“Darcy?”
I try not to deflate at the female voice on the other end. “Yes, this is she.”
“Hi, this is Miranda Elledge from the rescue society.”
“Oh yes, hey.” I press my cheek to my shoulder to hold the phone while I wipe my hands dry. “I was going to call later today and let you know Penny was adopted. That just leaves Macey, and I fully expect her to stay here with Charlie, and then Louie, and I’ll probably hold off on taking him to the fair until the end of the summer.” Truth is, he could probably go now, but I’m not sure I’m willing to give him up. My new apartment will allow two pets; I just need to get a waiver about his size.
“Yes, actually that is what I wanted to discuss with you. We found Louie’s original owners.”
My heart sputters, and I ease myself onto the concrete steps. “The ones who abandoned him?”
“No. The ones who bought him.” She pauses, and I wipe my palms on my shorts. I’m sweating and it’s not from the heat. “Do you remember when you asked me to look into his past so that you could best know how to work with him?”
I nod my head. “Yes.”
“Well, I kept digging, mostly because I wanted the breeder to know that he sold a dog to the kind of owner who abuses and abandons animals. The breeder just got back to me yesterday after contacting her clients. Louie was stolen out of their backyard six months after they brought him home. After all this time, they thought he was gone for good.”
“Wow. That’s . . . wonderful.” I practically choke on the word, which makes me a horrible person because I should be happy. “Are they wanting him back?”
“They’re not sure. I explained what all he’s gone through, and they’re obviously a little hesitant. They have two kids: a nine-year-old girl and a six-year-old boy. They want to make sure he’s safe first.”
“Of course. What do you need me to do?”
“Well, if you aren’t busy, could you meet me there today?”
“Today?” A pain presses against my chest as I internally plead with God not to take another thing from me. I glance at Louie, who’s now sunbathing on his side, his legs stretched way out. “Um, yes.” I swallow down the No! I want to scream. Despite my own needs, I have to do what’s best for him. “I can bring him there this afternoon.”
“Wonderful. I’ll text you the address, and we’ll plan for one o’clock.”
I end the call, my hand numb. I was supposed to have more time, and yet somehow I know this is just another step God is forcing me to take. To trust Him, even when nothing is how I want it to be.
The drive out to Louie’s owners is a beautiful one. They live in Ennis, nestled in a small neighborhood with large homes and even larger lots. Across the street is a park with walking trails and exercise stations. A perfect place for Louie to run around, I surmise, trying to squelch the small part of me that still hopes he comes back to Charlie’s with me today.
The GPS signals to turn left, and I reach for the passenger seat to pet Louie’s head. He’s great in the truck. Hops right in and sits like an adult in the seat. I roll down the window when we slow to fifteen miles an hour and let him hang his head outside.
“Almost there, big guy. Just three more houses.”
But Louie is no longer listening to me. Hair stands on his back, but his tensing isn’t fear like I’m used to. He’s excited. So excited that he’s trying to climb out the window in a space that barely fits his head.
I grab his collar and hold him back while parking the car, afraid he’s going to break the glass. Louie barks frantically and follows me out the driver’s door, practically pushing me over in his eagerness. I grab the leash and holler out commands, but it’s no use. He knows this house, and if I had any question whether the memories are positive, his thrill of being home answers them.
Two children sit on the front steps, waiting, and make a run for us the minute we appear from around the truck. Louie stands on his back legs and surges headfirst, pulling me forward until I either bust my chin on the ground or accept the onward motion he’s demanding.
A lady hurries from the house, calling her children’s names. “Lilly, Jaxon, wait!”
Her commands are as effective as mine, and the two kids and their long-lost puppy reunite halfway up the paved walk. They hug his neck, the little girl in tears. Louie howls like he’s crying right along with her.
“I knew you would come home, Zeus. I just knew it!” she cries, kissing his long snout. Louie licks her face and nearly pushes her over trying to lean into her tiny body.
“Zeus?” I ask, kneeling between Louie and the kids, just in case. Their mom reaches us about the same time. “Is that his name?”
“I homeschool, and we were studying Greek mythology. They were quite fascinated,” she says, winded and understandably worried.
“We picked the name because Zeus was the grandest dog of all of them!” Lilly says in a cheer. She reaches out for his leash. “Can I take him inside?”
I look toward her mother and wait for confirmation.
She assesses him nervously. Her hesitation is fair. Louie has likely tripled in size since they last saw him. “What do you think? Is he trustworthy?”
“Louie . . . I mean, Zeus, has never shown any aggression. He was recently attacked by a small dog, and even then, he defended himself without hurting her. You can never say concretely with an animal, but I believe he’s extraordinarily gentle.”
She bites her lip, then seems to make a decision. “Jaxon, go get your dad and tell him to meet us in the backyard. Lilly, take Zeus through the gate.”
The kids both say, “Yes, ma’am,” which leaves me no choice but to turn him over.
“Can I have just a second with him?” I ask, tears already filling my eyes.
“Sure.” Her voice is compassionate, and she guides Lilly away by the shoulders to give us some privacy.
I squat down in front of Louie and scratch his ears the way he loves. “Well, I guess this is goodbye for you and me.” He nudges me with his cold nose, and I try to laugh through my tears. “All this time, you had a home just waiting for you. And I can tell, they are going to love you even more than I do.” I wrap my arms around his big neck and hug him. “Fear has deprived us of so much. Let’s make a pact that from now on, we embrace whatever path God has for us.” I pull back and put out my hand, palm up. Louie lifts his paw into mine, and we shake on it. “Good boy.” It feels impossible, but I find a way to stand and walk back over to the little girl and her mother. “Here you go. Take good care of him, okay?”
She nods very seriously. “Oh, I will. I know how to change his water and feed him, and Mom got us a new brush today to use on him.”
“Sounds like he’s in good hands.” I smile, and this time I really mean it. Louie deserves a best friend; Lilly will make a fine one.
I show her how to properly hold the leash and tell her to keep him on her left side. She concentrates on every word of advice and does very well considering his massive size.
“I think you have a future dog trainer there,” I tell her mom.
“Yes, she wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up.”
I chuckle at God’s sense of humor. Life. Full circle. Once again.
“Thank you for bringing him here and for taking such good care of him.” She glances at the house and back again. “My kids were devastated when he disappeared. I still can’t believe we found him.”
Silence falls, and the anxiety it brings forces me to fill it. “I’m not sure if he’s still housebroken. He’s only been kept outside.”
“Okay.”
“And if you have any issues at all, please call me. I’d be happy to come help train him for you or work on any behavioral issues.” I pull out my phone. “If you give me your cell number, I’ll text you my info.”
We’re in the middle of exchanging contacts when a black sedan pulls in behind my truck. A woman I assume is Miranda exits and waves at us. She’s more polished than I expect. Black pe
ncil skirt, button-up blouse, and three-inch heels. Obviously, she isn’t the one handling the animals.
“Well, I seem to be late to the party.” She quickly shakes my hand, her grip far stronger than her thin figure implies. “Darcy, it’s so nice to meet you. And, Linda, how are you feeling about everything?”
Linda sighs. “A little better now that I’ve seen him with the kids. He’s certainly beautiful.”
“The name Zeus fits him. He’s grand, as your daughter put it, even by Great Dane standards.” I turn to Miranda. She has a large hardback folder in her hand. “Do we need to fill out any paperwork?”
“No, we do not. Since the Walkers were Louie’s original owners, this is a return, not an adoption. My favorite kind of case.” Her smile is bright and warm despite her corporate vibe. “Do you have any questions for me?” Her offer is to Linda, not me, so I wait to see if there’s more she wants to discuss.
“No. I should probably get out back and see what havoc has started.” She goes to leave but then turns back and wraps me in a tight hug. “You are an answer to prayer. One my kids have prayed every night for a year.” Her eyes are as glassy as mine when she pulls away. “Thank you.”
“It was my pleasure.” And God’s providence that brought us to this moment. Of that I have no doubt.
Miranda and I watch as Linda disappears inside. She turns to face me a beat later.
“Well, this turned out to be a great start to the day.” She flips open her folder and pulls out a stapled stack of paperwork. “Here’s hoping you can make it even better.”
Confusion furrows my brow. Didn’t she just say we didn’t need to file anything?
“I’m sure Charlie spoke to you about our conversation a couple of days ago,” she continues, also pulling out a pen.
“No, I’m sorry. He didn’t.” But this is probably what he was referring to before his heart attack. “Is everything okay?”
“I’m hoping it will be.” She smiles again, bright and inviting. Miranda must be the fundraising guru. She has an innate ability to make you want to say yes to whatever it is she needs. “We’d like to offer you a position with the foundation.” She extends the stack she’s holding to me, but I’m too stunned to take it.
“A job? Doing what?”
“It’s all right here.” She pushes the papers closer, and I finally take them from her. “And ignore the date. I’ve been in a rush since Charlie’s call. But don’t worry, the final documents will all be correct.”
I flip up the first page and read the job title: Foster Coordinator and Trainer. Underneath are more details like work hours, pay, benefits. All of which are more than I need. “I don’t understand. Charlie’s call?” I close the packet and look at her.
“Yes. He told us that he hasn’t seen someone this talented with animals since Sue Ann.” Her voice falters a little, and I can tell there’s still grief there. “And that he wholeheartedly approved you for the position.”
I’m nearly too blown away to speak. “Why would he need to approve anything?”
“Well, because our new facility is going to be built on Charlie’s land.” She pulls out a surveyor’s map. I recognize the road. It’s the same address as Charlie’s. “Before Sue Ann died, she donated the funds for us to build indoor/outdoor kennels and a training course. She also leased two acres to us for one dollar a year for the next ten years.”
Miranda hands me the plans. It’s the two acres of land between Charlie’s house and Sheila’s covered in beautiful hardwood trees.
“We expect the facility to be up and running by early November. Assuming you agree to take the job.” Her smile falters a little. “A stipulation in the lease was that Sue Ann and Charlie had to approve our hire. Sue Ann didn’t want someone they didn’t like so close to their home.” Her voice turns soft. “Charlie has rejected every résumé we’ve sent.”
I stare at her and back down at the plans. How is this even possible? It’s not just a great paying job, but it’s my dream job, and I’ll be doing something I’m totally passionate about.
She gently touches my arm. “There’s a lot of Louies out there waiting to be saved. Will you at least consider the offer?”
“I don’t have to consider it.” I drop my hands to my sides, still slightly in shock. “Yes. I absolutely would be honored to work for your foundation.”
Miranda’s face lights up. “Excellent!” She points to the business card clipped to my application. “Look over everything and come see me Monday morning at nine. I very much look forward to getting to know you.” She briskly shakes my hand.
“Yes. Me too.” All this time I thought God had forgotten me. That He had left me purposeless and broken. But He was here the whole time, and like Louie, I just had to find my way home.
thirty-seven
On Sunday, Charlie calls, ornery as ever, and tells me I better come visit him before he’s forced to break free of all the coddling the hospital staff are doing. I’m so thrilled to hear from him, I rush to Waxahachie, barely taking the time to brush my teeth and throw my hair in a ponytail.
The nurses point out his room, which is thankfully no longer in ICU, and I try to prepare myself for what I might see. My grandfather was in the hospital when I was fourteen, and in only two days, he seemed to age ten years.
Charlie, thankfully, looks better than I expect, though still pale and weak.
“It’s about time,” he says when I enter his room. “I was beginning to think you’d forgotten me.”
“As I told you on the phone, they wouldn’t let me in to see you. ICU policy.” I set my keys down on the nightstand and lean over to hug him quickly and carefully, or so I thought. Instead, the minute I feel his arms wrap around me, I break down and hold on until the tears stop. “I’m so glad you’re okay.” I pull back and use hospital-grade tissues to wipe my eyes.
“Eh. This old ticker just needed an oil change. Nothing a few bypasses couldn’t fix.”
I chuckle at the way he downplays his brush with death. “Is that what they did?”
“Yep. Cut open my chest and then had the gall to force me to try to walk across the hall this morning.”
“I’m sure they know what they’re doing.” I pull over a chair and sit next to his bed. “Are you in much pain?”
“I’ll live,” he says gruffly, which means he is. Considering Charlie’s history with addiction, I can only assume he’s limiting taking pain medicine. “Tell me how it went with Penny.”
“Great. She got adopted, and Louie went home.” His brow furrows, and I give him the details of my crazy day yesterday. “And thank you for the job. I don’t even know what to say.”
“Say you’ll hike yourself down to my door and come visit me and Macey as often as you can.”
I smile at the image, wishing it included the one person neither of us has mentioned. “Absolutely.”
He sighs and looks at the ceiling. “I heard that dog saved my life. I guess I should be glad you talked me out of getting rid of him.”
“Louie certainly helped, but Bryson saved your life. I’ve never seen anyone fight the way he did.” My eyes fill, but I push back the tears. This isn’t the time to cry for lost loves. It’s the time to celebrate the gift of life. I squeeze his hand, the lyrics from Bryson’s song echoing in my mind. “You should be really proud of the man he’s become. You had an enormous amount to do with it.”
Charlie smiles at me, and his own eyes get watery, a rare and beautiful thing for him.
“Have you, um, heard from him since the concert?” I know I shouldn’t ask, but I can’t stand not knowing.
“Yeah. The boy’s head is so big he’s practically floating in the air.”
“They got the tour, then?”
Charlie’s expression turns apologetic. “And a record deal. A pretty sweet one from what I understand.”
“Wow.” I suck in a breath, having no idea why his confirmation punched me in the gut. This isn’t a surprise. I knew they were that good. I knew i
t that night. But knowing something and knowing something are two very different things.
The door in his room swings open, and we both turn our attention that way, expecting a nurse’s intrusion.
My heart plummets into my stomach. “Bryson.” His name slips out in a breathy whisper. He’s wearing a blue shirt, and I don’t know what’s worse, the fact that he waited until we broke up to finally ditch the black, or that the enhanced color makes his skin golden and his eyes a stunning array of greens and browns.
“Oh, I forgot you were coming by.” Charlie’s singsong voice tells me he didn’t forget in the slightest. “Well, since we’re all here . . .”
Bryson scowls at the old man, though as usual there’s a hint of humor underneath. “You couldn’t let me do it my way, even this once.”
Charlie shrugs. “Your way was taking too long.”
I look between the two men and suddenly feel completely out of place. “I’ll let you guys have some time together.” After all, Bryson is leaving soon. I stand, scooting back the chair, and squeeze Charlie’s hand before I go. “I’ll come see you soon.”
“You better.”
I focus on the floor as I walk by, no longer able to stand the sight of Bryson so relaxed and . . . joyful. That’s what hurts the most. Here I am, devastated, while he’s the happiest I’ve ever seen him.
His hand gently wraps around my arm as I slide past him. “Can we talk?”
I dare to glance up at him, though it’s nearly my undoing. “Um, sure.” I continue into the hallway and walk toward the end where there’s a small nook and at least the appearance of some privacy. He doesn’t come right away, so I stand there trying to get my nerves to settle and my mind wrapped around saying goodbye for what feels like the fourth time. Only this moment feels permanent because there won’t be accidental run-ins at the farm or concerts for me to crash.
Love and the Silver Lining Page 31
