“I don’t think he’s very excited about going walking.” Jesse’s lips pulled to the side.
Maeve slid into the passenger seat.
Amanda glanced in the rearview mirror before backing out onto the street. “This may be the world’s shortest walk.”
“It’ll be fine.”
They drove over to Paws Town Square, and Maeve marveled at the surroundings as she got out of the car. “It’s pretty enough to be a resort for people, not just pets.”
Hailey tumbled out of the car, and Jesse raced around to help her with Denali, who was standing at the edge of the seat, looking out but not budging. Hailey tugged on the leash, but that only made Denali lie down.
“Don’t pull him too hard. Here, let me get that.” Amanda walked over and commanded Denali to get out of the car, finally tapping him on his rear end to get him moving. He hit the ground with a hefty one-two snort.
“Let’s go, Denali.” Hailey started walking, and Denali moved in a languid lumber, picking up speed at a slow rate. Jesse skipped alongside.
“You’ll love this.” Amanda hung back with Maeve. “When we got home this morning after breakfast, someone had rolled my trash can out to the street for me. Had to be Paul.”
“That was so thoughtful. Let the man do nice stuff for you. Quit being surprised. There’s not a mourning period we have to complete before we’re allowed to feel happy again. Besides, I like seeing you smile.”
“It’s taken you years to get there. Why are you rushing me?” Amanda tried to make it sound like a joke, but honestly, did she have a right to feel this way about Paul?
“I’m a hardheaded old fool, and I didn’t have someone like me around to give me expert advice. Everyone is different. Some people find love again immediately.”
“What if he’s just feeling guilty?” Amanda lowered her voice. “Survivor’s guilt or something?”
“I don’t think he’s that kind of guy. Enjoy it and keep living a good life. It will all fall into place.”
They walked inside and Maeve let out a gasp. “A bakery for dogs? What will they think of next?”
They took to the walking trail. Air-conditioning and fans kept the air not only cool but dry, which was a relief from the humidity outside. They noticed that fun facts were posted among the plants along the route. Some were even multiple choice with electronic answer boards. The kids had fun guessing them, and as a team they’d scored pretty well.
Surprisingly, Denali enjoyed the walk once he got going. His tongue curled as he panted, but it looked like he was smiling.
A few people passed, walking their dogs.
“Amanda?”
The voice had come from behind them. She turned and so did Maeve.
It was Paul, jogging up with a German shepherd wearing a service vest.
“Paul? What are you doing here?” The dog’s vest looked heavy. “I can see you’re running, but does the base let y’all train here now?” As hot as it was, it would be a nice way to train, but then she never knew any Marine to worry about doing things the easy way. They were as tough as they came. “I take it this is your military working dog.”
“Oh no. This guy’s retired now. I’m just running him. Keeping us both in shape.”
He’d always been committed to a healthy lifestyle as long as she’d known him.
“Hi!” Hailey waved to Paul. “Can I pet your dog?”
“Sure. His name is Gauge.”
“Hi, Gauge.” Hailey reached down to pet him.
Amanda watched her, proud that her little girl wasn’t afraid, but then she caught Maeve looking Paul square in the eye for a long moment. Amanda watched them both but couldn’t read either of them.
Maeve grabbed for Denali’s leash from Amanda. “I’ll take Denali and the kids over to feed the koi. I hear they’ll come right up to the top of the water.”
She was already racing away with Hailey and Jesse in her wake.
“Yeah. They will,” Paul said. “Clap three times,” he called after them. He shifted the shepherd’s leash in his hand. “Don’t think she even heard me,” he said.
That was strange. Amanda couldn’t help the feeling she was missing something between the two of them.
22
Paul regretted not telling Amanda he was no longer a Marine the first time she’d made mention of it. That would’ve been so much easier. The way her head was cocked now, he could tell she thought something was up. Maeve’s stink eye hadn’t been all that subtle either.
His mouth was as sticky as a tree toad’s toes. “Amanda, I’m not in the Marine Corps anymore.”
“What?”
“Haven’t been for a while now.” He watched her, waiting for that dash of disappointment in her eyes.
Her long lashes lifted. “That’s the last thing I expected to hear.”
“I should’ve told you sooner. When Jack died, I became reckless. Guilt took over my good judgment. I had to get out and redirect my attention before I got someone else killed. I was a mess.” He lowered his head. “I’m sorry if I’ve disappointed you.”
“What? Paul, you haven’t disappointed me. Sure, I was proud that you and Jack were serving our country, but that’s not what makes you special. It’s who you are inside. In fact, it’s a major relief.” Her tongue flicked across her lips.
“I don’t want you to think less of me. Jack gave his life for this country. He’s a hero.”
“Stop, Paul. I hate to even say this out loud, because I’ve been trying to ignore the possibility of it, but if you were still in the Marines, I don’t think I could risk that hurt again. I mean, I realize it’s a long shot that anything would ever happen to you, but I—”
“There’s more. I’m running Gauge here because I own this place. Well, not just this one, but the whole business. The location in Virginia, and three more underway.”
He could almost hear her replaying what he’d just said in her head, but she
