BROOKE ESCORTED THE sibling pair of Yorkshire terriers into their kennel, then checked on Bennie, the corgi, and Astrid, the beagle, in the neighboring kennels. The dogs slept curled up in the fluffy blankets Sophie had given Brooke earlier. If only Brooke could find the same easy contentment as the rescue dogs.
She glanced into several other kennels, searching for a restless soul like hers. Surely one of the rescues wanted another quick run in the small play yard. A treat. A distraction.
Yet the only one desperate for a distraction was Brooke.
She was less than half a mile from the accident site. She’d lied about not knowing her way around and avoided leaving the pet store. After all, she was needed inside these walls. Outside, she would need to run.
Was it wrong that she just wanted to keep pressing Pause inside the safety of the pet store?
Brooke left the dog room—she didn’t want her discontent to disturb the calm animals.
“You, my dear, need this and this.” An older woman with chin-length white-gold hair peered at Brooke. Her expressive eyes were magnified by a pair of sleek trendy eyeglasses. She pressed a hot cup into one of Brooke’s hands and a muffin into the other. “I’m Evelyn Davenport, but you can call me Evie.”
“Thanks.” Brooke inhaled the steam from the cup, drawing in the warmth.
“We usually keep the Irish coffee for after hours.” Evie tilted her chin at Brooke’s cup. “But there are times when only Irish coffee will do.”
“Thank you.” Brooke sipped the coffee, certain the hot liquid would finally soothe the chill inside her.
Evie wrapped her arm around Brooke’s waist and guided her into the storefront. “You couldn’t have taken the time to eat what with worrying about Archie.”
Brooke’s mother used to embrace Brooke the very same way—one steady arm around her that Brooke had believed would always anchor her. Always support her. Brooke was grateful for Evie’s kind gesture. She hadn’t realized how much she’d missed the simple support. First with Dan. And now with Evie. Still, she let it last for only a minute. She’d stood on her own for too long to stop now.
“Sophie filled me in about Archie’s condition this morning,” Evie continued, her voice infused with the warmth Brooke sought. “Dr. Iain Porter is an excellent vet and somewhat of an animal whisperer, even though he’ll deny it. You came to the best place.”
“Thanks to Dan.” Brooke had been panicked and lost. Fortunately, Dan had pulled into the driveway. Once again, a Sawyer had come to her rescue—she owed them.
“Dan and Rick are like family. We take care of each other.” Evie picked up another muffin from the tin on the counter.
“But I’m not...” Family. Her family was four-legged and carried deep scars like Brooke. They were all she needed. Her fingers curved around the coffee cup as if searching for Dan’s touch. His hand had been even warmer wrapped around hers. But she’d given up wanting to hold hands with a man. And she was more than fine with her decision. She was fine.
“You’re here with us now.” Evie peeled the wrapper off the muffin. “And already caring for our rescues like they’re your own.”
Sophie arrived and took the cinnamon-streusel muffin from Evie’s hand. “Evie’s day isn’t complete or successful if she hasn’t fed everyone.”
“I wouldn’t have to hover and chase you down if you’d only stop and eat like a person should.” There was scolding in Evie’s voice, but the affection lit up her eyes.
How long had it been since someone looked at Brooke like that? Since someone hovered over her just to make sure she was all right.
“Why would I do that?” Sophie hugged Evie. “Then I’d miss out on these bites of deliciousness, which are some of your best by the way.”
When was the last time someone had hugged Brooke? Not as part of the protocol for a grieving widow. But a good-natured, I-just-want-to-share-my-affection-with-you, feel-good embrace that gave as much as it received? The urge to retreat to the calm area seized her. Surely, if she took a moment to herself, all her wishful thinking would cease. Surely, she’d believe she was fine by herself. Surely, she’d remember the danger in opening her heart.
Besides, there was safety in that comfy corner in the quiet room she’d put together for Rex and the other dogs. Rex had already crawled across the floor earlier, edging close enough to touch Brooke with his nose, craving the affection but too fearful to reach for it. She could relate. He’d given Brooke the smallest tail wag for her efforts. That was enough for Brooke. Animals had been enough for Brooke these past five years. They were all she wanted now.
“This batch really is quite tasty.” Evie grinned and replaced the lid on the muffin tin. “What do you need me to do today?”
“Thanks to Brooke, we’ve worked with all the canine rescues.” Sophie toasted Brooke with her muffin. “Dan came back with the kids and he’s going to help me upstairs with the cat kennels. If you could run things in here that would be terrific.”
“The best part of my day is meeting new people.” Joy spread across Evie’s face. “I like to help them discover the things they didn’t know their four-legged loved ones absolutely needed. Want to join me, Brooke?”
Brooke wanted to forget the support of Evie’s arm, the talk about family, the almost too easy camaraderie with Sophie. She wasn’t there to build something in the city. She wanted to escape.
A year’s worth of therapy sessions after the accident, and Brooke was declared ready for the next step of her life. Brooke had stepped into a cabin on a remote mountain, surrounded herself with rescues and healed.
Sharing Irish coffee and fresh muffins, while tempting, wouldn’t help her heal now. There were too many reminders of her past. Too many reasons to leave.
Brooke wasn’t there to make friends. Even if Sophie understood Brooke’s natural reserve and shared passion for animals. Even if Brooke was drawn to Sophie’s no-questions-asked, simple acceptance. Brooke was there long enough for Archie to recover and for her to find a new home. “I think I’ll check on Rex.”
A girl with curly blond hair, holding a folded cane in one hand and resting her other hand on Ben’s elbow, stepped through the doorway. The cute pair stalled Brooke’s retreat.
“Evie.” The boy waved Evie closer to them. His whisper wouldn’t meet the criteria of even the most lenient of librarians. “Someone left Rex’s kennel door open.”
Blond curls sagged against the girl’s cheeks as if weighed down by her worry. “Ben says Rex is shaking bad. Really bad.”
“Like his-skin-is-going-to-slide-off-his-bones bad,” Ben added.
“Evie, we didn’t mean to scare him.” The girl explained, “Ben was describing Mom’s changes to me room by room.”
Evie hugged both children and offered encouragement.
Ben’s gaze collided with Brooke’s over Evie’s shoulder. Brooke wanted to reassure the little girl. She stepped forward and cleared her throat. “It isn’t you guys. Rex is really stressed.”
“Mom told me that Rex is scared and doesn’t know that he can trust us.” The girl pushed a pair of lavender glasses up her nose.
“She’s right. I left his kennel door open, so he’d know this place is different than his old home.” Brooke set her coffee and muffin on the checkout counter and reached her hand out to the boy. “I’m Brooke.”
He shook her hand with a firm grip and introduced himself as Ben Sawyer. Brooke could’ve guessed he belonged to Dan, given his copper hair and height. Ben guided his friend’s hand to Brooke’s.
The girl grinned, introduced herself as Ella Callahan and added, “Your hand is so warm, like my mom’s. I bet Rex wouldn’t shake so much with something warmer to wear.”
“That’s a brilliant idea, Ella.” Brooke grinned at Evie. “We need to get Rex one of those stress vests. Where can we find one in the store?”
“Aisle four in the dog section.” Ella smiled as if she heard Brooke’s surprise. “I helped stock the entire store with Mom and Evie. I know where everything is.”
“When I forget, I always yell for Ella.” Evie cupped Ella’s cheek, drawing the little girl’s smile wider.
Ben dipped his head, hiding his laughter in the collar of his hooded sweatshirt.
“I’ll remember to holler for Ella, too.” Brooke was quite certain she wouldn’t forget this pair.
“Are you working here now?” Ben pointed at the logo on Brooke’s purple shirt. “You have a Pampered Pooch shirt on.”
“It’s on loan.” Brooke smoothed the wrinkles out of the shirt. “Your grandpa Rick invited me and my pets to stay in the rental apartment at your house for a little while.”
Ben stared at Brooke. Confusion made his mouth drop open. “But you’re not old.”
Brooke picked up her coffee cup and caught her laughter behind the rim. Evie rushed to greet a customer at the front entrance, her own laughter trailing behind her like a silk scarf in the breeze.
“Brooke’s voice is crisp and brisk like Mom’s, Ben.” Ella socked Ben in the shoulder and scolded him. “Not wobbly like Evie’s gets when her throat can’t find its voice. Brooke can’t be old old.”
“Grandpa Rick told me about the nice lady staying with us.” Ben stressed the words nice lady as if that explained everything. And in case he wasn’t clear, he said, “And Grandpa Rick always calls Wyatt’s mom and Mia’s mom and even Evie real nice ladies.”
Ella’s eyebrows drew together, and her mouth pulled in. “He also calls Ava’s mom a nice lady all the time.”
“See.” Ben slapped his palm on his forehead. “That meant Brooke was supposed to be old.”
“You’re not secretly old, are you, Brooke?” Ella tilted her head toward Brooke. “Evie and Ben’s grandpa talk about their friends who’ve declared war on aging.”
“Grandpa says several of their friends are losing the war even with their doctors’ help.” Ben shook his head, his chin dropped toward his chest as if he was miserable. “It’s a shame, really. At least that’s what Grandpa always says.”
What wasn’t a shame was meeting this adorable pair. Brooke said, “I don’t think I’m old old, unless you consider Ella’s mom old old and Ben’s dad.”
“I knew I wasn’t wrong about your voice.” Ella cheered back up.
Brooke saw Sophie in Ella’s full smile. And Ben’s green eyes matched his dad’s. For the first time in a long while, that hole in her heart throbbed against her chest and made Brooke wonder again. Wonder if her children would’ve had her eyes and her husband’s laugh. Wonder what if...
Brooke firmed her knees and stepped away. She couldn’t go there. Not now. Not here.
Reminded herself to focus on the sweet, not the bitter, like she’d once learned to do. Ben and Ella were the sweet and she was grateful she had this pair to assist her with Rex. Finally, that throb faded into its ever-present ache that scuffed her voice. “Why don’t we get that vest for Rex?”
“What color vest do you think Rex would like?” Ben asked. “Brown would match his fur.”
“What color do you like?” Brooke asked.
“Blue would match my soccer team,” Ben said. “But gray matches most of my clothes.”
“I like purple. It smells sweet and magical.” Ella unfolded her cane. “Wyatt’s mom has lilacs in her garden and my favorite place to sit is by those flowers and the fountain.”
“Sounds like a perfect secret garden.” Perhaps Brooke could find a place with a lush garden that would embrace and soothe her.
“I think there are fairies in the garden, but we haven’t found them yet.” Ella’s frown fluttered across her face, disappearing before it took hold. “Wyatt’s mom is helping me search. She has a special house to grow her plants in. We think the fairies like to spend time in there, where it’s warm and safe.”
“Sounds like Rex and his kennel.” Brooke followed the pair down the center aisle and smiled at Evie. The older woman held up several different feather cat toys for the customer’s inspection.
“If you left Rex’s kennel open, did he come out?” Ben asked.
“Yes, earlier this morning.” Brooke picked up a tennis ball from under the shelf and set it back in the bin on the endcap with the others.
“How’d you get Rex out of his kennel?” Ella turned down aisle four. “Mom couldn’t get him out.”
Brooke paused in front of the colorful array of soothing vests. The tags recommended the snug-fitting jackets to calm a dog’s anxiety and offer constant comfort like an enduring hug. The kind Brooke might miss, if she let herself linger with this welcoming group too long. “Can you keep a secret?”
Ben guided Ella closer to Brooke. The trio huddled together in the middle of the aisle, their heads bent toward each other as if blocking out anyone trying to eavesdrop.
Brooke lowered her voice. “Rex couldn’t resist the peanut butter or the string cheese.”
“That’s a high-value treat.” Authority spread through Ella’s voice and pushed her shoulders back.
Ben gave a firm nod to back up his friend’s claim. “We know that because Ella and I help with the animals.”
“We only get to use peanut butter for something really special.” Ella grimaced. “Usually we give out tiny crunchy biscuits or kibble.”
“I thought Rex could use something special,” Brooke said.
Ella smiled. “Everyone needs special things.”
“Grandpa Rick told me that your house burned down.” Ben brushed his copper bangs out of his eyes and studied Brooke. His green gaze was somber, but his voice was hopeful. “Did you get something special, too?”
“A nice place to stay with my pets until I find a new home.” That was so much more than other families waiting at the shelters. Brooke wasn’t sure how she’d repay the Sawyers for their kindness, but she would.
Ben’s mouth dipped into a frown and he scratched his head.
“But you need something for yourself, Brooke.” Ella hopped up and down and clutched Ben’s arm. “We should tell your dad, Ben.”
Definitely not that. She was indebted to Dan already. She didn’t need anything else, especially from Dan. “Your dad already helped me with my cat Archie this morning.”
Dan had been capable and gentle. Had given her an extra towel, bandages from his personal supply and a steadiness that had allowed Brooke to regain her composure and rein in her panic. He’d stood right beside her when Dr. Porter relayed the news that Archie had survived. She’d considered staying right there, relying on Dan for support. Until she’d locked her knees and remembered that she’d never allow her knees to buckle.
“What happened to Archie?” Ben chewed on his bottom lip.
Brooke explained about Archie’s stitches and his surgery.
“Archie is gonna need something special, too.” Ben pointed over Brooke’s head. “The cat section is over there. Does he like toys that squeak or ones with bells?”
“Or ones with feathers?” Ella tucked her curls behind her ears. “He probably can’t play right now. He needs something to cuddle with. Mom got me a fluffy unicorn after my last eye surgery. I still sleep with it every night.”
“I got a bear wearing a Bay Water Medical shirt the last time I went to the hospital.” Ben pulled a blue vest from the rack and handed it to Brooke. “My pancreas doesn’t work like it’s supposed to. But Dad says I’m getting really good at checking my blood like the nurses showed me how to do. The hospital isn’t bad, but I’d rather not go.”
“Have you been to the hospital?” Ella asked.
“I have, and like Ben, I’d rather not go back.” Brooke picked up a fleece dog blanket, forced herself to stay in the moment. In the sleepless hours of the night, she could sometimes still hear the machines beeping and humming from her time spent in the intensive-care unit. But she’d healed, just like Archie and Rex would. That ache in her chest pulsed as if reminding her that she still had to rebuild somewhere. “Should we head to the cat section?”
“Do you have other pets besides Archie?” Ben asked.
“Cupid is my silver cat with only three legs. Luna is my dog.” Brooke lifted up the fleece blanket covered in cat and dog paw prints. “Luna likes to sleep on couches when I’m not there. I think this might protect your dad’s couch.”
Ben touched the blanket as if testing its softness. “Can we meet them? My dad won’t let me have a pet. He says he’s allergic.”
Brooke set the vest and cat supplies on the checkout counter to cover her frown. Why would Dan lie to his own son?
Evie shook her head. “Your dad is no more allergic to animals than I am to chocolate.”
“That’s what we decided.” Ella grimaced.
“Lincoln’s mom is allergic to cats and her nose gets really red and her eyes really puffy if she touches a cat.” Ben drummed his fingers on the counter. “Dad’s eyes don’t even get red or puffy even when he cries.”
“You saw your dad cry?” Ella asked.
“His eyes got all watery, like one time when I woke up in the hospital and he was sitting next to me.” Ben shrugged. “I gave him my teddy bear.”
“Then what happened?” Ella asked. “Did tears run down his cheeks? Tears ran down my dad’s face when he married my mom. I felt them on my cheek when he hugged me real tight.”
“My dad hugged me and the bear at the same time.” Ben scratched his chin. “Then I went back to sleep.”
Evie wiped at her own eyes and busied herself rearranging the muffin container. “Well, I have reasons not to overindulge in chocolate and your dad has reasons not to have a pet even if he isn’t allergic to them.”
“Not a very good reason,” Ben muttered.
“I bet there is one very good reason.” Evie cut the tags off the dog vest, her gaze soft as she eyed Ben.
Evie’s love for the children was more than obvious. Dan’s love for his son would be just as strong. Just as protective. Ben was no doubt the reason for Dan’s white lie. Was Dan’s love only reserved for his son? Love. Where had that come from? She’d fallen in love before. The head-over-heels kind. The once-in-a-lifetime kind. She’d be too greedy to consider a second chance. Brooke reached for that invisible pause button to stop her tumbling thoughts.
A strong hand landed on Brooke’s lower back and settled as if to catch her when she fell. Brooke glanced over her shoulder. Dan stood just behind her, his smile gentle.
“Can I please meet Brooke’s pets?” Ben asked.
Dan shifted his attention to his son. “Before we disrupt Brooke’s evening, we need to make dinner and concentrate on your homework.”
“What about Archie?” Concern widened Ben’s eyes. “We can’t leave without Brooke and Archie.”
“Archie is going to spend the night here with Dr. Iain.” Brooke was going to spend the night in Dan’s rental apartment. He’d be a shout away. Only a short run would take her to his back porch.
A small shift and she’d be under his arm, within his protective embrace. A small shift and she’d be a welcome part of the pet store.
Perhaps in another lifetime she’d risk again.
“Well, Brooke needs a ride home,” Ben argued.
“I can take a cab,” Brooke said. She worked better alone. She was safe alone. “I want to see Archie before I leave.”
“Ben can start his homework with me upstairs,” Ella suggested.
“Then Brooke can sit with Rex until Dr. Iain lets her see Archie.” Ben touched his dad’s arm to keep his focus on him. “Rex is really scared, Dad.”
“Fine. We’ll stay until Brooke has visited Archie.” Dan ruffled Ben’s hair. “But then we’re going home.”
Ben nodded and guided Ella out of the storefront, as if the pair wanted to avoid his dad offering another suggestion.
Dan shook his head. “They are quick when they want to be.”
Brooke had to be quick, too. Otherwise she might find herself discovering even more to like about Dan.