The experience reminded Kelsey of how much she enjoyed witnessing the love connections that took place here every day. Some were small and subtle; others were so touching that she’d ride on the glow of them for days, remembering all the things she loved best about the world.
A small part of her wondered how it would feel to come back here full time, whenever that might be. If it’d be like she’d never left and the rehab had never happened. Some days, it seemed like the rehab would go on forever. That she and Kurt and the dogs and Mr. Longtail were right where they were supposed to be, and things were never going to change.
But what would happen when the court case was over and the last dogs were ready to be brought here? Just as she couldn’t imagine leaving Mr. Longtail all alone in a big, quiet house again, she couldn’t imagine not seeing Kurt for an extensive part of her day. She’d never hold the dogs back a single day from the new lives that would be waiting for them—and the more publicity they got, the more certain she was they’d all find loving homes—but moving on might very well crush her.
And what would Kurt do? Would he head west like he’d been talking about when they met, or would he want to go back to the post? Did he care about her enough to stay? Her heart thumped at the idea. Beyond any doubt, she wanted him to. She wanted him in her life. Every day. She just hadn’t been able to gather the nerve to tell him.
If everything went as planned, tomorrow—Megan and Craig’s reception—could prove to be a really defining day. Not only would there be dancing and music and all the wine and fine food they might imagine, but there’d be a fancy room in a high-end bed-and-breakfast with his and her bathrobes and a hot tub and a private deck and God knew what else.
Feeling a wave of excitement mixed with insecurity wash over her, Kelsey laid her head on the desk. She heard a soft clunk and the rolling of glass on wood, and something bumped the top of her head. Sitting upright, she picked up the handblown glass fishing float she’d found on the Oregon coast as a kid. It had rolled off her monitor riser. Every time she looked at it, she remembered the muted surprise of finding it on the beach half-covered by sand. She remembered her father’s joy and his powerful hug and his exclamation of what a lucky girl she was.
She cupped the glass float in both hands. It was a little larger than a billiard ball. The cool, green glass was translucent and even prettier in the sunlight.
“You’d look good in the light that pours through Sabrina’s kitchen window.”
Talking to animals is one thing. Talking to glass orbs is another.
Still, she couldn’t escape the feeling that this float needed to be rehomed to Sabrina’s house. She’d had it on her desk forever. But she didn’t need a float to bring her luck. What she needed was confidence.
And to arrive on time to the mani-pedi she’d scheduled for three o’clock, which was only ten minutes away. If she didn’t take the time out today, she wasn’t going to get it done. Tomorrow was going to zoom by in a whirlwind of activity. Not only did she plan to work the first half of the day at Sabrina’s, but she’d also promised to help get everything set up at the winery, and she’d still need to find time to look her best.
Dropping the float in her purse, Kelsey gave Trina a quick scratch on the chin and headed for the door. With the dress she’d found, this mani-pedi, an updo, and some new makeup, she was hoping to knock a certain ex-marine’s socks off.
Or maybe just his pants.
When she stepped outside, Patrick was rolling up the hose, talking to himself.
“Hey, I’m heading out,” she called, walking his way.
Patrick dragged his wet fingers through his hair, leaving a visible trail of moisture. “Does Kurt need you to feed tonight? Are there volunteers coming in?”
“Um, there are a couple guys coming in. I could probably miss it, if needed. What’s up?”
He grinned the same way he did when he watched puppies at play. “I had an idea. To make it work, I need you.”
“Okay. How soon? I’ve got an appointment in a few minutes to get my nails done. It shouldn’t take more than an hour though.”
He glanced skyward, working through something. “That should give us just enough time. Text me the address. I’ll pick you up in one hour.”
“Okay. Do you want to tell me what this is about?”
“No.”
Her fault. Patrick took all questions at face value. Oh well, there’s the air of mystery to hold on to. “Then I guess I’ll see you in an hour.”
* * *
Kelsey was still wearing foam thongs and had her nails under a fan when Patrick pulled into the parking lot of the strip mall. Her jaw dropped at the sight of the monster of a dog in the backseat of Patrick’s old Tacoma truck. She’d ridden back there once. Clambering into it had been a chore. How Patrick had gotten the giant dog loaded, she couldn’t fathom. And how he’d gotten Kurt to agree to taking him off property was an even bigger mystery.
She did a quick touch test of her toes and fingers. Deeming her nails sufficiently dry, she grabbed her purse and sandals and shuffled out to meet him.
Patrick had rolled his window down and was looking like a kid the night before Christmas.
“Patrick, why is Devil in your truck?”
“Because of my idea.”
Patrick had gone to the Raven estate every afternoon for a week to work with the ginormous dog, but no
