Hollister nodded and headed for the front door. As she turned to follow, she was relieved to see that Will was behind her.
Will shoved his hands in his pockets. “You’re really going to give that money to him?”
“You don’t think I should?” Sarah stepped closer. “Come on, don’t give me that. Especially now that I’ve done the hardest part!”
He wrapped his arms around Sarah and squeezed her tightly against his chest.
“I need to see my father, Will. I don’t want to worry about him hurt or alone. He made a mistake. I’ll never understand it, but I love him. Hollister will bring him back. Then we’ll figure out the rest.” Sarah closed her eyes, afraid her father would never forgive her but certain it was the best decision.
“You’re doing the right thing. Good for you.” Will leaned down to press a kiss on her lips. “When it’s time to make the tough call, I know I can count on Sarah Hillman.”
Those words coming from this man were enough to make her weak in the knees.
Will whispered, “I’m proud of you.”
Sarah closed her eyes and took nice, even breaths because she was half a second from ugly sobs.
“Will Barnes, I never stood a chance.” She pressed her forehead against his shoulder. “I’d have to be a fool not to love you.”
“And we both know you’re smart.” He rubbed circles across the small of her back. “Thank you for blackmailing me with a large brown dog. I almost missed out on a good thing.”
A small group had gathered around. Shelly and Les. Chloe, Rebecca, Stephanie and Jen were all glued to the action.
The kids who’d hated her with a passion had grown into friends. Somehow.
It was a dog shelter miracle.
Everyone—all the people she’d hired, the old friends who’d come to see the trouble she’d gotten herself into and the new friends who were convincing her every day that life was good—they were all watching the show.
“Hollister is waiting.” Sarah glanced toward the door. “But I’ve got a very important question. Can a cat man love a dog woman?”
Will pursed his lips. “I don’t know. I only like dogs that do tricks, like howling on command.”
Sarah wrinkled her nose. “Then I should definitely get to work teaching Bub that trick.”
Sarah glanced over at Chloe, who had knelt in the grass next to Hope. She had to dodge Hope’s flying tongue now and then but she was definitely interested in the conversation.
“You should invite me to dinner, and I really think Chloe and I should spend some quality time together. At a mall.” She winked at Chloe, who mouthed, “Anytime.”
The small wave of chuckles that swept through the crowd reminded them all they had other business to attend to.
“Who would like information on adoption?” Shelly asked, waving both hands. “Follow me.” A few people in the crowd drifted off.
“You. Miles. Come talk to my brother.” Jen pointed at a balding man standing next to the cookies. “My real estate agent stands to make a chunk of change. He should be ready for investment.” Jen raised her eyebrows at Will. “Make it snappy. My interior designer is heading your way next.”
She marched off, Hope trailing behind her, tail wagging in delight at being with her person.
Will caught the high five Chloe gave him before she darted off after Jen. Will turned to Sarah. “I thought you liked being in control of your own life. We don’t have to be so old-fashioned. You can buy me dinner.”
“Your sister suggested the same thing,” Sarah said. They both grinned. “I’ll make you a peanut butter sandwich. Bub loves them or thinks he would if I ever gave him one.”
“He deserves a little something for pulling this whole thing together.” Will pointed at his feet, where Bub was sitting, his fluffy tail flipping slowly across Will’s running shoe.
Without Bub, she might never have taken that first step, the one that had put her on the path to getting the best life, a life she’d never dreamed of. “Never underestimate the power of a big brown dog.”
* * * * *
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ISBN-13: 9781460389423
Heart’s Refuge
Copyright © 2015 by Cheryl Harper
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Table of Contents
Back Cover Text
Introduction
Dear Reader
Title Page
About the Author
Dedication
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Copyright
Heart's Refuge (Lucky Numbers) Page 22