by Sherry Kyle
“She’s your sister.”
The minute Kayla saw Ashley she sensed Lauren was telling her the truth. But she wouldn’t let on that she’d driven down the coast. “So you say.”
“Was that you in the Audi?”
Kayla had fibbed to her parents to get out of the dinner with the head of the summer residency program, but she wouldn’t be able to get out of this one so easily. Lauren had seen her. Kayla pressed her eyes shut and let out a breath. “I couldn’t do it, all right?”
“There’s always next Sunday—”
Kayla moved to the window and pressed her forehead against the cold glass. “You don’t get it. We look like sisters, yes, but we come from two totally different worlds. And mine’s complicated.”
“I’ll give you more time to think about it.” Lauren’s tone held a hint of sadness and what? Hope? Or was that desperation?
“I don’t need more time,” Kayla shot back. “I thought about it the whole way back to San Francisco. It’s better if we leave things alone. The way they’ve always been.”
“Please think about it—”
“Ashley and I don’t know each other, and I’m pretty sure we have nothing in common. Yes, our biological parents gave us our DNA, but they abandoned us to be raised by two different families. Separately. End of story.”
“There is so much more.” Lauren’s tone softened.
“Not for me.” Kayla turned off the light in the hallway and felt her way to her bedroom in the dark. “Get the photo. And don’t call me anymore.”
Tanner had come back to her.
Ashley bolted out of her car and ran toward the Labrador. Quick movements might scare him off and send him running, but Ashley couldn’t help herself. She had missed him. “Come here, boy.”
The dog hunkered, lowering himself on the front porch. He rested his head between his front paws and looked at her with his brown soulful eyes. Her heart warmed.
As she approached, his tail swished back and forth. “You’re happy to see me, too, aren’t you, boy?”
The dog barked.
Ashley leaned down and stroked his soft head. “Hungry? I have dog food, remember?” She put her key in the lock and opened the front door.
Tanner didn’t move.
Ashley patted her leg and whistled, attempting to coax him inside.
Instead, the dog whimpered.
She leaned down and inspected him further. No unusual cuts or markings on his body. The bottom of his paws looked healthy and free from debris. And his tongue and gums were the perfect shade of pink. What could be bothering him?
Tanner rolled onto his side and lifted a paw. She scratched behind his ears and then rubbed his tummy. Maybe the dog was simply tired. But she couldn’t leave him on the front porch all night and run the risk he’d take off again.
She went in the house and pulled a dog treat out of the kitchen cabinet. If she couldn’t get him to come inside now, something was definitely wrong.
By the time she got back to the front of the house, Tanner sat staring at her through the screened door as if begging her to let him in. That was better.
She pushed open the door and held out the dog treat. He lumbered forward, snatched up the food with his tongue, and moved across the room before settling himself on the floor, his back outstretched against the denim sofa.
Now, Ashley had two reasons to call her grandmother: to ask about the photo and whether Tanner could stay until morning.
Meanwhile, Ashley would enjoy the visit, even let him lay beside her in the king-sized bed. Something about the company of this dog kept her loneliness at bay.
Grandma couldn’t deny Tanner another night, could she?
10
Ashley slipped into her paw-print scrubs before attempting to put her unruly hair into a ponytail. Stray tendrils escaped and framed her face. She tucked them behind her ears.
Her job as a veterinary technician had her working between the animal shelter and the clinic. Most days, she tended to the animals’ basic needs, like feeding and cleaning kennels, but other times, she assisted the veterinarian with laboratory procedures, physical examinations, and immunizations.
She filled her travel mug with coffee, grabbed a granola bar and a banana, her typical breakfast, and snatched her keys off the hook by the door. “Come on, Tanner.”
Last night’s phone conversation with Grandma hadn’t gone well. She wouldn’t budge. Under no uncertain terms was Ashley allowed to keep the dog at the house. Tanner had to go to the animal shelter. Period.
He stood from his place by the sofa and wagged his tail. Ashley blinked back the moisture that formed in her eyes. Her grandma had no idea the effect this dog had on her. She wanted and needed to care for him. But now that wasn’t going to happen.
She hooked the leash to the dog’s collar, locked the door, and brought him to her station wagon. Tanner jumped into the passenger seat, rested his backside down, and stared out the front window. Poor dog. He had no idea where she was taking him.
The animal shelter was a difficult place. Many dogs caught kennel cough or other diseases and turned from being happy, sweet dogs into sad animals who cowered in the corner of their kennels, waiting for the right family to come along. Thank goodness the shelter where she worked was a no-kill zone. Euthanasia wouldn’t be Tanner’s fate, but if he were adopted she might never see him again. He looked at her, and her heart tore in two.
Ashley pressed the side button, unrolling the window halfway down. The ocean breeze filtered in. Tanner stuck his face out the opening and sniffed at the air. She ran her hand down the length of his back, feeling his short silky coat.
She pulled her gaze away and put the car in gear. She’d be late for work if she didn’t head there now.
Ashley backed out of the driveway … and drove in the opposite direction.
The house was quiet—too quiet.
For two days straight, Bryan had tolerated Madison’s loud music. Now as they readied for school, he appreciated the silence. More than once in the past forty-eight hours he’d questioned his decision to care for the teenager. She was rude, messy, and expected things that Bryan couldn’t accommodate. When he’d decline a request, she would give him the silent treatment or huff off. No wonder Susan needed a break. Out of exasperation, a person could do and say things they’d later regret. So far, Bryan had been able to hold his tongue, but he didn’t know how much longer he’d be able to keep it up.
His attempt at making Madi breakfast this morning had failed. She told him her mom gave her a few dollars every day to grab something in the cafeteria. She didn’t have time to eat before leaving for school. He’d ended up tossing the remainder of the scrambled eggs in the trash.
“Ready to go, Magpie?” He called out, purposefully using her nickname to keep his tone light as he stood at the kitchen counter making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Maybe she’d respond in a positive manner.
“Almost,” she yelled back.
In the short time she’d been at his house, he’d already caught on to her stall tactics. Using that word meant she wanted more time to primp. He didn’t understand her preoccupation with her looks. The girl wore way too much makeup for a girl of her age.
“We need to leave in a minute. Make it quick,” he called back as he put away the food in the refrigerator. He grabbed a couple oranges and placed them in the brown paper bags with the sandwiches.
Bryan moved to the small dining room table and loaded his laptop into his backpack. “Madi, if we leave now, we’ll both be on time—”
“Lighten up. I’m ready.” Madi wore a tight mini skirt that barely covered her backside. Her eyes were dark-rimmed.
Bryan shook his head. “Oh, no! You can’t go to school looking like that.”
Madi brought her hands up to her slender hips. “Who says?”
His eyes narrowed. “I say.”
“You’re not my parent.”
“Right now, I’m your guardian, and you need to follow
my rules.” He took a step toward her. “I’m pretty sure there’s a dress code at your school, and I seriously doubt what you’re wearing is okay.”
Madi rolled her eyes and expelled a breath. “A bunch of my friends wear skirts like this and no one ever says anything.”
“Well, I’m saying something.” Bryan pointed. “Go change.”
Madi muttered choice words under her breath and dragged her feet toward her room.
Nothing like a tug-of-war to start my day.
Now he’d definitely be late. If he was ever going to make it to work on time, he’d need to arrange a carpool. He ran a hand through his hair and sent up a silent prayer for help.
A familiar knock sounded on the door. What was Ashley doing at his house on a Monday morning? Not that he was complaining. He had little time with her lately and welcomed the thought of seeing her. A good morning kiss would be nice, too. He opened the door.
“I have a favor to ask you.” Her words came out in a rush.
No hello? No kiss? Lately, it seemed all the women in his life needed something from him.
“Before you tell me what you have in mind, can I please have a hug? I need one this morning.” Bryan spread his arms wide then felt a little foolish. Did he sound desperate?
A smile lit Ashley’s face, and she stepped forward. She snuggled against him, and he wrapped his arms around her taking in her clean scent of peaches and cream. He loved that smell. He also loved the woman and could get used to seeing her every morning. But, of course, he’d have to marry her first. He should come right out and ask her. The thought sent his pulse racing.
A dog barked.
It barked again. Sounded as if it was coming from his driveway.
Ashley kissed him soundly on the mouth and stepped back, releasing her hold. “So, about that favor?”
“Oh, no. Don’t tell me you found that dog you were looking for.” He dropped his hands by his side.
“Grandma won’t let me keep him at the beach house, and I was hoping you’d like a new friend? He’s sweet and sleeps most of the time—”
“And he’ll need to be fed, walked, and picked up after. Ashley, I’m not ready for this, especially now that I have to take care of Madi. She takes up more than enough of my time.”
“If you don’t, then I’ll have to take him to the shelter. Please come and meet him.” Ashley grabbed his hand and tugged him toward her rundown car. The dog jumped out when she opened the door. His tail swished back and forth, and he circled around Bryan. “See, he likes you already.”
Madi bounded out of the house, wearing a tight pair of ripped jeans. “You got a dog?” She leaned down on one knee and scratched the dog behind both ears. The dog lowered himself to the ground and rolled onto his back so that Madi could rub his belly.
Bryan hated to admit it, but having a dog around the house might be good for his relationship with his niece.
“His name is Tanner. Isn’t he sweet?” Ashley directed her comment to Madi then patted the dog’s head and grinned. “I found him the other day wandering around by himself. He didn’t have a collar or a microchip. I posted signs, but no one responded. I’m thinking about adopting him, but I can’t keep him at the beach house.”
“We can take care of him for you, can’t we, Uncle Bryan?”
Since when am I the guy everyone suddenly needs?
Ashley sidled up to him. “I’ll come by every day before and after work, and I’ll foot the dog food bill. You won’t have to worry about the financial commitment. I promise.”
Bryan crossed his arms.
“So, will you do it?” Ashley pleaded.
“I’m still thinking about the part you said about coming every day before and after work.”
Ashley grinned.
He blew out a puff of air between his lips. He had told her he’d consider getting a dog once they were married, but right now taking care of Madi was overwhelming. Then again, maybe Ashley would see he was committed to their relationship—to her. “What do you think, Madi? Should we let Tanner stay with us?”
The teenager nodded, a smile tipping up the corners of her mouth.
Maybe this was a good thing. His niece needed something positive in her life. Or he’d go crazy. “Okay, Ash. You got me cornered.”
“Thank you!” She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him with more passion than she had in days.
Yes, he could get used to Ashley coming by twice a day. He had waited a long time to find the right woman, and seeing her often would give him plenty of opportunities to finally get over his fear and pop the question.
Madi scrunched up her face. “You two are disgusting. Get a room.”
“Very funny, Madi.” Bryan stepped back from Ashley’s embrace. “Grab Tanner and put him in the laundry room. The space is small but has a door, and he won’t roam around the house while we’re gone. Better safe than sorry.”
“I’ll put his dog food in the kitchen and fill a water bowl,” Ashley said.
“And I think I have an extra blanket he can use,” he added. “I’ll go look for it.”
The three scrambled around, doing their said chores while the minutes ticked by. He’d always been to school on time. How was he going to explain why he was late?
Once they had Tanner settled, Bryan locked up the house twenty minutes behind schedule.
“Want me to take Madi to school? She’s on the way to the animal clinic. In fact, I can do it every day if that would help.”
Ashley’s words were music to his ears. “That would be great, thanks.” Bryan leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Madi, I’ll be by to pick you up after school today. I expect you to be there. No funny stuff, okay?”
Madi’s facial features turned stone cold. She got in Ashley’s car without saying another word.
“Maybe you’re right.” Bryan lowered his voice. “I have no idea how to talk to this girl.”
“I’m sorry for what I said.” Ashley matched his tone. “There aren’t many men who’d take a teenaged niece under their roof.”
Bryan needed to hear the confirmation once more. “So you think I’m doing the right thing?”
“You’re doing the best thing. And I love you for it.”
“Are we talking about Madi or the dog?” Bryan teased.
Ashley squeezed his hand. “If I’m honest, both.”
The horn beeped. Madi pointed to the watch on her wrist and glared.
“I’ll be a listening ear to Madi as well,” Ashley said. “I’ll let you know if she says anything interesting. In the meantime, together we might be able to help save two lives.”
As good as that sounded, he preferred to have his normal life back, the one where he had time to himself and with Ashley.
He slid behind the wheel of his pickup truck, swearing he could hear the dog howl from inside the house.
11
It had been five days since she’d brought Tanner to Bryan’s house, Tori’s comment about Bryan not far from her mind. Was he using his family as an excuse to avoid popping the question?
On the evenings she wasn’t working at the shelter, she helped Madi with her homework and walked Tanner before preparing dinner with Bryan. Once the dishes were washed and dried, Madi would go to her room while Ashley and Bryan sat beside each other on the couch, rehashing their day. When they grew tired or Bryan had papers to grade, she would slip home to her too-quiet beach house.
Tonight, as she entered, Ashley was greeted by an odd noise. She took a step back toward the door.
Footsteps sounded from the attic. Ashley tiptoed toward the hallway. Just as she suspected, the pull-down ladder had been unfolded and someone was up there. Gathering her wits about her, Ashley flipped on a light above the dining room table and bolted to the kitchen to grab a knife from the butcher block on the counter. Her heart beat a staccato rhythm as she pulled her cell phone out of her purse and called 9-1-1.
Above her head, the floor creaked with each step taken by the intruder. Ashley
clutched the knife so tightly that her fingers ached. She raised it, poised to protect herself if need be.
The phone rang once … then again. This was an emergency. Didn’t 9-1-1 realize that?
The steps ended at the top ledge.
Ashley slipped back into the kitchen out of sight.
The ladder groaned as it did with the slightest weight on the steps. Someone was climbing down.
“Nine-one-one, what is your emergency?”
The intruder must have heard the dispatcher’s voice. She spun in Ashley’s direction.
“I’m—I’m sorry,” she told the woman on the other end of the line. “I thought someone had broken into my house. It’s—it’s only my sister.” She sat the twelve-inch knife on the counter and breathed a sigh of relief.
“Are you sure?” the dispatcher asked. “I can send a patrol car.”
“No—No. She’s right here in front of me. We’re good. Again, I’m sorry.” She clicked off the call.
Ashley let out a huff. “Lauren, What are you doing? I could have killed you.”
Lauren’s eyes grew round. “I was looking for something in the attic. Grandma gave me a key a long time ago. You didn’t lock the door, by the way.”
Ashley usually felt safe in her peaceful neighborhood and didn’t feel the need to lock the door—until now. “Well I sure hope you found whatever you were looking for because you scared me half to death.”
Lauren chuckled. “So I scared you, huh?”
“You’re lucky I didn’t plunge that knife through your gut.” She motioned to the weapon laying on the counter.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t think you’d be home tonight.”
“What were you looking for, anyway?” Ashley shrugged out of her cardigan. She’d changed from her scrubs when she got to Bryan’s house and still needed to get her backpack from the trunk of the car.