Magical Weddings (38 page)

“Of course.” Helen went into another room and was back few seconds later with a paper cup. She handed it to Kya, and then the two of them went out onto the patio.

The dog was still lying under the table, but when he spotted Kya, he jumped up and trotted over to her. “Here you go.” She held the cup down so that he could take a drink.

Helen studied him as he lapped up the water. “I wonder where he came from.”

“I was wondering the same thing. So you haven’t seen him around here before?”

Helen shook her head. “No, never.”

“I hope I’ll be able to find his owner.”

“Good luck. He seems like a nice dog. I’ll bet someone’s missing him.” Helen took the empty cup from Kya’s hand before going back inside.

“Speaking of luck,” Kya said, glancing at the dog. “You were really lucky that I came along.”

He cocked his head, then pawed at her arm as if he knew what she’d said. “Maybe that’s what I should call you. Lucky!”

He wagged his tail and stared at her with big brown eyes.

“Okay, that’s your name. At least for now. Come on, let’s go get you cleaned up.” She walked down the patio steps and then over to the parking lot with Lucky trotting happily at her side.

When she reached her car, the first thing she did was pop open the trunk. She kept a supply of towels and old blankets in there along with some pet supplies because she never knew when she might have to take one of the shelter animals somewhere. Usually, that was home for the night. When a new animal came in, she liked to take it for a night or two to help alleviate its anxiety and get it used to her. But that wasn’t the only reason. Since losing Max, her beloved black Lab last year, she hadn’t been able to bring herself to get a new dog. However, her house was much too quite without an animal, so bringing over a shelter dog served two purposes.

After covering the front passenger seat, she signaled for Lucky to get in the car, and he immediately jumped in. As soon as Kya got in the driver’s seat and put the key in the ignition, though, the dog was in her lap. “You’re going to have to stay on your side,” she said with a laugh, “because I sure can’t drive like this.” She pushed him off and told him to stay. He tried to jump back over one more time, but when she held out her hand and firmly gave the command again, Lucky did as he was told.

He seemed to enjoy the ride, and more than a few times, people in passing cars would do a double take at the huge pit bull sitting up straight and staring out the window like a person would. When she arrived at the shelter, she took out the spare leash she kept in the glove compartment and attached it to Lucky’s collar. Not that she was afraid he’d go anywhere, but she wasn’t sure how he’d get along with other animals. It wasn’t unusual to find a cat or two perched somewhere in the front lobby, or Pepper the toy poodle, whose forever home turned out to be the shelter, romping around the place.

But she need not have worried, because as soon as they walked in and Pepper greeted them, Lucky’s tail never stopped wagging. He didn’t even seem to mind the cats brushing up against his legs.

Lyn Thompson, the assistant manager, was at the front desk. “Hi. I thought it was your day off.” She shifted her gaze to the dog. “Who’s this gorgeous fellow?”

Kya petted his side. “I’m calling him Lucky, because if I hadn’t found him when I did, he would have been swept into the ocean and probably wouldn’t have survived the waves.” Kya handed Lyn his leash. “Would you mind taking him in back and scanning him for a chip?”

“Sure thing.”

A minute later, she was back. “He doesn’t have one.”

Kya chewed her bottom lip. “I didn’t think he would.”

Lyn plugged her nose. “He smells like rotten seaweed. Want me to give him a bath?”

“Please, and he could probably use some food. Who knows the last time he’s had a meal.”

“I can set up a pen too. Callie went home this morning, so we have one open.”

Lucky sat on Kya’s feet and stared up at her as if pleading with her not to lock him up. “Not yet. I’m still hopeful that I can locate his owner. I’m going to call Pete and see if he might be able to shed some light on that.”

After Lyn and Lucky were in the back, Kya called the dog warden. He picked up after three rings. “Hi, Pete. It’s Kya at Helping Hearts
.
”

“Hey, Kya. What can I do for you?”

“I found a dog at the beach this morning. He has a collar, but no tags and no microchip. I was wondering if maybe you’ve picked him up before and might know who the owner is. He’s a big pit. Brindle and white.”

“Hmmm, sounds like the one from the dog park. I’ve gotten a few calls over the last couple days from people who’ve complained about a pit bull of that description running around with no owner in sight. Problem was he’s taken off before I could get there. I’m surprised you were able to catch him.”

“He’s a sweetheart.”

“Do you want me to swing by and get him?”

“No, I’ve got room here. I’ll keep him the twenty-eight days, and if I haven’t found the owner by then, I’ll adopt him out.”

“Thanks. I’ll file a ‘Found Dog’ report, and if anyone comes forward, I’ll be in touch.”

Kya tapped her pen on the desk after she hung up the phone, wondering what Lucky’s story was. Maybe it was because she rescued him, but she hadn’t felt so strongly about a dog since Max.

Devon Young pushed his food around his plate. He still hadn’t gotten used to eating alone. Heck, he hadn’t gotten used to doing most things alone. He set his fork down with a clatter and glanced across the room at his wife’s picture. “How could you leave me?” There was no anger in his voice this time. Luckily, those days had passed, as had the days of self-pity. All that was left was an emptiness that he doubted would ever go away.

He’d never marry again. He couldn’t risk going through that pain. Besides, no one could ever take Charlene’s place. It had been a year since she died, yet everything in the house remained the same. He couldn’t bring himself to make a change, feeling it would be disloyal to her if he did. He knew that was crazy, and also knew there was more to it than that. He wasn’t ready to let go. He didn’t know if he’d ever be.

When he pushed back his chair, the golden retriever lying at his feet shot up. “Sorry, Daisy.” He stroked her soft, silky fur and stared into her big sad eyes. “I didn’t mean to scare you.” Even the dog was melancholy. Seemed the only thing that cheered her up was a trip to the park, but with all the papers he’d had to correct for the summer term at the university, he’d been neglecting taking her there. It had to have been more than a week since their last outing.

He carried his plate into the kitchen, rinsed it off, and then stuck it in the dishwasher. He glanced at the wall clock—it was only five p.m.—then out the open window above the sink to the beautiful summer evening. If they stayed at the park for only an hour, he’d have plenty of time when he got home to work on papers.

Devon opened the kitchen drawer and took out Daisy’s leash, then hooked it to her collar. “Let’s get some fresh air.”

****

Kya looked up from the pile of papers spread out across her desk when Lyn poked her head into the office.

“It’s after five. I’m going to head out. Are you staying for a while?”

Kya scrunched up her nose. “Nah, there’s nothing here that can’t wait until tomorrow.”

“What have you decided to do with Lucky?”

As if on cue, the dog charged into the room, jumped up, and placed his front paws on Kya’s lap, then licked her face. “Looks like you missed me,” she said with a laugh, looking over at Lyn and adding, “I’m going to take him home with me tonight.”

“I had a feeling you’d say that. Come on, Lucky, let’s go get your leash.”

The dog followed them into the reception area, and while Lyn clipped on his leash, Kya turned on the Helping Hearts’ answering machine.

Once they’d locked up and were outside walking toward their cars, Lyn said, “You had an appointment at the Chateau today, didn’t you? How’d that go? Did Mark like it?”

Kya kicked a pebble with the toe of her shoe. “He couldn’t make it. But yeah, it’ll be perfect for the wedding.”

Lyn’s disapproval was written all over her face. “What was his excuse this time? Oh, wait, don’t tell me. Let me guess. Something came up at work, and he just couldn’t get away.”

“Yeah, pretty much, but it’s okay. I understand. It’s not like he could just walk away from filming.”

“I wish you would stop making excuses for him. I feel like he’s taking advantage of you. If he’s like this now, what’s he going to be like after you’re married? Let’s hope he doesn’t blow off your honeymoon. Oh, wait. You’re not going on one.”

Kya pursed her lips. “We both agreed to wait on that.”

“You can’t fool me. I know that was his idea. There’s no reason on earth that you couldn’t leave the shelter to go on your honeymoon.”

Kya shrugged. “I’m okay with waiting and going during the winter.”

Lyn gave her a hug. “I know you are. I just want the best for you, and I want you to marry someone who puts you first. I’m not convinced Mark does that.”

“Don’t worry. Everything’ll be fine. I’m happy, and I’m going to have a beautiful wedding. You’ll see.”

“I hope so.”

Kya opened the passenger door and got Lucky settled inside, then walked around to the driver’s door while waving good-bye to Lyn. As she drove out of the parking lot, her friend’s words echoed through her mind. Lyn hadn’t said anything that she hadn’t thought of herself, but hearing it from someone else hurt all that much more.

She glanced at Lucky with his nose out the window and said, “What do you say we go to the dog park and kill some time before Mark comes over later, and maybe we’ll find someone there who knows you.”

****

Devon tossed the tennis ball, and Daisy bounded across the grass to fetch it. There weren’t many people in the park, and that was the way he liked it. Sometimes it got too crazy when lots of dogs were running around. He’d had to rescue her ball quite a few times in the past after it had been intercepted by another dog.

Daisy ran toward him with the ball in her mouth and dropped it at his feet. “Thanks.” He picked up the slimy thing, then threw it again and watched her run after it. She quickly snatched it up and started to trot back to him when suddenly, she shifted course, disappearing behind a huge oak tree.

“Hey, Daisy, get over here.” He sprang to his feet. A second later, though, she reappeared from behind the tree, but she wasn’t alone. A huge pit bull trotted alongside her, and a woman followed behind with a leash in her hand. His breath caught in his throat, and he blinked a couple of times to make sure he wasn’t dreaming. “Charlene?” His voice came out in a croak.

The closer she got, the more his pulse raced. The resemblance to his wife was remarkable. She had the same long dark straight hair and heart-shaped face. Only her eyes were blue, not green, as Char’s had been. Her body shape was similar too: slim and petite, but with enough curves to fill out her jeans very nicely.

Daisy dropped the ball in front of him and nudged his arm with her nose. He picked up the ball and threw it, making sure this time it didn’t go too far. Both dogs chased after it.

“Hi, I’m Kya.” The woman stood in front of him.

“I’m Devon.” He quickly wiped the drool off onto his pants before shaking her hand. “Sorry. The ball’s a little messy.”

She laughed. It was lovely and musical. “I’m used to dog slobber.”

“Are you dog sitting George?”

Her brow furrowed. “George?”

He pointed at the pit bull romping in the grass with Daisy.

“So that’s his name,” she said it almost to herself. “I found him at the beach, but he doesn’t have any tags or a microchip.” She sank onto the bench.

He sat next to her, inhaling the sweet scent of her cologne. “Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll be of much help.”

She studied his face. “But you know his name…”

“Yeah, and that’s about it. I saw him maybe two weeks ago. Daisy had been playing with him, same as she is now. A woman came to get him. She called him George. She had two small dogs with her too. They looked to be some kind of mixed breeds. I haven’t been back since, though.”

“Well, apparently Luck—George—has been, and without his owner. According to the dog warden, there’ve been complaints that he’s been here unattended.” She glanced over at the dogs playing and smiled, revealing her beautiful white teeth. “When you were here last, was it the same time of day?”

He thought for a moment. “Pretty much. I teach Finance over at the university. I usually get home around four, have some dinner, then if I don’t have too much work that evening, I’ll bring Daisy over here.”

“Maybe George’s owner had come after work too. Since she has other dogs, maybe she’ll show up here again at that time.” Kya reached into her pocket and pulled out a business card. “I own the Helping Hearts animal shelter. If you see her again, I’d appreciate it if you’d give me a call.” She handed him the card.

“Sure thing. It was nice meeting you.”

“You too.”

As she turned to leave, he said, “How long do you keep strays?”

“Twenty-eight days.”

“And then…” His chest tightened at the thought of what might happen to the pit.

She flashed him a huge smile. “And then we find a forever home. We’re a no-kill shelter.”

Relief flowed through him. “I’m so glad to hear that. I’ll do what I can to help.”

“Thanks.” She waved as she walked away.

He watched her go over to the dogs, clip the leash on George, and leave the park. It was time for them to go too. He whistled for Daisy, and she came bounding toward him with the ball in her mouth and her tail wagging. “You like George, don’t you?” He rubbed her ear. “The woman taking care of him seems nice.” He glanced at the card she’d given him. Kya Reynolds. Pretty name. It suited her. He put the card in his pocket. “Come on, Daisy. Time to go home.”

Kya wrapped a towel around her hair before stepping out of the shower, then reached for her bathrobe. She slipped it on, belting it tightly around her waist, and walked into the bedroom where she found Lucky—she just couldn’t get used to calling him George—sprawled out on her bed. “My goodness.” She laughed. “You’ve certainly made yourself right at home now, haven’t you?”