RESCUED

by Lyz Kelley

  Lily climbed up and over, slid down, swung high and low with a rainbow of expressions, all the while telling Custer he was a good boy. She dragged her feet along the sand to slow her swinging movement and tottered toward her parents.

  “Can we keep Cuth-ter?” Her eyes danced with hope.

  Tom looked at Pam, and both nodded at the same time. Lily hugged Custer. The dog blew a breath in her ear. “Wait till you meet my best friend, Mary. She’s nice.”

  Lily walked to Thad and yanked on his jeans. “Mith-ter. Thank you for my dog.”

  Thad knelt down. “If you take good care of him, he’ll be a good friend. Just remember to let him rest. Dogs need to sleep more than we do.”

  Custer came to lie at Lily’s feet, and she tugged on the edge of her navy blue T-shirt which declared “I’m adorable,” written in sequins. She touched Thad’s nose with her finger. “Don’t be sad.”

  Kids saw much more than most people expected. He attempted a smile. “I’m not sad.”

  “Yeth, you are.”

  Maybe he was, but he didn’t want the world to know. He forced his mouth to smile. “I’ll be just fine. Don’t you worry about me. Karly has a whole kennel full of dogs who need a new home. I’ll find another pup to train.”

  She poked at his hand, running her fingers along his scars, rotating his hand to see the other side. “Maybe your new dog can help get you better. Like Cuth-ter. He’ll help me.”

  Kids and animals. They had a gift of seeing what jaded eyes could no longer sense. “Maybe. Or maybe I can train another dog to help someone special, like you.”

  “Momma tells me I’m special all the time.”

  “It must be true, then.”

  She giggled. “C’mon, Cuth-ter. Let’s play.”

  “Hold up a minute. We need to help you learn to talk to Custer. He only knows a few words, and you need to know what they are so he can understand what you want.”

  She giggled and shrugged her shoulders almost to her ears. “Dog’s don’t talk. They bark, silly.”

  “You’re right. They bark, but they also listen and do what you want them to do if you give them the right command. Watch.” Thad held up his hand, and Custer followed his movements. “Up.”

  Custer stood up on his hind legs.

  “Sit.”

  Custer nudged his hand and sat.

  “Good boy.” Thad pulled a treat out of his pocket. “This is his latest trick.” Thad balanced the treat on the dog's nose. “Leave it.” Custer’s eyes never left him, and he started to drool. When a drop of saliva hit the tip of his hiking boot, he smiled. “Okay.”

  With an upward jerk of his muzzle, Custer launched his treat into the air, and less than a second later, it disappeared in one gulp. Lily’s scream and hand claps followed. Custer’s ears went flat, and he nudged Thad’s hand. Thad snapped his fingers, getting Custer’s attention. The dog sat, watching, waiting.

  “Lily, do you want to try?”

  She thrust her pudgy little hand out, palm up, to accept the treat. She lifted her hand to place the treat on Custer’s nose, but it fell into the grass. The dog was the first to reach it.

  Lily moved to wrap her arms around her dad’s legs, and peek at Thad and Custer from behind the wall of safety. “He ate it.” Her lips trembled. “He didn’t wait.”

  Thad dropped into a crouched position and tugged on the hem of her jeans to get her attention. “Yeah, Custer can be stubborn sometimes. I bet he’s just like you. Do you always listen to your mom and dad?”

  “Yesssss.” Lily blinked and pulled inward.

  Tom tapped his daughter’s shoulder. “Lily, is that true? We tell the truth, don’t we?”

  Her blue eyes sought his. “Noooo.”

  Her mouth puckered into a pout.

  A joy tiptoed through his soul, coloring everything happy as it went along. “Custer is still learning. He sometimes has bad days and doesn’t listen. You just have to make sure he practices his commands like you practice your alphabet, every day. You have to promise to practice every day.”

  She twisted the end of her T-shirt around her finger. “Okay.”

  Thad held out his hand, and she gave it a slap. “Are you ready to learn the rest of Custer’s words?”

  “Yaaaahhhhh.” She screamed and jumped up and down, clapping.

  Thad caught a glimpse of Karly. He’d expected to see happiness. What he saw was more in line with regret, maybe sorrow. The interaction with Lily had triggered something raw, and she was doing her cheery best to fake it, but he knew her better.

  He wanted to pull her into his arms and squash the sadness forever, unfortunately now wasn’t the time.

  For the next ten minutes, Thad helped Lily learn Custer’s vocabulary. He repeated the steps over and over. Holding her attention was a challenge, but he managed to coax her along until she got them right. He gave Lily a hug for learning the lessons and stood.

  Oddly enough, his leg didn’t hurt as much as it did most days. “I can’t thank you enough.” Tom held out his hand to Thad.

  “Glad to help.”

  Pam placed a hand on her husband’s shoulder. “We should get going. We have a long drive.”

  “I’ll help you get the kennel and supplies loaded.” Karly wrapped her arm around Pam to provide comfort while the women moved toward the parking lot.

  “When Pam came up with this idea,” Tom lowered his voice to almost a whisper, “I thought she was crazy. Seeing them together, playing…” Tom blinked, and his mouth began to tremble. Red tinted his cheeks while he knuckled away tears. “When she was born, we almost lost her.”

  “And, look at her now.” Thad shifted, shoved his hands into his pockets and rocked back on his heels. “She’s able to move freely, and will have a dog to make sure she doesn’t get in trouble, or maybe it’s the other way around.”

  “Yes. Yes, she’ll have time just to play and be a kid.”

  “Let’s get you on your way.” Thad placed a hand on Tom’s back. Only a few minutes had passed, but Thad connected with this father. He was a good one, unlike his dad. Thad would make sure when Karly had their first, he’d be a good dad.

  Tom held Lily’s hand while they walked to the parking area. Thad could barely comprehend the pain and suffering this father endured while watching his daughter grow and struggle. He hoped he’d been able to help in some small way.

  After a small, tired tantrum, Lily relinquished her hold on Custer and allowed her new best friend to get into his kennel.

  “Drive safely.” Karly stepped back from the Carsons’ driver’s side window.

  Thad raised his hand while the specially equipped vehicle backed out of the parking space. Neither Thad nor Karly moved until the car signaled left and turned toward the interstate.

  “Seeing Lily play with Custer makes me want to have kids.”

  Karly shivered and rubbed her arms. “The insurance check should arrive by the end of the week.”

  “Was this really about the money, or finding me work?”

  “It was about saving animals and children. The look on Lily’s face was priceless.” Karly turned back toward her truck. “It's the reason why I started matching animals and families, there's nothing more satisfying.”

  “What do you say to a juicy hamburger over at Mad Jack’s to celebrate?”

  Karly hesitated. “Not today. I have paperwork.”

  “But you wanted to tell me something.”

  “Oh, that. It can wait.”

  She wanted to have lunch. He could tell, but something stopped her. “You sure?”

  “I’m sure. I’m supposed to help my mother paint one of my brother’s old bedrooms. She wants to redesign the room, and make it an office.”

  He gave her a nudge. “Lunch would be more fun.”

  “I agree. However, I’d be interrogated relentlessly about why I canceled. It’s just easier to go.”

  “Since when have you done the easy?”

  “Since I’ve gotten older and
wiser.” She took a step back. “You go celebrate. You deserve it.”

  It wouldn’t be any fun without you.

  “See you later.” She turned toward her car.

  He walked backward a few steps, watching, waiting for her to turn back.

  She never did.

  Chapter Twelve

  “This isn’t a date. Shop fidgeting. It’s not a date,” Karly mumbled for the fortieth time.

  She opened the door to Mad Jack's bar and walked into the crowded pub. Spotting Mara, she headed toward the stage, but Jenna caught her attention.

  “Karly, you look awesome.” Jenna leaned in for a hug. “Ready for your big date?”

  This town is way too small. “Hey, lady. Looking good yourself.”

  “Where have you been? You haven’t stopped by lately for your double-fudge or pecan nuggets.”

  “You know what running a business is like. Every second of the day gets eaten up with a thousand different things.”

  Jenna reached up to play with Karly’s gold loop earrings. “Love these, and look at you, sporting your skinny jeans, all tight and sexy. And you’re wearing my favorite boots. Very nice.”

  She wiggled her toes in her western ankle boots. “Haven’t worn them in a while.”

  “They’re just the thing you need to wear to get laid.”

  Karly choked. “What did you say?”

  “You heard me. Thad’s in the back looking all scrumptious. Word is you two have some catching up to do. I hope you wore your good undies.”

  “It’s not like that. We’re learning to be friends. That’s all.”

  “Friends. Uh-huh.” Jenna leaned in and lowered her voice. “If he doesn’t have his hands all over you by the end of the night, stop by the bakery tomorrow. I’ll load you up with sympathy treats.”

  “That won’t be necessary, ’cause this isn’t a date.”

  Jenna stepped back with a wave of her hand. “Whatever you say. Either way, you look scrumptious.”

  “Thanks. How is your bakery doing?”

  “Business is booming.” Jenna’s face got that happy puppy look Karly loved. “Grant’s helping with the marketing and running the store, which gives me a lot more time to do the creative stuff.”

  “That’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you.”

  The envy bug sneaked in and nipped her with a sting of jealousy.

  “We should catch up soon. I’ve missed seeing you. You should come over for dinner. Grant is working on a new meat rub for wild game.”

  Jenna’s face reminded her of one of the cupcakes in her cases, teeming with gorgeous, sugary bliss. “That sounds fantastic.”

  Jenna bit her lip and hesitated. “If you want, we can make it a double date.”

  A loneliness choked off her air. Mara, Kym, Ashley, Jenna—all her friends had found their happily ever afters. She couldn’t go there. Fate had mapped out her future. She’d had her one chance at motherhood and blew it. Life wouldn’t include wedded bliss.

  She forced her face into the bogus smile she’d perfected for her mom, and anyone else who suggested matrimony. She couldn’t let anyone see the excruciating pain of never being able to go there. Her dreams to marry, make a home, raise kids, had been obliterated even before she graduated from high school.

  She pushed the searing hurt back. “Let me think about it. If Thad’s busy, can I come alone?”

  Jenna grabbed her hand. “Of course. Any of your friends are welcome.”

  Her friend's sentiment placed a temporary Band-Aid over the wound. “Sounds good.” She turned toward the stage. “I had better wish Mara luck before her set starts.”

  “Yes, of course. See you soon.”

  “Soon.” She reinforced the phony smile and made her way through the tables to the stage.

  “Are you all ready for your set?” Karly scanned the roomful of locals eating appetizers and watching sports reruns. “It looks like you drew a big crowd tonight.”

  Mara pulled her guitar closer to her chest. “Don't say that. I'm already nauseous. I’m good at pretending I’m only singing to a few.”

  “You sing here every week. How can you be nervous?”

  “You get up here and pour your heart and soul into a piece of music, and then have to listen to some stranger criticize your work. There's always one in every crowd.”

  “There must be some ordinance against being mean. You’re Joe’s soft spot. Have him arrest them.”

  “Yeah, like that will happen.”

  Karly leaned back to see around a few bodies. “If I'm not mistaken, that's the sheriff at the end of the bar.”

  “Yeah, he managed to get the night off. Brianne is doing a sleepover at my sister-in-law’s place, so maybe I’ll get lucky tonight. This is our date night. We haven’t been able to have one for awhile.” A smile stretched like sweet taffy across her face. “He showed up a few minutes before Thad. Maybe it’s your lucky night, too.”

  Karly’s stomach did that wonky whirl again while she surveyed the crowd. “Speaking of Thad, I’d better go find him. Jenna said he’s back by the exit.”

  That nervous, jittery feeling made her reach for her phone to have something in her hands to play with. The jitters started soon after her morning coffee, and had lasted all afternoon, especially while she tried on outfit after outfit, none of them creating the casual yet sexy look she wanted to convey. This wasn’t a date, but it didn’t mean she didn’t want to make an impression—remind Thad of what he left behind.

  Mara placed a hand on her forearm. “Would you do me a favor?”

  “Of course. What can I get you?”

  “I’d really like my business partner to have fun tonight. No thinking about work, or the past, or anyone but you. You’re always thinking about taking care of your animals and volunteers and business, and tonight? Tonight I want you to think about yourself.”

  Wow. Didn’t see that coming. “I’ll try.”

  Mara squeezed her arm. “Now go find Thad.”

  Stationing himself next to the exit made sense. He always hated crowds. And people drinking always reminded him of his dad, and made him want to stay out of the way. Karly squeezed Mara’s forearm. “Good call.” Karly leaned in for a quick hug. “Stop being nervous. You’ll be great. I’ll be back in a bit.”

  Passing the pool tables and dartboard lanes, she nodded and waved to friends, but kept going.

  Then her breath stalled.

  There you are.

  He sat very still. Silent. Waiting.

  This is a bad idea. Turn around. Leave.

  Her body wouldn’t listen. He sat in the booth, one arm on the table, the other across the back of the leather booth. His faded blue, long-sleeved T-shirt showed off his muscular chest and arms, and she wasn’t the only woman in the bar who’d noticed. But the look on his face when he saw her said she was the only person who mattered.

  She glanced at the table. “Did you order a drink?”

  “I’m good.”

  His gaze started at her reluctant smile and continued down her lace-trimmed tank, and past her faded jeans. His mouth curved slightly with a knowing smile—he was fully aware she’d dressed for him.

  “Well, I need one.” A petite blonde stopped by their table. “Carrie, would you bring me a shot of the house tequila, and some chicken nachos with a side of guacamole? Oh, and a couple of plates. We’ll share.” She slid into the booth before she lost her nerve.

  “Thad, would you like anything?” Carrie wrote down the order on a pad then looked directly at the gorgeous man.

  Startled, he shook his head. “No. Thanks. Just water for me. It looks like I’ll be driving.”

  Carrie smiled in the notice-me kind of way, and Karly considered yanking on the girl’s ponytail. How rude. Carrie shoved a couple coasters and silverware packs on the table, and dangit if she didn’t lean in just enough for anyone who was looking to get a full view.

  Karly kicked Thad in the shins.

  “What?”

  “
You know what.”

  She slowly unwrapped her napkin, biting back the dozens of things she wanted to say. “One shot of tequila won’t get me drunk.”

  “Isn’t there a song about tequila and clothes falling off?”

  The Joe Nichols song rolled through her head. “Don’t try to be funny. It doesn’t work.”

  His chuckle annoyed her, but only because she wanted to laugh along with him. She studied the crowd, trying to avoid the happy, tingly warmth invading her system.

  “Who was that?” He pointed to the waitress. “How did she know my name?”

  A jealousy spider crawled under the table and started nibbling on her toes. “That’s Carrie Robertson. Judge Robertson’s daughter.”

  “That’s little Carrie? Is she old enough to be serving liquor?”

  “She just turned twenty-two last month.”

  “Really? I never thought I’d say this, but even the cheerleaders look young.” The jumbo screen reporting sports highlights caught his attention, but only briefly.

  “You and I are the same age.” Karly’s statement drew his gaze. “Do I look old to you?”

  “No. You look like a four-layer cake. Scrumptious. Edible. Too much to eat in one go. You need to be savored.”

  A slow, erotic heat rolled up her legs and ignited a fire in her belly. She hadn’t been fishing for compliments, but doubted any guy on the planet could top that one.

  Not knowing what to say or think or do, she ignored him and started to climb out of the booth.

  “Don’t go. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

  She chided herself for giving him mixed signals, and being so wishy-washy. It had been a long time since she’d felt comfortable with anyone. He fit her like a nice, comfortably worn pair of jeans—snug in all the right places.

  But she could never give him a family. Kids. He wanted children. Always had. But did he still? She wanted to ask. Wanted to tell him. But why? It wasn’t like they were going to get married. Heck, she didn’t even fully trust he wouldn’t leave again. “I don’t know what to do around you anymore.”

  “It’s that baggage thing again, isn’t it? I still think we should have a garage sale, sell the whole lot for a buck. It isn’t doing either one of us any good.”