A Thankful Heart (Love at the Chocolate Shop Book 2)

by Melissa McClone

  Rascal wouldn’t be lonely. He much preferred being with others.

  Dakota’s heart pounded like a bass drum. She should be ecstatic about Rascal finding a home, but a part of her was so sad at the thought of her handsome, silly boy going away.

  Ridiculous.

  Getting Rascal adopted was the goal. Nothing else.

  He wasn’t here to make her feel better. He deserved a family of his own. “Any kids?”

  “Not yet.”

  That meant there could be someday. “If Rascal is adopted…”

  “We reach our goal.” Lori finished the sentence for her. “But we aren’t loosening our adoption criteria to get the donation. This has to be the right fit for Rascal and the adopter.”

  “I agree, especially since he needs more obedience training.” Dakota bit her lip. “Is it a good fit?”

  “Yes. I believe it’s a perfect fit for him.”

  Air didn’t want to go into her lungs. She forced herself to take a deep breath.

  Lori’s gaze traveled from Rascal to Dakota. “I’m sorry for not supporting your original Home for the Holidays proposal. You weren’t being too optimistic. I see now you had a plan to implement—all the steps just weren’t on the page.”

  “I was told less isn’t always better.”

  Lori nodded. “After being in animal rescue for so long, it’s easy to see everything that’s wrong with the system and be blinded to the possibilities of what could turn out right.”

  “I understand.” Dakota couldn’t imagine what Lori dealt with as the director. She had to oversee everything—animals, facility, staff, volunteers, and a budget. “You have a difficult job.”

  “We all do here, including volunteers like you. I know the time you put into each animal that comes through the doors.” Lori’s gaze softened. “Thank you.”

  The director didn’t offer praise often, and this was more than Dakota had ever expected. “So do you have any idea who the mysterious benefactor is?”

  “No, but his lawyer has an office in Bozeman.”

  “That doesn’t tell us much.”

  “No.”

  Maybe the person would come forward when they presented the donation. Dakota stared at the dog. “So about Rascal? How will we approve his out-of-state adopter?”

  “This is a personal acquaintance. I’ll handle the details since you have to work at the chocolate shop today.”

  “Thanks.” She placed her hand on Rascal, who leaned against her leg. He was such a sweetie. “When will he go to his new home?”

  “Tonight.”

  Her mouth gaped. “That soon?”

  “Tomorrow’s Thanksgiving. The adopter will be having dinner with family, but I don’t want you to have to come in on a holiday.”

  Not that Dakota had any plans. She’d spend turkey day alone. She’d turned down three dinner invites. She didn’t want to be a downer on the holiday.

  And now she’d be missing Rascal, too. The way he lumbered through the house and knocked things over when he bumped into the coffee table or nightstand. The way he exuberantly welcomed her home whether she was coming from the chocolate shop or the mailbox out front.

  “Should I leave him here today?”

  “Take him home,” Lori said. “Come back with him after you get off work. You can meet his adopter.”

  “Sounds great.” Dakota tried to muster her excitement. She tamped down the urge to submit her own application for the puppy. “There are a few things I want them to know about Rascal. I can add notes to his folder, too.”

  “Whatever you think is best.”

  Dakota wasn’t sure what was best right now. She kept her hand on Rascal. “We did it.”

  “We did. Thanks to your hard work.” Lori grinned. “Congratulations.”

  So why didn’t Dakota feel happier? Or want to celebrate?

  She hugged Rascal and didn’t want to let go.

  *

  After work, Dakota ignored her heavy heart and brought Rascal back to the rescue. She’d packed his food, treats, and favorite toys. She’d washed everything, but some items had seen better days. Still, they were familiar to him and might help him adjust easier.

  The dog trotted next to her left side. The same as he usually did. He only pulled ahead of her occasionally. “You’re doing so much better.”

  He rubbed against her, more like a cat than a large dog.

  She scratched behind his ear. “I’m going to miss you.”

  Her throat burned, and her eyes stung.

  Focus on what was best for Rascal.

  She would cry later, when she added the final note to his page in her binder of the animals she’d fostered over the past six years. Some stayed at her house for a brief time, others for months, some until their time on earth ended. No matter if they were puppies or kitties, middle aged, or seniors, all were her “kiddos.” She loved them—pouring her heart into each one no matter the length of time they’d lived with her. She wanted only what was best for her fosters, but here, now, she wished Rascal wasn’t going to a new home. She wanted him to stay with her.

  “I’m being selfish,” she told him. “You’ll be happy wherever you are and whomever you’re with.”

  “I hope that’s true.”

  The sound of Bryce’s voice sent chills down her spine. She clutched the leash in her hand. “What are you doing here?”

  “Picking up my new dog.”

  She gasped. “You’re adopting Rascal?”

  “You were right. The beast isn’t so bad.”

  As if on cue, Rascal pulled her toward him. The dog didn’t rear up, but he rubbed his muzzle against Bryce’s leg.

  “He seems to like you,” she said.

  “What about you?”

  Bryce’s words stopped her cold. She had no idea why he was asking after what he’d accused her of. She raised her chin. “Does it matter after the way you spoke to me? The things you said?”

  “I was a jerk.”

  “Yes, though I’m not sure I’d use a past tense verb if I were you.”

  “I deserve that. I sure don’t deserve you.” He took a step toward her, much to Rascal’s delight and Dakota’s dismay. “I was…am…an idiot. I hope you can forgive me for being, as my dad would call it, a total fool.”

  She hadn’t expected this and wasn’t sure what to say. “What made you act foolish?”

  “Over a decade of guilt that only worsened when my mom died…and you.”

  Dakota drew back. “Me?”

  “I came to this small town in Montana with one goal in mind. To take my father back to Seattle with me. Then I met you. You came bearing chocolate and dogs and had the most incredible smile I’ve ever seen.”

  Her heart rammed against her chest.

  “You were funny and challenging. A pain and a pleasure. And somewhere between trying to find animals homes and sneaking kisses while the dogs weren’t looking, I fell for you. Fell hard.”

  She sucked in a breath.

  “All I’ve wanted since I arrived was to go home to Seattle. I thought I was doing us both a favor by acting like such an ass, but I realized after you told me goodbye, rightfully so, that I was home. This big-city boy is ready to give small-town living a try.”

  She opened her mouth to reply, but no words came out.

  “I figured I needed a dog, and what better dog than one who needs as much work on manners as I do? Maybe we can learn from each other. Or find someone who can help us both. But I’m skipping the cowboy boots. Too uncomfortable. And not my style.”

  Her heart stumbled. His words brought a rush of emotions—from shock to anticipation to uncertainty to fear. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “Good. I was worried you were going to tell me the boots are a deal breaker.”

  Now she was confused. “Deal?”

  He held her free hand. “Do you know why Marietta is home?”

  She swallowed around the lump in her throat. “Because your father lives here.”


  “Not just my dad.” Bryce gazed into her eyes. “My family. My dad, Scout, Pierre, Rascal, and…you. If you’ll have us. Me. I love you.”

  Dakota’s knees went week. Until she remembered what he’d said to her. “The things you accused me of…it hurt…hurts.”

  “I know. And I am sorry. I was out of my head, acting crazy, not sure what to do or say. Like the times before, I let my emotions take over. Everything I said came out wrong. I knew what was happening at the time, but I believed walking away like that was better than a drawn-out goodbye would be when it was time for me to leave. If I could do it all over again differently, I would. I love you, Dakota. I really do. I’m ready to spend a lifetime showing you how much you mean to me.”

  Forget chocolate. Nothing could be as swoon-worthy as this.

  But could she trust his words? Trust him?

  “Still speechless?” he asked.

  Dakota nodded. She wanted to jump into his arms but couldn’t. “And afraid.”

  He raised her hand to his lips. “I don’t ever want to hurt you again.”

  A shiver ran through her. She wanted to believe him. “The thing is I’ve fallen for false promises and careless declarations of love before. I’m not sure I’m ready to take another chance.”

  Playing it safe sounded really good to her and her heart. But the thought of losing Bryce threatened to rip her apart.

  “I get it.”

  Did he? She wished he knew.

  “Remember when I told you I never freak out?” he asked.

  “You said except on extremely rare occasions.”

  “This was one of those occasions. A big one because of how much you mean to me.” He caressed her face with the edge of his fingertip. “We haven’t known each other long, and I hurt you. More than once. That was wrong of me. But I know this. I love you, Dakota Parker. I love how you do so much for everyone, friend or stranger, and for every animal who crosses your path. You put others first and that has ended up causing you pain. I can’t promise that I won’t screw up again. I probably will, but my feelings for you won’t change. I want to put you first, to give you all the love you pour out to others, to help make your dreams come true. If you can see in your heart to forgive me yet again and let me have another chance.”

  Thinking about what might happen scared her. He’d hurt her, and her heart could easily be broken again, but the alternative—a life without Bryce—frightened her more. Because…she loved him.

  Dakota took a breath. And another. “You can have another chance.”

  “Say that again.”

  “I’ll give you another chance, but don’t screw up.” She said the words so loudly Rascal barked. That broke the tension, and she laughed. Time to take her own leap and risk it all. “Somewhere through all of this, I fell in love with you, too. I realized I’ve been using the animals to fill what was missing in my life. The chocolate, too. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. I can have balance in my life. I can take the time to fix up my house. I can…love.”

  They were both learning from each other.

  He kissed her. A kiss full of longing and love. She couldn’t get enough.

  Dakota leaned against him. She soaked up the warmth and feel of him. He wasn’t a perfect man, but he was special and the right man for her.

  Rascal nudged between them.

  Bryce laughed. “You’re going to have to work with Rascal on this.”

  “Not me. Us.”

  “Us. I like the sound of that.” With one hand on Rascal’s head, Bryce kissed her again.

  Epilogue

  Dinner at the Graff Hotel was the best Thanksgiving dinner Bryce had eaten in years. Not only was his stomach full, but his heart was, too. He sat on his father’s couch with Dakota next to him and Rascal at his feet. “The food at the Graff rivals the best meals I’ve had in Seattle.”

  Dakota shook her head. She looked at his dad. “Does he always compare everything to Seattle?”

  “Yep.” His father sat in his recliner with Pierre on his shoulder and Scout at his side. The three looked like a cozy trio. “We’ll have to deprogram him when he returns with all his stuff. We’re also going to have to get him to stop dressing like a city slicker who’s only here for a visit.”

  Holding back laughter, Bryce feigned annoyance. “I can hear you.”

  “Good,” his father replied. “Might motivate you to buy some new clothes.”

  “A pair of Wranglers, at least,” Dakota joked.

  Bryce gave her a look. “You said my clothes were nice.”

  “I gave in on you not wearing cowboy boots,” she said. “But jeans and a western shirt won’t kill you.”

  He glanced at her outfit. “Interesting coming from a woman dressed more like a city girl in skinny jeans and ankle boots. Pretty hip for someone living in a small town.”

  “The boots belong to Portia.”

  Figures, but Dakota looked hot in them. Though he’d say the same thing if she were in a pair sweats, a hoodie, and flip-flops. “What about the skinny jeans?”

  She raised her chin. “Those are mine, but women all over wear them.”

  “Not as well as you do, my dear,” his father said.

  “Thank you, Walt.” Her mouth slanted into a wry grin. “I see how Bryce became such a charmer.”

  Walt nodded. “Takes after his old man.”

  These two, along with the three animals, were going to keep Bryce on his toes. He didn’t mind one bit.

  “I’m ready for a nap.” His dad pulled the lever so he was more horizontal. “I’ll just rest here with my new friends.”

  More like fur-covered kids, but Bryce wasn’t going to say anything. He couldn’t when Rascal followed him around the house like a shadow. Granted, the puppy hadn’t been here long, but the dog had whined so much from his crate last night that Bryce let him sleep on his bed.

  Not that Dakota would know that.

  Still, Rascal seemed to enjoy sleeping with him, and the bedroom wasn’t that worse for the wear in the morning. The dog was smart. In less than twenty-four hours, he’d learned to keep his distance from the man with the casts on his legs.

  Instinct or Dakota’s training?

  Whichever, Bryce was not only pleased but also proud. He also knew the time had come to take the dog out. “Let’s go for a walk with Rascal while my dad naps.”

  She stood. “Sounds great. I’d love to work off calories from dinner.”

  “Holiday calories don’t count.”

  “Tell that to my waistline.”

  Bryce helped Dakota into her jacket, shrugged on his, and grabbed Rascal’s leash.

  The cool air refreshed him after eating so much food, but with each step he took, his nerves increased. He wanted to act cool and calm, as if this was any other Thursday in November, but he could barely breathe.

  He knew something that might help. He laced his gloved hands with Dakota’s.

  The sun hung low in the sky, and the streetlamps hadn’t turned on yet.

  On Main Street, the only place opened was Grey’s Saloon. Music played inside, and two cowboys walked into the bar.

  He looked down the block. “Not much going on around here.”

  “That’s Marietta for you.”

  “I’m getting used to the quiet. I like it,” he said. “It’s peaceful.”

  “Don’t get too used it. The Marietta stroll will be coming up in a couple of weeks, and this street will be jam-packed with people.”

  “I’m looking forward to it.”

  They passed the Copper Mountain Gingerbread and Dessert Factory. A closed sign hung on the door. Thanksgiving desserts, including a pilgrim-inspired gingerbread montage, filled the window.

  “I put a pumpkin pie in your fridge when I came over,” Dakota said.

  “Can’t wait. Though my dad is probably hoping you brought more chocolate.”

  “I did.”

  “Always thinking of others.”

  “I planned on having both myself.”


  That made Bryce laugh. “So what happens now that the rescue is empty?”

  “I’m guessing by tomorrow evening we’ll have new residents.”

  “Bet you can’t wait.”

  “Guilty as charged, but I won’t go overboard with what I do there. I want to spend time with you and Rascal, work on the house, and make sure Walt is doing okay with Scout and Pierre.”

  Bryce liked the sound of that. “I want to keep volunteering at the rescue.”

  “Lori will be happy to hear that. I sure am.”

  The chocolate shop was up ahead. Other than marking every tree they passed, Rascal was relatively well behaved.

  Still a beast, but Rascal was Bryce’s beast, and he loved the pup.

  Dakota stopped in front of the chocolate shop’s window. She stared at the display. “Tomorrow, the turkeys, pilgrim hats, pumpkins, and maple leafs go into the sales basket. We won’t see them for another year.”

  He placed his arm around her. “A year isn’t that long.”

  Especially considering how fast November had been going by.

  “I suppose not.” She glanced at the dog. “Rascal will still be considered a puppy.”

  “I bet you’ll be saying the same thing when he’s twelve.”

  Dakota’s brows drew together. Her lips parted, but she didn’t say anything.

  This seemed like the right time for what Bryce had been planning since yesterday.

  “You love the chocolate shop and Rascal, so I thought here would be the perfect place to give you this.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring box. “I know you’ve had issues with men in the past, and I don’t want you to have any doubts about my intentions. I’m here to stay. In Marietta. And with you.

  “I love you, Dakota, and I want to be with you forever.” He opened the box. A piece of paper was inside. “But after what I’ve put you through, I want you to take your time and not feel pushed into something. I designed a ring for you. When you’re ready, I’ll have it made. No rush.”

  She unfolded the piece of paper. Her eyes squinted, and then her mouth formed a perfect O. “That looks like a paw. It’s perfect.”

  “Seemed fitting for us.” He looked at Rascal, who was facing the opposite direction. Of course the dog was. Bryce laughed. “Maybe by the time you’re ready for this next step, Rascal won’t think I’m playing if I go down on one knee.”