Groomed for Murder (Going to the Dogs)

by Dawson, Zoe

  She would not suffer the absence of the man she loved. She wanted to build a life with him. What would happen is he would say that he could handle it, but the pressures of the job would pull him more and more away from her. It had really been the first time in her life that she’d been selfish, and it hadn’t turned out so well. But she’d been so lonely until Roscoe, then Harper, Callie and Poe. She wasn’t going to be lonely and abandoned. No! Oh, God, he was right. She was more terrified of being abandoned. She was afraid of trusting in him.

  She covered her eyes with her hand and burst into tears. Roscoe sidled up to her. She sobbed for a few minutes and then said, “Come on, boy. Let’s go to bed.”

  It was like old times as he settled at her back and she simply cried herself to sleep.

  She awoke with a start in the morning. Glancing at the clock, she gasped and sat up straight. Where was Roscoe? He should have been bothering her to go out.

  Suddenly, she felt his heavy weight against her, was aware of the utter stillness of him. The quiet was broken by her soft, “No.” But she knew. Slowly she turned toward him, her heart catching so painfully in her chest, she thought it would stop. Tears streamed down her face as she put her hand to his soft, cold muzzle.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Brooke sat next to Callie, her heart so heavy she could barely focus on the book of invitations in front of her. After Roscoe’s passing, it had only taken one phone call and her friends had rushed to take care of her. And she let them.

  The pain was deep inside her and eclipsed everything. It leached away her appetite, her happiness and her strength. Picking up his toys was torture. She couldn’t keep them, except for the first ball she’d ever gotten for him. It was red and old, but she put it by her bedside next to his picture. She was hollowed out and sagging, like a pumpkin after Halloween.

  But the world spun on and Thanksgiving had come and gone. Christmas passed in a daze without her best boy. Tears gathered as she blinked them back.

  “Brooke?”

  She turned to find Drew’s sister standing there. She looked for Drew, but only found disappointment.

  “Hello…Emma, right?”

  “Yes, that’s right. How are you?”

  “I’m all right.”

  “I’m glad that everything worked out for you, Brooke.”

  Brooke nodded. His sister was taking about the trial, but she didn’t feel that everything had worked out for her at all.

  “It was nice to see you. Tell my brother I said, hi.”

  “I’m not with your brother anymore.”

  “Oh, he told you about the calendar thing. I can’t blame you. I was so angry with him I said some harsh, terrible things.”

  “What calendar thing?”

  “The night you were there, I saw your calendar on his desk. I guess he must have snatched it somehow.”

  “Off my counter, the first day we met.”

  “I see. Well, he used me as a cover and insisted that I set up all my appointments to coincide with yours. I was ashamed of him.”

  “Oh, Emma. Cut him some slack. Drew needed the security of that partnership to really feel safe. I don’t think he’s felt safe since your parents died. I simply can’t fault him for that. Don’t let time slip away from you. Let him know that you acted out of disappointment and anger. Life is much too short.”

  Emma’s lips trembled and her eyes filled with tears. “He took on such a burden. He never mentioned mom and dad and was always working. I guess it was his way of dealing with it. Now I realize that.” Tears slipped down her cheeks. “I said some terrible things to him.

  “Then tell him.”

  “I will. Thank you.”

  Brooke turned to find Callie standing there, her eyes glassy. “That was really nice of you. Especially after what happened between you and Drew.”

  Brooke nodded. “Callie, it’s time I also apologized.” When Callie opened her mouth to speak, Brooke held up her hand. “No, please. I was wrong to be mad at you for trying to figure everything out with Owen. I was afraid of losing you. I was used to it and it always hurt. But now, after Roscoe…” she paused, her throat hard with the sudden aching lump. “I realize that it won’t matter if we get married, have babies, raise children. We, all of us, will always be friends forever.”

  Callie wrapped her arms around Brooke. “Yes. We will.” For a moment, they just held on to each other. Finally, Callie said, “How about some lunch? Ian is going to join us. Is that okay?”

  “Of course.”

  At the restaurant, Ian already had a table. He smiled and stood like a gentleman, pulling out and seating each of them.

  They ordered, and the waiter brought food and it was consumed, Ian said, “Brooke, I asked Callie to bring you to lunch for a reason.”

  “Oh, what is it?” She said in a lackluster voice.

  “I had the great luck of meeting these three guys that are amazing investors. Callie told me about Pawlish, and they’re interested in buying a controlling interest in the place. You would retain ten percent.”

  Brooke felt as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. After Roscoe’s passing, she had a very difficult time being around other dogs. She’d even avoided the regular Saturday dog park meetings with her friends. Too many memories of him haunted her.

  “Callie tells me also that you’ve been selling dog treats under the name Bone Appétit.”

  “That’s right,” Callie said. “The sales are through the roof. Brooke can barely keep up with the orders.”

  “They would like to talk to you about franchising it. They would put up an initial investment, but it would be up to you to make it a success.”

  “I don’t know anything about franchises.”

  “Don’t worry. We would help you out with that.”

  “Why are you interested in my businesses?”

  “We’re all dog owners, and, quite frankly, we think we’ll make a boatload of cash. Don’t sell yourself short, Brooke. You’re quite the entrepreneur.”

  Brooke closed her eyes to take it all in. Not only would Pawlish be saved, and all her employees retain their jobs, but she’d also be involved with it. And, her fledgling dog treat business would get a healthy boost. A franchise. She could hardly believe her ears.

  “Should I get the ball rolling?”

  She settled her arm around Callie’s shoulders and hugged her tight. “Yes, I think you should.”

  #

  “Drew?”

  His sister’s voice echoed around his empty apartment and his heart skipped a beat.

  “Emma,” he said coming to the front door. He’d left it open so the movers could come and go easily.

  “You sold the place?”

  “Yes.”

  “Oh, God. I’m so sorry,” she said running into his arms.

  “Emma, don’t cry. I’m the one who’s so sorry for what I did. It was because—”

  “Of your misguided fear. I know.”

  “You know.”

  “Yes, you thought the job was what gave you what you needed, but you’re wrong. What you need you get from the people in your life. I told you. Ben and I are getting married. I’m starting a business, and you made all of that possible. You don’t have to worry about me anymore. If this wedding is a burden…”

  “No, I want to do this for you.”

  “All right. I forgive you for being an idiot. Will you still give me away?”

  Relieved he nodded and pulled her into his arms. “Try to keep me away.” She hugged him back and when he faced her again, her eyes were full of tears.

  “I’m glad to know that you’ve come to your senses.”

  “How did you know all this?”

  “Brooke told me. She told me to forgive you because you were lost.”

  “Brooke? When…”

  “At the invitation store. Remember? You set it up.”

  He nodded. “That’s right. I did.”

  “What else have you done?”

 
“I quit my job and I sold the Mercedes.”

  “Oh, damn. I liked that car. Don’t you think you should have gotten another job before you quit your current one? Then you wouldn’t have had to sell.”

  “I didn’t have to sell, Emma. I chose to. This place was never really home. I didn’t do much to help to make it one. He chuckled. “I did find another job, Emma.”

  “What?”

  “I joined a general practice.”

  “With a specialization in helping people?”

  He laughed and hugged her hard.

  #

  Brooke slid the delicious-smelling pot roast back into the oven. Glancing at the clock, she realized that her friends would be here any moment. New Year’s Day was tomorrow, but New Year’s Eve would be celebrated at her apartment. Just about everything was ready, especially the bacon-wrapped pineapple shrimp she’d made just for Poe. After that, they were making the trek to Times Square and the ball plunge to the New Year.

  When a knock sounded against her door, she ran to it and threw it open. “It’s about time—” The words died in her throat. “Drew.”

  He stood there looking better than any man had a right to look. His blond hair just as curly, his eyes the warmest, greenest, most wonderful eyes she’d ever seen.

  He was carrying a basket tied with a blue bow. Whatever was inside was covered with a blanket with a doggie pattern on it.

  He was smiling, a beautiful, radiant smile filled with a tangible confidence. She heard a squeak, but thought that it must be her imagination.

  “What are you doing here?” she prompted patiently.

  “I’ve spent most of my adult life working hard and being practical. I’ve come to some conclusions after thinking over what you said to me.”

  “What conclusions did you come to?”

  “The first one is that you were right. One hundred percent. I was afraid to change my life. It was known and safe. The partnership symbolized security. But Emma’s grown now. She doesn’t need me to provide anything but love at this point. Oh, and pay the bills for the Plaza.”

  Brooke smiled.

  She said nothing, instinctively knowing he wasn’t done. In the quiet, there was a barely perceptible…whimper?

  She looked down at the basket. But Drew started speaking again and her attention was drawn back to his handsome face.

  “So, I quit my job and took an opening in a general practice where I can share the load and focus on taking cases that I want to take. I always did enjoy litigation. That way, I could have leeway to enjoy dinner with you every night.”

  “Oh, Drew. That is so wonderful.” She reached out and grabbed his shoulder, her hand trailing down his arm.

  “There’s one more thing,” he said, his voice little more than rough smoke. He reached over and fingered the loose tendril of hair that had escaped from her ponytail. “I love you, Brooke, more than anything else in my life.” He brushed the tips of his fingers over her lips, making her breath catch.

  Tears rose effortlessly, riding on the crest of her emotions. She tightened her grip on the solid muscle of his bicep, her small fingers barely making a dent, but enticing him closer anyway.

  Her throat ached as their gazes locked. She saw the truth in his eyes and the profound, deep emotion. It filled her heart to full and overflowing.

  “You were right, too. I was terrified that you would fail me and in the end I would be abandoned. When Roscoe died—”

  He cupped her cheek. “I’m devastated for you, sad my buddy is gone.”

  She nodded. “When he died, I realized that I had to make a change. I was using him as my crutch for all those years. Never really growing. He made me realize I could trust you. I was going to come see you…”

  “Well, now I’m here.”

  This time there was a growl, and when she looked down the basket moved.

  He tilted her chin up. “You’re killing me, Brooke.”

  “Oh, God. Don’t you know? Can’t you feel it when you touch me, when you hold me, when we’re in the same damn room or miles away? I love you, Drew. So much for so long. I thought I’d lost you like I lost Roscoe.”

  “No, you didn’t lose him. He’ll always be with you.”

  He pulled her into his arms, and as he held her some of the pain and loneliness for her beloved bulldog lessened.

  “Will you be my wife, Brooke?”

  She buried her face into his shoulder, overwhelmed by all the joy and hope running rampant through her.

  “I brought an ace in the hole in case you wavered.” He bent down and removed the blanket and her heart skyrocketed. Her brain almost couldn’t contain the cute.

  “We come as a pair. Meet Boxer.”

  “Oh, my God, Drew. He’s beautiful.”

  Inside the basket sat an almost fully white bulldog puppy, except for the black ring encircling his eye. Around his neck was a gorgeous square cut diamond. A card was attached to the collar as well. It read: From Santa to Brooke.”

  Her eyes met the pup’s and tears spilled down her cheeks at the immediate connection. She bent down and tickled him under his chin with her index finger, more tears falling. “Hello, sweet boy,” she said. “Looks like I’ve been a very good girl this year.”

  “He’s from Roscoe’s bloodline.”

  Her throat filled again and she looked up at Drew. “What? How?”

  Just then the elevator dinged and Callie and Owen emerged along with Harper and Poe. Callie smiled. “Did you tell her yet?”

  “Just about to,” he said, settling his arm around Callie as she came to stand next to him. “Callie helped me track down Roscoe’s breeder. They had kept one of the females from Roscoe’s litter. She produced numerous puppies before she died two years ago. Her son fathered Boxer. He’s a direct descendant from your bulldog.”

  She covered her face, overwhelmed by the gifts she’d been given, not just the puppy but Drew, and her wonderful, dear, caring and supportive friends.

  He clasped her arms and pulled her to him. She sobbed against his neck, letting all the pain and longing for Roscoe dissipate, leaving nothing but a golden glow inside her for having had him in her life.

  “Thank you.”

  There were congratulations and hugs and kisses all around. Exclamations of how cute her new little man was and how delicious that aroma was that was wafting out of her apartment. Poe’s squeal when she told her about the shrimp and everyone’s laughter.

  Everyone went inside. Drew took her hand and slipped on the ring. She bent down and scooped Boxer out of the basket. He bumped his little face against hers, his muzzle like velvet, his short tail swishing against her hand a mile a minute. Drew picked up the basket and, with a full heart, she kissed him on the mouth.

  Boxer barked. “Oh, you want some, too?” she said the love spilling out of her voice. She planted a kiss on his head as they went into her apartment together and closed the door.

  Epilogue

  “I can’t believe you’re making me wear a blindfold.” She heard Callie giggle next to her in the posh interior of Harper’s limo. Drew must be up to something naughty.

  “It’s supposed to be a surprise, Brooke. If you see what it is before the unveiling, it’s not a surprise.” Owen said to her left.

  “True,” Harper said across from her. “You always were better at giving than receiving.”

  Brooke sniffed, but she wasn’t really annoyed. Just impatient. “I can’t wait until we get there.”

  “You’ve been so busy handling your franchise business and making Pawlish into more of a success than Ian ever hoped for, you deserve a break.”

  “Hey, I eat dinner with my fiancé every night.”

  “That’s right,” Drew said next to her. “We don’t miss a meal together. But that’s mostly because the woman cooks like a dream. Especially those apple cinnamon muffins. I can’t get enough.”

  She elbowed him in the ribs, and he laughed as he grabbed her around the waist and dragged her close for a kiss.<
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  “And we don’t miss a Saturday together,” Callie said on her right.

  Boxer barked from his perch on her lap.

  “Are we there yet?” Brooke whined.

  It had been six months since she and Drew had gotten engaged and June had descended on the City bringing a scorching heat wave. They were planning to have an autumn wedding since both his sister and Callie would be tying the knot in August. Her life truly was a dream come true. As Harper had just pointed out, both Pawlish and her Bone Appétit franchise were flourishing. Drew was fulfilled in his job, his office full of pictures of his sister, Brooke, Boxer, and…his parents.

  The warm breeze from the open window brought with it the smell of the ocean. She could hear gulls calling in the background and the smell of meat sizzling on the grill along with the mouthwatering aroma of hot dogs.

  The car came to a stop and many hands helped her out of the vehicle. Boxer barked and she wondered if he was twirling in a circle like he did when he got excited.

  “Keep your eyes closed,” Drew said, removing the blindfold.

  She went along with it because her friends were so excited about her surprise.

  “Okay,” he said against her ear. “Open your eyes.”

  Brooke opened them and a big smile spread across her face. In front of her was Coney Island.

  “I promised you I’d take you.”

  “And you keep your promises.”

  “That’s right.” She wrapped her arms around him and indulged herself with the softness of his lips.

  Callie pulled at her arm. “Come on! Let’s go on the rides. You can kiss Drew any time.”

  “Oh, I don’t know about rides,” Brooke said.

  Harper grabbed her other arm. “Oh, you’re going,” she said. “And you’re going to like it.”

  Poe grabbed Callie’s arm. “Let’s go, ladies.” They ran forward as Drew grabbed Boxer’s leash out of her hand. They might not have all been born into the same family, but these women, and now the two men, were her family. Through thick and thin they would be there for each other for the rest of their lives.