A week later, Emma, Daniel and the girls walked into Furever Paws to volunteer. Lydia had left but she’d promised to call the three P’s at least once a week. They could text or call her whenever they wanted. Daniel had already set up a visit to Alexandria for a few days in August before the girls returned to school.
The first person they encountered in the shelter was Rebekah. She handed each of them a paper with their assignment. When Emma reached out to take the sheet, Rebekah gave a little squeal at the engagement ring on Emma’s finger.
Sunshine flowing through the windows caught the beautiful solitaire diamond. Daniel had surprised her with it last night.
“It’s official,” Emma said.
Daniel wrapped his arm around her. “More than official.”
Pippa hugged Emma around the legs. “Emma’s gonna stay with us forever.”
Rebekah glanced at Penny and Paris, who were also smiling. “Best wishes to all of you,” she said. She asked the girls, “Do you want to see the new cat enclosure? It’s almost finished.”
They all trailed after Rebekah to examine the expansion project. Emma quickly glanced at the screened-in porch where the cats could experience outside while still being safe inside.
“Are you going to add chairs to the porch?” Emma asked. “That way the cats can get used to people being around them, which would make them more adoptable.”
Rebekah nodded. “We were going to build a few cat trees, but that’s a great idea.”
After examining every nook and cranny of the enclosure, Pippa and Paris went to play with the puppies. Penny stuck with Emma. They were going to give attention to the animals in quarantine.
“I know we have to wash our hands really good afterward,” Penny said. Then she leaned close to Emma. “Did you talk to Dad about the kittens?”
“I did. Why don’t you go over there and talk to him?” Emma was getting supplies ready to clean out cages.
Emma watched as Penny went to her dad. They had a conversation for at least five minutes. One of the other volunteers took Penny with her to give her instructions on how much food to pour into the dogs’ bowls.
Daniel, with a booklet in hand, came over to Emma. “She asked me about the kittens,” he said.
“And what did you say?”
“Since you all ganged up on me, and since those kittens are so dang cute, I did make a few calls this morning. Two of my clients have kids Penny’s age. They’ve wanted pets for a long time. I told them these kittens would be socialized really well. They’re coming over to take a look at them, maybe this weekend.”
“And the others?” Emma asked.
He swung his arm around her. “I suppose if we can’t find homes, we’ll keep Fiesta and two kittens. You think that would make everyone happy?”
Even though they were standing at Furever Paws, even though people were milling about, Emma threw her arms around Daniel’s neck and kissed him. She kept the kiss short but satisfying.
“To be continued later?” he asked. “Remember, I’m going to make an honest woman of you in July.”
They had decided there was no reason to wait to get married. “I can hardly wait to be your wife.”
“And I can hardly wait to be your husband. When I talked to your father last night, he seemed to like the idea of being a granddad to Paris, Penny and Pippa. I told him within the next few years, he may have another grandchild. What do you think?”
“I think it’s a wonderful idea.” Emma knew she and Daniel would have obstacles and challenges to contend with, but they would handle them...together.
As they gazed into each other’s eyes, Daniel kissed her again, reminding her that true love was the greatest joy of all.
Look for the next book in Furever Yours,
the new Special Edition continuity
The City Girl’s Homecoming
by Kathy Douglass
On sale May 2019, wherever Harlequin
books and ebooks are sold.
And fetch the previous Furever Yours tales!
Not Just the Girl Next Door
by Stacy Connelly
How to Rescue a Family
by Teri Wilson
Available now!
Keep reading for an excerpt from His Baby Bargain by Cathy Gillen Thacker.
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