A Kiss Upon A Star

by Tamara Ferguson

  Emily sighed. Her rule about no distractions wasn’t going to work, was it? After noticing Tim and Chloe out on the beach last evening, she’d given them their own personal concert. It was interesting to observe Chloe hadn’t seemed to enjoy even one of the songs Emily had been performing in concert for the past few years.

  But Chloe hadn’t howled at all while Emily had sung her own compositions. Emily grinned. If Chloe wasn’t a dog, Emily would have sworn she was a music critic censoring mediocre tunes.

  Emily wore her second smile of the day as she sat near the window with her guitar, and began revising a few of the bars from one of the songs she’d been working on the day before.

  * * *

  The next morning Emily was looking outside through the window again and saw Chloe running beside another dog. Definitely a mixed breed, this dog was little larger and golden in color. She figured with his cute floppy ears, he was probably some kind of spaniel.

  Emily was puzzled when Tim didn’t seek her out again but spent the rest of the day following the same routine as the previous two. And again, Chloe and Tim were sitting near the edge of the water at dusk.

  Tim continued not to bother her. But for the next three days, he kept jogging along the beach with a different dog, and Emily was beyond curious now. What was he doing with all of these dogs?

  Finally, she caved in. Even though she was getting a lot of work done, she was bored of being alone, and the next morning when Tim appeared with Chloe and yet another different dog, Emily left the cottage dressed in her workout clothes and rushed down the path to join the three of them.

  As Emily ran beside him, Tim grinned, glancing at her sideways. “I was wondering when you’d finally want to know what was going on.”

  Emily couldn’t help it when she smiled.

  Tim halted, smiling back. “Chloe, Ralph. Heel!” he commanded, and both dogs froze.

  “Now that’s the Emily Richardson I remember,” he said softly, holding her gaze.

  Emily’s stomach did a somersault.

  When she realized she’d been staring into Tim’s eyes for several breathless moments, she cleared her throat and began running in place.

  “Chloe, Ralph. Forward!” he ordered, and they galloped ahead of Tim and Emily.

  Tim remained silent until Emily spoke. “Okay, yes, I’m curious. What’s with all the dogs?”

  “I’ve been running a training program for shelter dogs. It’s experimental of course. But so far the six dogs I’ve chosen are responding well with their training.”

  Emily was still puzzled. “Training for what?”

  “To be service animals,” Tim answered. “Hopefully for veterans as well as the disabled. There are so many stray dogs that have great temperaments. I convinced Danielle Loughlin to give the program a chance and, so far, the support has been tremendous.”

  “So—it’s your profession?”

  Tim grinned staring ahead. “It is. I bought my house with the money I saved from being in the service, and I get a salary for running the shelter operations. And you know what?”

  “What?” Emily asked, still trying to get her mind around what Tim was saying. Truthfully, she’d been surprised to hear he’d left the Air Force because from what Trish had told her once, not only had he loved training the service dogs, he’d also liked the daily regimen and routine.

  “I love the freedom of setting my schedule and being my own boss.” Tim sighed. “Don’t get me wrong, I’ll never regret enlisting. I learned so much.” He frowned fiercely. “But I also lost a lot too.”

  Emily studied Tim closely as they began approaching the beach near the cottage. Something was definitely wrong here, but she could tell by the look on his face that he wasn’t going to open up with her.

  And why should he? It’s not like she’d been overly friendly since running into him again.

  Tim hesitated as Emily turned to follow the trail leading toward the cottage. “You’ve got to be bored, being cooped up in that cottage? How about going along with me into work sometime this week?”

  Emily hesitated. Should she?

  “Sure. I have to do some grocery shopping sometime soon too.”

  Tim shrugged. “Okay. Any day will do, since I usually go in every day but Sunday. I have a couple assistants who help out with feeding and exercise.” He sighed. “But truthfully, I could use some support. Danielle is bringing me my first potential client sometime in the next few days.”

  “Really?” Emily nodded firmly. “Alright.” She’d love to see how Tim worked. Emily bent down and scratched Chloe behind the ears first and then did the same for Ralph. “Just give me a call and tell me when. I suppose I’m safe with Danielle knowing that I’m here in town.” She sighed heavily. “Mom is bound to find me sooner or later. I can’t see her just accepting me needing a break—like I wrote in the letter I left for her.”

  Tim reached for her hand and squeezed it.

  And as a jolt of awareness went shooting straight through her arm, Emily drew in a deep unsteady breath. It was the first time they’d touched in so long, and Emily was instantly reminded of the way she’d reacted to Tim’s kisses all those years before.

  When his eyes shot to hers, Tim’s gaze was heated, and Emily was certain he was remembering those kisses as well.

  Oh, no. She’d been so sure she was over him.

  For a moment, she panicked. No more relationships, she’d promised herself. Besides, they were from different worlds.

  Emily rushed towards the cottage, yelling over her shoulder. “I’ll talk to you later.”

  But when Emily turned back momentarily, he was wearing a thoughtful smile on his face as he winked first and then held up his hand in farewell.

  Chapter Thirteen

  She spent the next day organizing and transferring her messy marked up sheet music onto fresh pages since it was raining the entire day.

  But another day later, she heard a sharp rap on the back door while she was drinking her coffee at seven a.m. Since only two other people knew she was here in Crystal Rock, she had a sneaking suspicion who she’d find when she answered.

  Emily could make out the smell of bacon and eggs when she opened the door. Holding two huge containers she assumed were filled with food, Tim stood on the back porch with a wry smile on his face while Chloe sat on her haunches gazing up at her expectantly.

  “I didn’t know much food you had left so I thought I’d share breakfast with you. It’s from the Crystal Rock Tap, the next best place to eat here in town after the Dragonfly Pointe Inn. Danielle’s bringing over my new client in a few hours, and I didn’t want to wake you that early by calling you on the phone.”

  With a sweep of her arm, Emily motioned for the two of them to come inside. “Smells great,” she said. “I was just trying to figure out how to walk around town unobserved. I’m starting to go a little crazy not leaving the house, so I thought I’d do a little shopping since I brought along some cash.”

  Tim gave her a thoughtful nod. “Put your hair into a ponytail with your ball cap covering your head again, and just wear jeans and a T-shirt. The sunglasses probably wouldn’t hurt either.”

  “That’s what I was thinking.” She hesitated, looking down at the sweats and T-shirt she was wearing. “Help yourself to coffee while I change my clothes. I’ll only be a few minutes.”

  Tim grinned. “Hurry up—so the food doesn’t get cold.”

  Rushing through the hallway toward the bedroom, Emily suddenly smiled. She was really looking forward to the day ahead and it’d been so long since she’d felt that way.

  After changing her clothes, she stared rather sightlessly at herself in the mirror with a troubled frown. Being with Tim was bringing back lots of memories, most of them good, and now she was confused all over again about why he would’ve ended their communication five years before. Had he been seeing someone like she’d assumed? Maybe it was all in her head, but in a strange way the time he was spending with her now seemed almost like th
eir relationship was continuing to move forward exactly where they’d left off.

  After pulling back her hair and applying a little blusher and lipstick, she was ready to go. Emily wore such heavy makeup for performances, she’d give her skin a break by wearing very little during the day. Her skin was positively glowing, she decided, studying her face in the mirror. It must’ve been due to the fresh air and sunshine.

  Emily grimaced, thinking that maybe the glow was due to something other than her new daily routine. Both her bitterness and cynicism about the world in general was gradually diminishing. It made a huge difference having Tim around, and she was feeling more like her old self every single day.

  Emily walked into the kitchen wearing jeans paired with a sheer flowery blouse and tank underneath. Tim hesitated, looking up from where he was sitting at the table eating his food. He hadn’t seen her wearing anything other than sweats since she’d arrived, and Emily realized that subconsciously she must’ve wanted to look good for him.

  “You look...pretty,” he said, gazing at her steadily. He cleared his throat, opening the other container of food laying on the table and sliding it over as she sat down in her seat.

  She took a bite of the omelet. “Geez, that’s good. I don’t remember the last time I ate eggs. Usually, I stick to whole grain cereal and drink a little bit of orange juice.”

  “Was that your choice or your mom’s?” Tim asked gruffly.

  Emily answered with a rueful smile. “I’ve been on the same kind of diet for so long, I imagine it was my mom’s idea to begin with.”

  They continued eating in silence for the next few minutes.

  Twenty minutes later they were finished and Emily scooped up her purse along with her glasses and ballcap.

  Emily walked outside through the doorway along with Chloe, and Tim followed, locking the door behind him. When they reached the truck and Tim pulled open the passenger door for Emily, she laughed when Chloe hopped inside instead.

  “Chloe,” Tim said sharply.

  “That’s alright,” Emily said, sliding onto the seat beside Chloe.

  She grinned when the dog climbed onto her lap.

  After gently licking Emily’s hand, Chloe sighed, laying her head over Emily’s arm.

  Emily whispered into Chloe’s ear. “That’s right—there’s no need to be jealous. Do you remember me, girl?”

  Tim appeared to be watching the two of them with great interest.

  When he suddenly smiled, Emily literally felt her heart stop pounding in her chest.

  She looked quickly through the passenger window sucking in a deep breath. What was going on with her? She’d never had this kind of a reaction with Mark and she’d been engaged to him. Not to mention she’d been totally at ease performing with celebrities her entire life.

  When Emily continued scratching Chloe’s head, Chloe began snuggling even closer. By the time Tim pulled into the parking lot of the animal shelter, Emily was laughing and trying to keep Chloe from slobbering all over her face.

  Emily figured it must’ve been something Tim had been trying to train Chloe not to do because Tim was glaring at the dog with a frown on his face after he shut down the engine. “Chloe,” he said reprovingly.

  Covering her eyes with her paws, Chloe dropped onto Emily’s lap and began whining.

  Rolling his eyes upward, Tim snorted.

  Looking down at Chloe, Emily couldn’t stop from giggling. What a personality.

  When Emily finally reached for the handle of the door and opened it up, Chloe jumped from Emily’s lap to the ground apparently unconcerned about her momentary lapse in manners.

  But stepping out from the truck, Emily was staring at the shelter in surprise. Tim had mentioned that the Loughlins had donated the property, and located north of town near the Crystal Rock River, the facility was huge.

  Leaving Tim behind, Chloe began following Emily along the sidewalk and they walked straight up to the front door. Staring back at Tim, Chloe stood wagging her tail expectantly with what looked to be a huge doggie smile on her face.

  When Tim caught up with them and opened the door leading inside, he was smiling. “I see she’s abandoned me for you.”

  He looked at Chloe. “Traitor.”

  “Rrrrff, rrrrff,” Chloe answered, wagging her tail.

  Emily grinned. “You don’t suppose she actually remembers me?”

  Tim cocked his head. “You never know. Stranger things have happened—Chloe’s a pretty intelligent dog.” He grinned. “But she doesn’t like it when I scold.”

  “She sure would’ve made a great music critic,” Emily answered dryly.

  Tim began to laugh. “Ah, so you’ve noticed us out there on the beach?”

  “Well, it’d be pretty hard not to notice with as much racket as Chloe’s been making.”

  A pretty girl who was probably about the same age as Emily was sitting at the desk in the office. When Tim had mentioned something about a having a bookkeeper and receptionist, Emily had assumed he was talking about an older woman.

  “This is Laura, Em,” Tim said, motioning with his hand. “And Laura I’d like for you to meet my old friend Emily.”

  Laura had a scowl on her face while she was being introduced. Uh, oh, Emily thought. Tim didn’t seem to be aware of the fact that his receptionist had a thing for him.

  And Emily felt a little twinge of what? Was it jealously? She was pretty sure he probably wasn’t seeing anyone because of the time he was hanging around with her.

  The thought was remarkably reassuring as she watched Tim walk behind the reception counter and start shuffling through some files that Laura had neatly stacked on top of the desk.

  Tim was a great looking guy but Emily was still curious. What was with the grungy beard and long hair? She wasn’t comfortable enough around him yet to feel like she had the right to ask

  When Emily gave Laura a warm smile, Laura did a double-take and her eyes went wide. “You’re not..?”

  Tim grimaced. “She is. Do me a favor Laura. Don’t tell anyone she’s in town?”

  This time Laura’s smile went wide. “I won’t.”

  Looking hesitant, she turned to Emily. “It’s nice to meet you. I love your music.”

  Emily grinned, this time reaching out and shaking Laura’s hand as she held it out. “Thank you, Laura. I appreciate that.”

  “When Danielle arrives, just send her down to the arena, Laura.”

  Laura smiled and nodded her head up and down as she sat back down at her desk.

  “Okay—we’re ready to go.” Tim grabbed the file and walked Emily through a hallway that opened up to a large arena the size of a barn. The dogs seemed awfully content, Emily noticed, studying their tall cages lined up around the perimeter of the stadium as well as the cleanliness of each space.

  Emily began to laugh when she heard one of her songs echoing through the speakers overhead. “Music?”

  Tim smiled. “When I was training down in Texas I read through some research about how it helped soothe animals, so I decided to try it out. The speaker system was my own contribution after the Loughlins came up with the funding to build this training arena.” He gave her what was definitely a mischievous grin. “You notice it’s not one of your country songs that I have playing? That would’ve definitely riled everyone up,” he added dryly.

  She snorted, rolling her eyes. “Hah, hah.”

  “Take a look around,” he said. “I’m not sure what time Danielle and my new client are due to arrive, so I’m going to get a little work done first.”

  Emily walked through the arena with Chloe for a few minutes and checked in with all the dogs.

  When Chloe was obviously ready to join Tim, Emily sat in the stands and watched for the next hour while Tim ran each of the dogs through their paces. He had it down to an art. He’d work with new commands every week, he told her, but how he proceeded with each animal would depend on future individual clients and their specific needs.

  A few minu
tes later, Danielle Loughlin entered the arena, holding a little girl’s hand. Suddenly noticing Emily, Danielle’s jaw dropped.

  Emily held up her hand and smiled, nodding imperceptibly.

  Obviously understanding, Danielle grinned as she walked the little girl towards Tim where he was standing near the kennels.

  “Tim, meet Rose.”

  When Tim squatted down on his knee, the little girl reached out and yanked his beard.

  “Ouch,” Tim said, giving the pretty little five-year-old girl a smile. “Hi, Rose. How are you?”

  Danielle smiled. “I think you have this covered. I’ll be sitting over there in the stands Rose.” Danielle put Rose’s hand in Tim’s and went to sit in the front row of the bleachers with Emily.

  Rose pointed at Chloe. “Doggie?”

  “Yes, you’re here for a doggie.” Still holding her hand, Tim stood up and began walking with Rose along the edge of the arena pausing for a moment in front of each of the dogs.

  “What’s the story?” Emily whispered, looking at Danielle.

  With a sigh, Danielle answered, “She’s losing her vision.”

  “Oh, no,” Emily moaned. “She’s such a pretty little thing too. I can’t even imagine.”

  “Yeah, we’re doing everything we can think of for her, but it’s genetic and so far there isn’t any cure. She’s living in the new residential home at Crystal Visions, and we’re trying to think of her future.” Danielle paused. “It’s so sad. She lost her parents over a year ago in a car crash. They were hit by a drunk driver. It’s amazing that Rose survived. Luckily, she was hooked up in her seat belt in the back seat. But her learning capabilities have become slightly delayed because of all the trauma.”

  Emily blinked back tears. “Oh, wow. That’s so much for someone so young to have to deal with.”

  “Tell me about it,” Danielle answered and sighed. “And no living relatives either.” She grimaced. “If I could, I’d adopt her myself. But I have my hands full with my own family right now.”

  Emily gazed at Danielle thoughtfully before returning her attention to Tim and Rose. Tim had been standing a while in front of one of the pens, and was letting the dog inside loose. The medium sized dog was a spaniel mix, and Tim had told Emily earlier that Barney was one of the smartest dogs he’d ever trained. Chloe and Barney both seemed to think they were the leaders of the pack so sometimes there was a little tension between the two of them. But since Barney was male while Chloe was female it balanced them out and helped them get along better.