.”
“How much are we selling them for?” Amie asked.
Dakota rubbed her face. Bringing more people to the feed store was the goal today, not fundraising. She hoped Lori agreed. “Free, but mention donations gratefully accepted.”
“I’m on it.”
She glanced at her cell phone. Almost time.
Excitement nearly conquered her nerves. She clapped her hands to get the volunteers’ attention. “Let’s get the dogs in place and show off these wonderful fur babies.”
Please, adopters. Come today.
Rascal kicked off the official event with a series of sharp barks, but Dakota managed to quiet him.
Everyone stared at the door, including the dogs. Waiting. Hoping.
Nerves gave way to panic. Dakota wrung her hands.
Kelly flashed a reassuring smile. “They’ll come.”
Dakota nodded, but her insides twisted.
The door opened, and a family of five walked in.
She blew out a puff of air. Maybe today wouldn’t be a disaster.
People trickled in. Slow at first, but more than yesterday. Whether the sunshine or the free chocolate paws brought them to the feed shop, Dakota didn’t care. Dogs and cats were getting attention from customers, potential adopters, friends, and chocolate lovers. Some people were ready to fill out paperwork to be approved. Others wanted more information and time to decide.
Dakota answered questions. Finding homes was the goal, but only if the combination was a good fit for all involved—humans and animals.
Dogs barked and showed off for people. Some cats put on a show in their crates, but others slept. A typical adoption event, but a solid kick-off—albeit an informal one—could spur the ones that followed.
A man, woman, and three children, ranging in age from six to twelve, approached.
Dakota recognized them from the chocolate shop. The man taught math at the high school. “Hello. Did you get a chocolate paw?”
The woman nodded. “Yes, and we’d like to find out what we have to do to adopt the white poodle named Molly.”
The words filled Dakota with joy. “Molly is a sweetheart. She loves children.”
“We love her,” the youngest, a girl with her hair French braided, said.
The other four nodded.
The anticipation in their eyes matched Dakota’s. She wiggled her toes inside her boots and handed the woman a clipboard. “The first step to Molly joining your family is filling out this form. After that, one of our adoption counselors will review the information with you.”
They did. The entire time the three kids each kept a hand on Molly, and the dog soaked up the attention. After a call was made to the adopter’s veterinary reference, Molly was officially adopted.
Dakota touched the poodle. “Enjoy your new home, beautiful.”
More adoptions followed.
Pixel, a black cat who looked like a miniature panther, was adopted next by a family with two teens who’d lost their fifteen-year-old cat to renal failure two months ago. They’d been pre-approved by the rescue to adopt, but they’d been waiting for the right time. That turned out to be today.
A family fell in love with Bodie, the Patterdale Terrier, and a young couple adopted two cats, the calico Jinx and the gray Crystal.
“It’s going well. The chocolate paws are a big hit.” Kelly stationed herself by the cats, but she kept an eye on the dogs, too. The vet tech watched out for all the animals. “Happy?”
“Yes, but I want more,” Dakota admitted. “Is that wrong?”
“Not wrong. Human.” Kelly smiled. “We’re just getting going. It’ll happen.”
Dakota hoped so.
Bettina Andrews entered the feed shop. A wide smile lit up her face. She was a retired fourth grade teacher and was greeted by former students of all ages. “Where are those chocolate paws I saw on the Internet?”
“Over here, Mrs. Andrews.” Dakota motioned to the table with the basket of chocolates and brochures. “Help yourself.”
Mrs. Andrews took three paws from the basket and put a five-dollar bill in the jar marked donations. “I have two dogs at home, but I want to support the rescue. You do good work.”
“Thank you,” Dakota said to the older woman. “We appreciate your support. This truly is a community effort.”
“Happy to help.” She looked over at the dogs. Her lips parted. “Oh, look at that big yellow one over there.”
Dakota followed the woman’s line of sight. “That’s River Jack. He’s one of our Lonely Heart dogs. Been here a while, but that’s given him more time to lose weight. As you can see, he still has more to go.”
Mrs. Andrews took a step toward the dog and then stopped. She looked back at Dakota. “Is it okay if I pet him?”
“Please feel free. River Jack loves rubs almost as much as he loves food.”
She laughed. “So do I.”
River Jack was on his feet by the time Mrs. Andrews reached him. He nudged her hand with his muzzle, a sign he wanted her to pet him.
Mrs. Andrews sighed. “What a sweetheart. How long has he been at the rescue?”
“Over a year. He was found down by the river. That’s why he’s named River Jack.”
“If he’s been here that long, it means he missed a birthday.”
“Dr. Sullivan estimates River Jack to be seven or eight years old.”
“He’s a handsome fellow.” Her gaze never left the dog. “I only came for the chocolate paws, but…”
River Jack pressed against Mrs. Andrews.
“Oh, dear. You’re a doll, aren’t you?” she said to him. “We’re planning to go to Florida this winter to be with our daughter. I really shouldn’t, but… Oh, I can’t resist his face. Our son, Jonah, will be staying at our house with the dogs. What’s one more?”
Dakota could barely breathe. Finding a home for River Jack—or any of the Lonely Heart animals—would be incredible. “You said you have two dogs.”
“Sweethearts, both of them.” Mrs. Andrews didn’t let go of River Jack. “One is a Beagle and the other is a chow mix who belonged to our younger son.”
River Jac
k got along well with other dogs at the rescue. Dakota wanted to make sure this was a good fit.
“Do you want to have your husband bring your dogs over here, just to make sure everyone gets along?”
That way she could also make sure Mr. Andrews agreed with his wife’s decision to adopt. That sometimes wasn’t the case.
“A wonderful idea. Though I’m sure he’ll say ‘Betts, have you lost your mind?’” Mrs. Andrews beamed. “Kelly over there works at the vet where we go, so she can help with the dog introduction.”
Dakota nodded. “That sounds like a wonderful idea.”
Less than an hour later, River Jack was on his way to the Andrews’ house. Two more cats, Gabby and Sinclair, found families and so did dogs Dobie and Casper.
Dakota couldn’t believe how well the event was going. She rose up on her tiptoes. “Could this day get any better?”
“There’s still plenty of time left to find out.”
Bryce. His voice gave her chills—the good kind.
She turned around and hugged him. His fresh scent surrounded her, and his warm body was furnace hot. “River Jack got adopted.”
He wrapped his arms around her waist. “I have no idea who that is, but if you’re happy, I am, too.”
Oops. Maybe that was a bit too enthusiastic of a greeting.
She let go and stepped back to put distance between them. Immediately, she missed having him so close. “River Jack’s been at the rescue a long time. Too long. Your dad knows all about him.”
“Good for River Jack. And good for you. I’ll tell my dad.”
The event area was packed with people looking at animals. She checked the time. “What are you doing here so early?”
“Willa challenged my dad to a cribbage duel, so he told me I could go. Suggested I stop by here to say hi and lend a hand.”
Dakota laughed.
“Need help with anything?” he asked.
“Yes, please. Rascal’s been barking. He’s having a rough time settling down with so many people and other animals around. Could you please take him outside where it’s quieter?”
Bryce’s face paled.
Oh, right. He wasn’t comfortable with the puppy. “Never mind. I’ll find someone else.”
A Thankful Heart (Love at the Chocolate Shop Book 2) Page 12
