I received nods and smiles when I drove the Explorer through town the first time. People waved the same as they did when I drove my sedan. I hoped it was because they were seeing me, Annie, and not a crazy lady in a red car. The Explorer was such a great ride all winter that I’m grateful to Laci for pushing me toward the four-wheel drive vehicle. The beautiful ruby red cheered me on the coldest snowy day. I was happy. Laci was happy. Life was getting better.
#######
I was busy dusting off bookshelves around ten when I heard the door chimes jingle. I expected more people to be in to chat and discuss last night’s tragedy, but it was early. Maybe they were at the diner discussing Inga over coffee.
I walked up front in time to see Douglas Kelleher place a large paper bag on the counter next to a dog carrier.
“What’s all this?” I asked.
“Good morning, Annie,” Douglas said. “When Aunt Inga’s housekeeper arrived this morning we told her about what happened last night. She told Mags and me that Aunt Inga left a letter in her desk drawer for us in case this ever happened suddenly. The housekeeper said it contained funeral plans.”
I studied his face for some explanation and said, “Many people do that. What does it have to do with the dog carrier and bag?”
“Well,” he said tapping his foot and bouncing his body. “Umm, she left her funeral plans, but her first concern was for Yummy. Aunt Inga said no one would care for Yummy properly. No one, that is, except you. Aunt Inga wrote that Yummy likes you, and it would be less stressful on him if he lived with you.”
I stood and stared at him. My mouth must have been hanging open because Douglas began to speak again.
“Everything you need is in the bag. Bowls, food, treats, toys, his pedigree papers, a printout of his vet care. I added a check in the envelope to help you with his care. It does seem to be a bit of an imposition. Don’t worry about vet care. My sister called the vet and arranged for all his care to be charged to her.”
“That’s very generous, but I’m not sure I should be the one to care for Yummy.” I bent over and stared at the little Yorkie staring back at me through the metal door of the dog carrier.
“But Annie, it was Aunt Inga’s final wish for Yummy to be with you.” He leaned forward and stared into my eyes.
I nodded and said, “Okay, I’ll give it a try. Yummy and I do get along.”
“That’s great. Yummy should be with someone who cares if he begins to miss my aunt,” Douglas called over his shoulder as he headed out the door. The bell chime jingled again, and Yummy and I were alone.
I opened the carrier door, and the tiny dog ran into my arms. Yummy shivered, but settled down as I petted him. I put food and water in his bowls and placed them under the counter out of sight of customers, but where I could see him. There was a blanket at the bottom of the bag, and he settled onto it in the corner.
“Maybe this won’t be too bad,” I mumbled.
Yummy didn’t seem to have any interest in his food or water. I had an idea and sent a text to Georgie:
“When you bring lunch, could you bring a plain
burger patty - no bun or cheese?
She texted back:
“??????”
I sent another text with a pic of Yummy:
“Inga left me Yummy. He won’t eat.”
She texted back:
“Sure, no problem.”
She followed with a row of yellow smiley faces.
Chapter Four
I had one customer before noon. He was a regular and picked up his favorite magazine. Mitzy popped in to add a few new candles. Mitzy made unusual candles and essential oil combinations, but didn’t have a spot to sell them. I offered a spot near the front door for her to set up a three shelf glass unit to display her candles and oils. I sold them, and I made a commission. Every little bit helps, and it also helps Mitzy.
I didn’t need the money from the candles, but I put it away for Laci’s wedding whenever that might happen. The young woman who caused Steve’s accident survived and was charged with vehicular manslaughter. They proved she was on her cell phone at the time and missed a curve and drove straight into Steve. She is serving time in prison, and her insurance company offered me a fair settlement, if there is a settlement for loss of the love of your life. I didn’t have a mortgage since I inherited the house and bookstore. The settlement enabled me to stay home with Laci and pay her college tuition. There is enough for me to live comfortably, but I learned a lesson from Steve’s accident. You never know what the future holds.
I didn’t need to work at the bookstore, but I loved it. It gave me a purpose especially since Laci was away at college.
Yummy yipped, and I realized I would now have another purpose. A tiny tan and dark brown face looked up at me. I clipped the leash to his collar, hung the “Be back soon” sign on the door, and took Yummy out the back door for a walk through the parking area. I enjoyed my time with the cute little dog. I found myself laughing at his antics. Laughing felt good. With Laci at college, I didn’t laugh often enough.
#######
I walked through the back door and unclipped Yummy’s leash. I thought he should get to know his new daytime home. I was surprised to find Lucas Stone, the town’s most prominent attorney, waiting for me to open the store.
“Hi
