Puppies on Parade

by Debby Mayne

  Emily smiled at the couple. “Hank is a sweet dog.”

  “He’s so in tune to you.” The woman glanced at the man and then at Emily. “In fact, so is your husband. The three of you make a very sweet family.”

  Emily was speechless, and she wanted to crawl right under the table. But Brice spoke up to take the attention away from her.

  “Thank you. It’s such a beautiful day, we thought we’d take the dog out to enjoy it with us.”

  He chatted with the couple for a few minutes until the server came with the check. Emily reached for it, but Brice beat her to it. “My treat,” he said with no hesitation.

  Emily slowly pulled her hand back as he pulled out his wallet. After the server took payment, they left.

  “I hope I didn’t embarrass you when I didn’t correct that lady,” Brice said as they rounded the corner.

  “No, not at all.”

  “I think we make a great threesome.” He took her by her free hand. “We need to do this more often.”

  Her heart felt as though it might explode. “Sounds good to me.”

  “Look.” He pointed to a vintage looking pet store with a sign stating that everyone was welcome, including those with four legs. “Maybe we can find something Hank likes there.”

  “Oh, I’m sure.” Based on Emily’s observations of Hank so far, there wasn’t much he didn’t like, except the vet.

  As soon as they walked into the store, Hank’s ears started twitching, and his eyebrows shot up. The man who worked there came around from behind the counter, holding up a dog treat. “Is it okay if I give him this?”

  Emily nodded. As the man handed Hank the treat, Brice squeezed her hand and turned to the man. “I think you’ve just made a friend for life.”

  The man laughed. “I’ve never met a dog that didn’t like coming in here.”

  Hank agreed by letting out a, “Woof.”

  “Feel free to look around. If you have any questions, I’ll be right here.” The man started for the counter but stopped and added, “And don’t feel obligated to buy anything. I want my shop to be fun for pets and their people.”

  After he was out of hearing distance, Brice leaned over and whispered, “I can’t imagine leaving this store empty-handed. This place is awesome.”

  Emily nodded toward Hank who had already begun to browse one of the shelves nearby. “He certainly thinks so.”

  An hour later, they headed back to the car to put their stash of an oversized dog bed, a couple more dog toys, a bag of all natural, locally made chewy treats, a small bag of dog food that Brice insisted on getting, even though Emily said they didn’t need it, and a new collar. Hank seemed perkier than ever.

  “Just like a kid,” Brice said. “He’s really happy about all his new stuff.”

  “So am I.” Emily sighed, as she now understood why parents did what they did to make their children happy. “It’s fun to see him so cheerful.”

  They walked around for another hour before Brice asked if she was hungry. She nodded. “I just hope Hank isn’t starving.”

  “Wait’ll you see where we’re going. They have a great outdoor dining area, and they allow dogs to eat, as long as you bring food.” He lifted a small bag. “That’s why I wanted to get the dog food for Hank. I forgot to bring some from the hardware store.”

  The rest of the day was like a fairy tale for Emily. She had to pinch herself a couple of times to make sure she wasn’t dreaming.

  By the time Brice brought her and Hank home, she had no doubt she could quickly fall in love with the man. He helped her to the door with all the items she’d bought, and he surprised her with a bracelet she’d admired in one of the stores.

  “I didn’t see you get that.” She held out her arm for him to put it on her. “How did you do that?”

  He gave her a goofy grin and wiggled his eyebrows. “I’m sneaky like that.”

  “Thank you so much for a wonderful day.”

  Brice took both of Emily’s hands in his and looked at her in a way that she never remembered experiencing. “I’m the one who should thank you. You saved me from falling deeper into the workaholic hole.”

  She slowly nodded. “I think we just saved each other.”

  “So when would you like to do this again?”

  Emily pondered that for a few seconds. “After tomorrow, I’m booked for the next week. I’ve been working on a few projects, and it looks like they’re finally coming to fruition.”

  He frowned, but he quickly tried to cover it with a smile. “I understand. Do you want to call me when you’re free?”

  She couldn’t help but notice the formality of his tone. “Sure, but you can call me too.”

  “But you’re so busy.” Brice licked his lips and winced. “That came out snarky, didn’t it?”

  She laughed. “Not really snarky, but—”

  He let go of one hand and placed his fingertips over her lips. “It was snarky, and I’m sorry. I was just hoping you had so much fun you couldn’t wait to see me again.”

  “I did have that much fun. And I can’t wait to see you again. It’s just that I’ve already committed to some meetings.”

  Brice pursed his lips and slowly nodded. “Trust me, I understand. Do you have any idea when you’ll be free?”

  She wanted to tell him tomorrow, but she knew he already felt bad about not being in the store for the big sale. “My last scheduled meeting is on Friday.”

  “Why don’t we plan something for the Saturday after?”

  “But you’re in the retail business, and Saturday—”

  “I know, but I also have some very capable people working for me, including a couple of college students who would love more weekend hours.”

  “Okay, then. We can get together that Saturday.”

  “Dinner?”

  “Sounds good.”

  “I’ll call you later next week, and we can talk about the details.” He gave her hand a squeeze and let go.

  She thought he was about to leave, when he leaned over and gave her a quick kiss on the lips. Emily was caught so off-guard, she couldn’t think of a thing to say … or do. So she just stood by her front door and watched him walk to his truck, get in, and back out of the driveway.

  “Woof.” Hank gave her a forlorn expression.

  Emily giggled. “My sentiments, exactly. Where were you when I needed you?”

  Hank tilted his head and gave her a curious look. She laughed, so he tilted his head the other way and put his paw on her leg.

  “What is it with you, Hank? You’re just a puppy, but you seem so grown up and human sometimes.”

  He made a playful pounce on his front paws and then ran off to get a squeaky toy. He brought it to her, dropped it at her feet, and then went to his basket and got another one.

  The end of the week couldn’t come soon enough. Emily managed to work through her entire list and make all her appointments. In the past, she would have had a tremendous feeling of accomplishment, but now she felt empty. By the time Saturday rolled around, she was more than ready to see Brice.

  After he kissed her goodnight at the door, he cupped her face in his hands. “Do I have to wait another whole week to see you again?”

  She shook her head. “Not if you want to go to church with me in the morning.”

  He grinned down at her. “I thought you’d never ask.”

  Over the next several weeks, they went out on Saturday nights, to church on Sundays and out to lunch afterward. And they took turns coming up with something to do a couple other nights during the week. Emily was starting to get comfortable in the relationship, and Hank was over-the-moon happy when they were all together. Unfortunately, she had to schedule a bunch of appointments close together in one week. “Looks like we’ll have to wait until the weekend.”

  “How about lunch on Wednesday?” He tipped her chin up. “You have to have lunch anyway, so why not have it with me?”

  She shook her head. “Sorry, but I have lunch appointments
every single day during the week.”

  His shoulders drooped as he backed away and nodded. “I understand.”

  She wasn’t so sure he did, and it broke her heart. There was no doubt in her mind that she was in love with him, and she was pretty sure he felt the same.

  Chapter 8

  Brice would have gotten together with Emily every single day if she’d been willing and able. But the very thing that drew him to her in the first place—her work ethic—was the very thing that kept that from happening. Still, he was certain that the next several days would drag. At least he had the business and his civic duties on the town council.

  Throughout the next day, he went back and forth between ordering merchandise, meeting with new vendors, helping customers, and following up on parade business. Mooreville typically had forty or fifty groups in the parade, but after how well received last year’s event was, it seemed that everyone wanted to be in it.

  One of his younger employees, Jonathan, laughed about it. “If everyone’s in the parade, who will be there to watch it?”

  Brice nodded his agreement. “Good point.”

  “Speaking of the parade, my mom wants to know if you need more help stuffing the store’s float.”

  “Please let her know we can use all the help we can get.”

  “My little brother’s gonna be happy. He thinks this place is the bomb.”

  “If he comes, I’ll put him in charge of watching the refreshments.” Brice forced himself to maintain a straight face. “If I remember correctly, your little brother’s favorite thing was the pizza.”

  “Yeah, he never had pineapple pizza before, and now that’s all he ever wants to eat.”

  “Then I’ll make sure we have plenty when it comes time to get the float ready.”

  Melba approached from the side and held out the phone. “It’s for you, boss.”

  Brice took the phone and gave her a questioning look. She turned around and walked back to the cash register, so he had no idea who was on the line.

  “Brice Johnson here. How may I help you?”

  “This is Emily Moore, and you may help me by coming to see Hank.”

  “Huh?” He understood the Emily part, but seeing Hank?

  She let out a laugh that made him feel all strange inside, so he turned away from the employees who remained nearby. “Everyday when I come home, he keeps looking around, like he expects to see someone else.” She paused. “I’m pretty sure that someone else is you.”

  “Really?” He wasn’t sure what to say, so he didn’t say anything.

  “Yes, really. I know I told you I was busy until next weekend, but is it possible to stop by soon … at least to see Hank?”

  “Um, I think I can manage that.” He was tempted to leave right now, but he didn’t want to make a fool of himself with her or the people who worked for him. “When?”

  “How about tonight? I’m waiting for a meeting now, but I’ll be home around seven.”

  “Want me to bring dinner?”

  “You don’t have to do that. I just want you to come and spend a little time with Hank. I think he’s confused that you’re not here.”

  “I know I don’t have to bring anything, but I’d like to.” He cleared his throat. “That is, unless you already have dinner plans.”

  “I don’t, but I don’t want you going to a lot of trouble.”

  “How about something from the deli? That’s no trouble at all. I’ll pick up some sandwiches and chips, and you can supply the drinks. How’s that?”

  “Gotta run. I’ll see you at seven.”

  After he got off the phone, he saw that all his employees were watching him. “What?”

  Jonathan glanced at Melba, who winked and gestured toward Brice. “The look of love.”

  “We’re friends. Her dog is looking around for me, and since she’s only had him a short time, I want to help her out.” He saw how everyone rolled their eyes. “That’s what you do for friends, right? You help them out.”

  “Oh yeah. I like to help my friends.” Jonathan cleared his throat.

  “Sometimes friends need more than help with their dogs,” Melba said before turning toward the register. “If you need any help or advice, don’t hesitate to ask. I have experience with friends. In fact, I married my best friend about twenty years ago, so I know what I’m talking about.”

  Brice heard her message loud and clear. And it didn’t bother him in the least. Having more than a friendship with Emily could be a good thing, but if her busyness was any indication of how things would go, he wasn’t sure if it was even possible. She was the only person he knew who had more on her plate than he did.

  The rest of the day went by quickly, as it always did when they ran specials on things everyone wanted in the spring, like HVAC filters, garden supplies, and flowers. He was in the middle of moving some palettes around when Melba approached.

  He looked over at her. “Need something?”

  “Yep. I need you to leave this place so you can get ready for your date.” Melba folded her arms and gave him one of her motherly looks.

  “It’s not exactly a date. I’m just dropping by to see Hank because he misses me.”

  “That’s what she told you.” Melba tilted her head as she held her gaze.

  “She’s not one to play games.”

  Melba shook her head. “I’m not saying she’s playing games, but think about it, Brice. Did Hank tell her he wanted to see you?”

  “Of course not. He’s a dog.”

  “How does Emily know he wants to see you?”

  “He was looking around.”

  Melba rolled her eyes and laughed. “She wants to think Hank’s looking for you … and he very well may be. But she can’t be sure.”

  “Hank is easy to read. I think she can tell.”

  She made a face. “Perhaps you’re right. You said y’all bought him a bunch of new things. Maybe he’s looking for more stuff.” She tilted her face forward and looked at him from beneath hooded eyebrows. “C’mon, Brice. She wants to see you, and she’s using Hank to get you to stop by because she doesn’t want to admit her feelings—to you or herself.”

  Brice chewed his lip for a moment as he realized Melba had a good point. But he wasn’t ready to admit that he thought Emily might want to see him as much as he wanted to see her. “I’m going to go see Hank, just in case I’m what he’s looking for.”

  “Okay, I can go along with that.” Melba stepped closer.

  “I’ve picked out a few things Hank might like, including one of the extra large rawhides you ordered.”

  Brice’s face heated up. He wondered if Melba realized he’d ordered those after meeting Hank.

  He decided to knock off a little early after that conversation. On his way out the door, he picked up the package of rawhides and another squeaky toy for Hank. Of all the things in the dog’s toy basket, he clearly preferred the ones that made noise.

  After a quick shower, Brice texted Emily to find out what kind of sandwich she wanted. To his surprise, she got back with him right away and asked if he minded getting pizza instead. “I’ve been craving it all day.”

  “I usually crave it when I’m exhausted.”

  “Maybe that’s why. I’m used to working long hours, but before I had Hank, I could come home and relax. That’s pretty much impossible now. I thought we’d go for a short walk when I got home, but he’s already become the most popular guy on the block. I can’t even take him for a walk without someone stopping us and wanting to talk … or play with him.”

  Brice chuckled. “He is a pretty jovial guy. Why don’t you relax, and I’ll be there as soon as I have the pizza. What do you like on it?”

  “Everything.”

  “Me too. I’ll get a deluxe supreme.”

  As soon as they hung up, he called Bubba Fiore’s Pizzeria, his favorite pizza place that he had on speed dial. “Hey, Bubba, this is Brice Johnson. I’d like the usual to go, only this time make it a deluxe size.”
<
br />   “Sure thing, Brice. Going to a party?”

  “Nah, just hanging out with a friend.”

  Bubba laughed. “That friend doesn’t just happen to have a dog named Hank, does she?”

  “What?” Brice let out a snort. “Where have you heard that?”

  “This is Mooreville. People talk.”

  “Okay, so yes, I’m going to see Hank.”

  “Good deal. I’ll throw in a few treats for the dog. You know that’ll earn you a few extra points with the girl, right?”

  Brice knew better than to argue with Bubba. “Thanks.”

  “Just make sure you invite me to the wedding.” Brice heard Bubba’s deep belly laugh as he clicked the OFF button on his phone.

  He got out of the truck and went into the grocery store to get soda. Since he wasn’t sure what kind she preferred, he came out with four two-liter bottles.

  By the time he arrived at the pizzeria, his order was coming out of the oven. Bubba held up his index finger. “All I have to do is cut it and slide into a box. It’ll just be a few shakes of a donkey tail … or should I say doggie tail?” Bubba let out another deep laugh.

  Chapter 9

  Emily didn’t have to worry about missing the doorbell with Hank around. He ran to the foyer and stared at the door several seconds before she heard the footsteps on the front porch.

  She flung the door open and caught Brice trying to figure out how to ring the doorbell while holding a pizza and a large grocery bag. “Saved by the dog.”

  He looked down at Hank. “You got that right. I owe you a belly rub.”

  “Woof.” Hank took a step back, never breaking his gaze.

  “I bet he smells the pizza,” Brice said.

  “Oh, I’m sure.”

  “Do you think he’s hungry?”

  Emily tilted her head forward and gave him a you’ve-got-to-be-kidding look. “He’s always hungry.”

  Brice laughed. “I have some treats for him too.”

  “Not pizza.”

  He shook his head. “That’s right. Not pizza. Bubba gave me some goodies for the dog.” Brice placed the pizza and bag on the counter and started pulling out the bottles. He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out the pack of dog treats.