Magical Weddings (46 page)

Lyn’s brows shot up. “Are you kidding? I’m not going anywhere until you’re back, and I know we don’t have to give up Lucky again.”

Kya smiled at her friend. “Okay, I’ll see you soon, and keep your fingers crossed that all goes well.”

Devon opened the front door for her, and as they walked to his car, he draped his arm across her shoulders. “Nervous?”

“You have no idea. My heart is pounding so hard, I’m surprised you can’t hear it.”

When they were settled in the car with their seat belts strapped on, he started the engine. “It’s not far at all. Only two blocks from the park. Do you know what you’re going to say?”

Kya shook her head. “No, not really, other than I want her to sign Lucky over to me.”

“And if she doesn’t?”

“Then I’ll think of a way to pressure her into it.” She stared out the window, trying to come up with something, but her mind was blank. She took a deep breath and tried to relax. Best to just take things one step at a time and see what kind of response she got from Maryanne when they showed up at her house.

A few minutes later, Devon pulled up in front of a small blue ranch-style house. Its paint was peeling, and the grass looked like it hadn’t been cut in ages. In the driveway was an old truck.

“At least it looks like someone’s home.” Devon got out of the car and walked around it to open her door. When he took her shaking hand to help her out, he squeezed it. “Don’t worry. Things’ll work out.”

“I hope so.” She tried to smile, but her attempt didn’t work very well.

“Ready?”

She took a deep breath. “Yep. Let’s get this over with.”

He looped his arm through hers, and they walked together up to the front door. She rang the bell and heard dogs barking. A moment later, the door opened a crack. The little red-haired boy peered out at them with a scowl on his face.

“Hi, I’m Kya from Helping Hearts. Remember me?”

“Yeah, I remember.”

“What’s your name?”

“Jeremy.”

“Is your mom home, Jeremy?”

He turned away from her and yelled, “Mom, the lady from the shelter’s here.”

Two little dogs came running, yapping as they bolted toward the boy, and then the sound of heels clicking over a tile floor got closer. “What? Who’s here?”

“The lady from the shelter,” Jeremy screamed, and then the door flew open and Maryanne stood before them wiping her hands on a dirty apron.

The two dogs jumped around her as they barked. “Quiet,” she yelled, and they both backed off.

“I’m sorry to bother you, but George is at my shelter again, and I—”

“That’s not possible,” Maryanne said, cutting her off. “He’s out in the backyard.” She pointed to Jeremy. “Go get the dog.”

The little boy went running into the kitchen and out the door. Less than a minute later he returned, yelling “George is gone.” He had the collar in his hands.

His mother took it from him and shoved it at Kya. “If you still want that dog, you can have him. I can’t take it anymore. All he does is run away. He’s more trouble than he’s worth.”

Kya couldn’t believe her ears. She hadn’t had to plead or anything. She took the collar and handed it to Devon so she could get the release form out of her purse.

But before she gave it to Maryanne, Jeremy started to cry. “Mom, you can’t give her George.”

She put her arm around her son. “He’s too much work. I have more than I can handle with Bugs and Betty.” She looked over at the two small dogs sitting beside her. “Besides, they didn’t really like George, did they? That’s why we had to tie him out all the time. Better he live somewhere else.”

Jeremy’s bottom lip trembled and tears rolled down his cheeks.

Kya looked down at the boy. “I’ll take extra good care of him, I promise. I love him as much as you do, and you know what, you’re welcome to come visit him at the shelter anytime you want. He’s going to live at my house but come to work with me every day. He’ll have lots of animals to play with, so he’ll never be lonely.”

“That sounds really nice, doesn’t it?” Maryanne asked.

Jeremy shrugged.

“He’ll be much better off there than here,” she continued. “You have to think of what’s best for the dog.”

Jeremy sniffled. “I guess.”

Kya handed Maryanne the release form to sign, then reached back into her handbag and pulled out her wallet. She took out a fifty dollar bill and gave it to the boy. “I’ll bet Betty and Bugs would love some new toys, don’t you think?”

He looked at the money, and his eyes grew wide. “Yeah.” A small smile formed on his mouth.

“And I’ll bet there’ll even be enough left over so you can buy something for yourself.”

Maryanne handed Kya the signed paper. “Thank you. You didn’t have to do that, but I really appreciate it.”

Kya smiled. “You’re welcome. And I mean it, you’re both invited to visit anytime.” She pulled a business card out of her purse and gave it to Jeremy. “My number is on there, along with the shelter’s hours.”

“Thanks.” He tucked the card and the money in his pocket.

When they were in the car and headed back to the shelter, Kya let out a whoop of joy. “I didn’t expect that at all.”

Devon flashed her a dazzling smile. “I didn’t either. Thankfully, Maryanne had the good sense to do what was right for Lucky.”

“I really expected to have to do battle for him. I’m so glad it didn’t come to that.”

“Me too. And the way you handled Jeremy was terrific. You’re going to make a great mom someday.”

“Someday is the magic word.” Her joy at owning Lucky diminished a little as she thought of her impending marriage. “How’ve you been?”

“Keeping busy with school.”

“I’ve been busy too.”

“I would imagine. Your wedding is—”

“Day after tomorrow.”

“Wow. That’s soon. Guess I lost track of time.”

When he placed his hand over hers, there was a tingling in the pit of her stomach.

“Kya, I—”

“Your ring.” He wasn’t wearing his wedding band.

“A very special lady made me realize it’s time to move on.”

She stared at him, her chest tightening into a knot. “Devon…” She didn’t know what to say.

“Thank you for being you.”

Those words and the way he was looking at her made her think she might have made a mistake believing his feelings for her had been based on her resemblance to his wife. What if he really did care for her? What if Lyn had been right when she’d said he could have ended their relationship out of respect for her? What if… No, she couldn’t go there. She couldn’t think those kinds of thoughts now.

It was a relief that Devon had just pulled into the shelter’s parking lot, because if she had to spend much more time with him, she might do something really stupid, like tell him how she felt, and then what? No, it was too late. Much too late for that.

As soon as he put the car in Park, she opened her door. Before getting out, she said, “Well, thank you for helping me with Lucky.”

“My pleasure. You two belong together.” He held her gaze.

“Yeah, we do.” She quickly got out of the car and was about to close the door, when he stopped her.

“Daisy. I have to come in for a minute to get Daisy. Remember?”

Kya felt her cheeks heat. “Oh, that’s right. She’s in the shelter with Lucky. I’m sorry. I forgot. I guess with everything going on…”

“Perfectly understandable.” Devon slid out of the driver’s seat and walked toward the shelter with her.

The two dogs were lying side by side in the center of the reception room, and Lyn was sitting in one of the chairs reading a book. She looked up when they came in. “Soo, how’d it go?”

Kya tried to keep a straight face but couldn’t. “Lucky’s officially ours.” She grinned and took the release form out of her purse, waving it in the air.

Lyn let out a loud whoop.

Lucky jumped up, putting his paws on Kya’s chest, nearly knocking her over.
You have no idea how relieved I am. So I’m going home with you tonight?

She kissed his head. “You’re going home with me every night, because I’m adopting you.”

Lyn clapped her hands. “This calls for a celebration. What’d you say we all go to that little café on Market Street for dinner? I can call Bruce and have him meet us there.” She looked from Kya over to Devon.

“I…um…well, as much as I would like to celebrate…” Kya stuttered.

“Yeah, as much as I’d like to too, I’ve got so much work,” Devon added.

“Party poopers.” Lyn shot them each a dirty look.

Devon clipped his leash on Daisy. “Come on, time to go home.”

After Devon left, Lyn looked at Kya. “What just happened?”

“What do you mean?”

“When I mentioned all of us going to dinner, you both looked like that would be worst thing on earth. Are you guys really that afraid to spend a little more time together?”

Kya turned on the shelter’s answering machine and grabbed Lucky’s leash. “Good night, Lyn. See you tomorrow.” She walked out the door before her friend could say anything more.

****

Kya pulled the blanket up under her chin as she lay in bed staring up at the ceiling. Lucky was curled up against her.

I’m so glad you rescued me. For the second time.

She smiled at him. “Me too, but it wasn’t all me this time. Devon had a hand in it. If he’d taken you to the pound instead of to me, this would have had a very different outcome.”

No kidding, but why would he have done that? I knew when I ran away that I’d find him and Daisy at the park and that he’d take me to you.

“You knew that?”

Of course. He’s in love with you.

Kya propped her pillows up behind her head. “And how do you know that?”

It’s obvious by the way he looks at you.

“You’re a very intuitive dog, Lucky, but that doesn’t mean you know when someone’s in love.”

You have such little faith in me. By the way, are you still planning to marry Mark?

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I?”

Because you’ll be marrying the wrong guy.

“Oh, Lucky, don’t start that again.”

What’s he going to say when he finds out I’m living with you?

She shrugged. “He’ll be fine with it.”

Lucky snorted.
Now I know that’s not true.

“Okay, well, he might not be thrilled, but he’ll get used to it. He’ll have to.”

I don’t know about that. What if he wants you to get rid of me?

“I won’t.”

You promise?

“I promise. Cross my heart.”

And I promise I’ll prove to you that Devon’s in love with you.

She rubbed his ear. “I appreciate your wanting to play matchmaker dog, but there’s nothing you can do to change the fact that I’m getting married on Saturday. That’s just the way it is.” She reached over and turned out the light on her bedside table. “Good night.”

Kya raced around the house making sure she hadn’t forgotten to pack anything she might need for tonight or for her wedding day. Once satisfied she had everything, she called Lucky, who was still asleep on her bed. It took him a moment to come.

“You’re going to stay at the shelter for a couple of days. Debbie will take care of you. I’ll pick you up on Sunday.”

After the wedding.

“Yes, after the wedding.”

And Mark will be with you.

“Obviously.”

Great.
He tucked his tail between his legs.
Why can’t I stay with Devon and Daisy?

“I think you know that’s not a good idea. Come on. We’ve got to go.” She put his leash on and headed out the door. “I’ve got a million things to do today.”

Fine.
Lucky trotted alongside her to the car, then sat staring out the window during the ride to Helping Hearts.

Inside, she handed his leash to Debbie. “Are you sure you’re able to handle things this weekend with both me and Lyn away?”

“I’ll be fine. Don’t worry.”

“If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call.” She grabbed a piece of paper off the desk and jotted down her cell phone number, then handed it to Debbie. “If I don’t pick up, leave a message, and I’ll call you right back.”

“Thanks, but I won’t use this unless there’s an emergency. Please enjoy your wedding and don’t worry about us.”

“I know. I tend to overthink things.” She turned to Lyn, who’d just come in from the back. “Ready to go get our nails done?”

“Can’t wait. I haven’t had a mani-pedi in ages.”

Kya bent down and hugged Lucky. “Be good. Have fun with Pepper.”

I’d rather be with Daisy.

Kya ignored him and headed for the door.

Outside, Lyn asked, “Are the other attendants meeting us there?”

Kya shook her head. “Yeah, I gave them each a reminder call this morning. As a matter of fact, the twins are always early, so they might already be there. And Sara might be a little late because she’s driving in from New York, and you know how miserable that traffic can be.” Kya’s cousins Aurora and Ainsley were a year younger. Sara was Kya’s stepsister, and her daughter, Jill, was the flower girl. Kya wasn’t especially close to any of them, but they were her relatives and therefore needed to be part of the wedding party.

“I’ll follow you there,” Lyn said, getting into her car.

“Sounds good.”

Sure enough, when they arrived at Stacy’s Nail Boutique the twins were sitting in the waiting area, their long blonde hair pulled back in identical ponytails. “Hi, cous,” they said in unison, then each one gave her a hug.

“We’re so excited for you. How are you holding up?” Aurora asked, twisting the ends of her hair.

“So far, so good.” Kya didn’t want to admit that her stomach was in knots.

Before she could sit down, the nail technicians were ready to get started and took them over to their stations. Guess they weren’t waiting for Sara and Jill. They’d have their nails done whenever they got there.

Kya decided on a pale peachy pink color for her fingers and toes and a deeper shade for her bridesmaids.

Lyn leaned in toward Kya. “Have you told Mark about Lucky?”

She sighed. “Not yet.”