“But querida, he’s my intended. We need to work this out. There’s some mistake, I assure you.”
Zoey swallowed hard, her pain diffusing through the solid stone lodged in her throat.
Her mother didn’t believe her.
“There’s no mistake.”
Veronica plucked at her blouse. “I don’t know what to do if you won’t at least talk to him about this.”
“I won’t to talk to Jorge. I want you to believe me!”
“How can I when you’re telling me such a horrible thing about a wonderful man?”
“Because I’m not saying this to hurt you!” Zoey exploded.
All of the raw pain and anger over missing her mother, over wondering why she hadn’t been enough to bring her home, just let loose. “If I wanted to hurt you, I would tell you that you’re not a good mother. You left me.”
“But I knew that you’d be fine with Gloria and Raul. You were very happy.”
Zoey’s breaths were coming short and sparse. She seemed to be yelling a little. “No thanks to you. What do you think it was like, knowing my mother wasn’t coming back, after she said she would?”
“But...you never said—”
“I used to worry I’d wake up some morning and Tia and Tio would also be gone!”
“Mija, stop screaming at me.” Veronica’s voice rose to match Zoey’s in volume. “I’m your mother.”
“Yes, you are.” Zoey forced some calm into her voice. It scared her to feel so out of control with rage. This wasn’t her. She was calm and didn’t make scenes. “But you didn’t raise me. Because if you had, you would know me. Then you might believe me.”
Tia came out of the kitchen as if she’d been quietly listening the entire time. “Veronica, tell your daughter that you believe her. Now.”
Veronica looked from Tia to Zoey and back again. Her face crumpled and she fell back on the sofa, cradling her face in her hands. “Dios mio, what am I going to do? What am I going to do?”
And that’s when Zoey realized that Veronica did believe her.
By the time Zoey walked home from Tia’s, she was spent. Every ounce of emotion had been poured out. Just drained from her and wiped clean. She needed the walk to calm down and breathe evenly again. Walking slowly, she noticed every summer flower and blossoming tree. Counted cracks in the sidewalk. Breathed in the beautiful mild summer night. Waved to her neighbor Mr. Levin as he sat on his front porch. But when she rounded the curve, she saw Ryan’s Jeep parked in front of her house.
And she ran the rest of the way home.
Zoey threw open the door. Ryan stood between the separation of the living room and the kitchen. Indie, Corky and Bella were sitting calmly on their haunches, their backs to Zoey.
“Where were you? I brought take-out from Mr. Wong’s.” He held up a carton. “That’s probably why they haven’t stopped tracking my every move since I got here.”
Ryan. He wore loose basketball shorts, a tee and a backwards baseball cap. She loved him so much. He fit right in with her and her little family. Just clicked into place like he’d always been a part of them. How she’d been through the first twenty-six years of her life without him she had no idea.
He quirked a brow and the easy smile slipped off his face. “You okay?”
But she didn’t want to talk about tonight anymore. She felt lighter than air. Running to him, she launched herself into his arms. He caught her easily, sliding his arms around her butt, his lips twitching into a smile.
She wrapped her legs around him. “God, I missed you today.”
“Love this reception, but you realize I didn’t cook any of this?”
“Baby, I’d be very afraid if you’d cooked. You opened the cartons, didn’t you?”
“I did.” He kissed her, both sexy and tender. “Do you want to eat?”
“Yeah,” she said, nuzzling his warm neck. “But later. Much, much later.”
Smiling, Ryan carried her to the bedroom.
By the time they ate dinner, it was cold.
Chapter 21
When Ryan didn’t hear from Zoey on Friday night, he assumed she’d gone to the family dinner. At the party, council member Pullman had announced his candidacy for mayor in the next election, going against the current mayor. The politics and positioning games were just beginning, and they were still a year away from the mayoral election.
Ethan’s stepfather, council member Nick Jacobson, pulled Ryan aside. “I won’t forget what you did for Ethan.”
“It was nothing, Nick,” Ryan said. “I’m glad I could help.”
Jacobson clapped Ryan on the back. “What you did for Ethan was everything.”
Ryan let those words settle into him. He’d had a lot of appreciation and gratitude over the years, but this felt different. “Well, it’s my job.”
“No, it isn’t. You reached out to Ethan when you didn’t have to. He’s had a rough time. But he had you when he was scared and alone, and that matters.”
“Ethan is a good kid.”
Jacobson winced. “Sometimes. Mostly, yes, he is. Look, I hope you’ll run again. I know you don’t need it, but you’ve got my full endorsement. We need more people like you in small-town politics. People who aren’t out to make a name for themselves.”
Ryan hadn’t ever thought of it that way.
He schmoozed away the night, hating every minute of it. Two women approached him, asking if he was free after the event. But tonight he only noticed the women’s appeal in the way he would a particularly gorgeous sunset. Detached and from a great distance.
Saturday morning, he and Sam attacked the project house, stopping only when Jill brought them sandwiches and lemonade. They were back at it for the rest of the afternoon. Then, as daylight drew to a close Ryan noticed what appeared to be a small horse on the neighboring ranch. He hadn’t paid much attention to the goings-on with his neighbors except to be vaguely aware they owned horses and goats, even a rooster, to his amazement. This former agricultural area was still zoned for it. But now, staring in the direction of this small horse as the sun dipped behind a hill, there was no doubt in Ryan’s mind.
It was a Great Dane, not a horse, and he’d bet his shorts it was Boo.
“I’ll be right back,” he called to Sam, who was gathering tools and cleaning up.
“Getting myself out of here,” Sam said. “Your sister is going to kill me if I don’t get home soon.”
“Understood.”
If this was Boo, he’d have him back to Zoey by tonight. If his neighbors gave him any shit at all, he’d have to consider hauling them in. But, generally speaking, he hoped this would be one of those so-called nuisance matters he should be able to resolve with his supposedly great gift. While he knew most of the residents in Fortune, he certainly didn’t know all of them. And as he approached the home, the entrance to which bore a huge wooden sign that read The Dawsons, Established 1985, he realized he wasn’t personally acquainted with these residents.
A middle-aged-looking man was leading the Great Dane to the backyard. A Great Dane that was obviously Boo. Damn. All this time, right under his nose. What were the odds of his hiding in plain sight and why hadn’t these people applied to adopt Boo? They certainly had the land. It was a perfect situation, other than the fact that they’d stolen him right out of Zoey’s backyard.
“Hey,” Ryan called out and the gentleman stopped in his tracks. “How’s it going?”
“Great. You must be the one that bought the old Turner house.”
Ryan held out his hand. “I’m Sheriff Ryan Davis.”
“Mike Dawson.” The man blinked and accepted the handshake. “Is there a problem?”
“Hope not.” Ryan eyed Boo, who sat regally next to the man, oblivious he’d been stolen. Happy, even. He pointed to Boo. “That your dog?”
Even if Ryan hadn’
t been good at reading people, he would have noticed the man’s absolute defeat. His shoulders slumped. “It was.”
“Was?”
“My wife always hated my dog. She said Andre the Giant was too big. I reminded her we practically have a ranch out here. But the house is small and Andre likes to sleep inside near me. When I was out of the country for work he supposedly ‘got out.’” He made air quotes. “Turns out my wife had given him up to the shelter. When I came home two months later, my dog was gone. I heard Zoey had adopted him.”
“The shelter has her on speed dial. He’s one of her many rescues. She adopts, then tries to find a good home if she can’t keep the dog.”
Dawson shoved hands in his pants pockets and cast his gaze down. “I know. But you think she would have given him back to the family that let him go in the first place?”
“She might have.” He’d like to think Zoey would understand that shit happened. The man’s wife sounded like a shrew, but this man obviously loved his dog.
“I know I wouldn’t have. There’s no excuse for what my wife did. Zoey screens her prospects thoroughly and she would have done her research. We gave him up, or, my wife did. Love my dog, sheriff. I’m ashamed of what my wife did.”
This technically wasn’t a robbery and yet it was. “I’m going to have to take him back for now. I’m sure you two can work something out.”
“Maybe you could put in a good word for me.”
“I’ll do my best.” He meant it. Ryan could see the regret in the man’s eyes. Zoey had a big heart and she’d have compassion for the situation. “But you shouldn’t have taken him. Zoey’s been worried sick.”
Mike hung his head. “I imagine so. Like I did until I heard she had him safe and sound. Maybe should have left him there, leave well enough alone. But hell, I missed the big guy. Had him since he was a pup.”
Together they walked the dog back to Ryan’s Jeep and helped Boo/Andre into the back.
Mike gave Boo one last pat and then closed the door. “It’s all my wife’s fault. Damn ungrateful woman. You can screw a man out of a lot of things, but you don’t mess with a man’s dog.”
“Once I explain the situation, I’m sure he’ll be back. You have the room here, and you obviously love him.”
“Thanks, sheriff. I heard you were a nice guy. You get me my dog back and you’ve got yourself a vote next election.”
Once Ryan locked up the house, he drove a surprisingly morose-looking Boo back to Zoey’s. The mystery was solved. She’d know that Boo was okay, and best of all he already had a home ready and waiting for him.
Chapter 22
Zoey was just sitting down to watch Cesar Millan, the real dog whisperer, when she heard her doorbell. She hadn’t been expecting Ryan tonight, because he’d been working at the house all day with Sam. She peeked through the peephole before opening the door. What she saw there shocked her to the marrow.
“Oh my god!” Zoey threw the door open. “Boo! You found him.”
Ryan stood next to Boo, giving her a satisfied smile. The smile said I told you so. And he’d found Boo and brought him back, just as he’d said he would do. He was not only the most handsome man she’d ever seen but he was also the most efficient. Clearly. She wanted to hug him and kiss him at the same time.
“I thought I’d lost you forever!” She squealed as she bent to hug the big lug’s massive neck.
Ryan stepped inside and then unclipped Boo’s leash. Indie, Bella and Corky descended on their lost pal. Corky, Boo’s favorite, gave loud snorts of excitement. Indie yarked and launched himself at Boo. Bella sniffed around him, as though trying to make sure it was the same Great Dane and not an impostor. For his part, Boo looked somewhat confused and Zoey sensed he wasn’t completely over the shock of being taken from her. God knew what he’d been through these two weeks, but she’d guess that eating out of garbage cans might have been on the menu. Poor, poor deprived Boo.
“Where did you find him?”
“This is the tough part,” Ryan said.
“Go ahead. I can take it. He looks good so it can’t have been too bad.” She closed her eyes and prepared to hear the worst. “Was he wandering the streets trying to find his way back home? Was he eating out of trash cans?”
“No. He was at his first home.”
“What do you mean?” That didn’t make any sense. The first owners had given him up.
“He was just down the street from the property I bought. He has a good piece of land there, at least five acres. The Dawsons.”
“I know. They gave him up. Irresponsible dog owners.” She led Boo to the kitchen. “You must be starved. I’ll get you dinner.”
“Thanks, baby, but I already ate.”
“Not you, silly. I meant Boo. I imagine he hasn’t been fed any healthy food all this time. Irresponsible people would rather spend their cash on a café mocha than a few extra dollars for the premium food.” Zoey brought out a small bag, measured water and heated it in the microwave. Then she added the water, and mixed. She set a timer.
“The others already ate. Boo, you know the drill. This takes a few minutes.” She flitted about the kitchen, grabbing a bottle of olive oil and a can of sardines.
When the timer went off she mixed again, added olive oil and some of the sardines. “This is for the protein.”
“You do this for all the dogs?”
“And Corky.” She picked up the bowl of food. “Boo is the only patient one. I’m sure he’s waiting on his pillow.”
“Here you go.” Zoey set the bowl down and squatted in front of him. “I don’t usually feed them in here but tonight is an exception.”
Boo wasn’t having any of it, not even raising his head to smell. Meanwhile, the others were circling, waiting for an opportunity to move in for the spoils. Bella was panting. Indie was salivating. Corky was doing his snorting thing.
“Huh.” Zoey said. “Maybe he isn’t hungry after all.”
“Yeah?”
“Does he look okay to you?”
“Got to be honest. Not really. Can dogs get depressed? Because he looks sad to me.”
“Of course animals can get depressed. Corky wandered around here like he’d lost his bestie.” She bit her lower lip. “What did they do to him? Something is wrong.”
Ryan pulled Zoey toward the couch and into his lap. “Babe, let me talk to you here for a minute.”
She worried a fingernail between her teeth, studying Boo. “Gosh, I’m worried.”
“Look.” He rubbed her back. “There’s something you should know.”
Zoey listened as Ryan explained the whole sordid tale of wicked wife versus helpless husband. By the time he was done, Zoey could barely control her temper. If Mrs. Dawson were here right now, Zoey would...she’d spit on her, or something.
“What a horrible woman. I should put her name on my list of people who should never be allowed to adopt a dog. Ever.”
He stroked her thigh and kept talking. “But you see how it wasn’t really the husband’s fault. He didn’t abandon Boo.”
“No, he didn’t. But he did steal him, Ryan.”
“Yeah, I know. That was wrong. But he seemed to think you wouldn’t be able to excuse his wife’s actions. Either way, his wife gave him up to the shelter. Mike didn’t do it but he still feels guilty.”
“He could have talked to me instead of stealing him.”
“Would you have given him back?”
“That depends on whether he’s still married to that awful woman. Whether he’s prepared to deal with a dog this size. Whether he has the room.”
“Babe, he raised Boo since he was a puppy. And they have land.”
She blinked. “Still, I don’t know if he could be trusted. What if he goes out of town again and she does the same thing? And how can I trust someone who stole from me?”
�
�I’d say there were extenuating circumstances.”
She stiffened in his arms. “Ryan, you’re the sheriff. How can you take his side?”
“I’m not the badge, Zoey. Told you that. He’s not exactly a threat to the town’s residents. And you didn’t see the man. He’s heartsick about losing Boo again but he put up no resistance to my taking him back. He knows he was wrong but he didn’t see any other way to get his dog back.”
“What are you trying to say? I’m too strict with how I screen for my adoptions?”
“What I’m saying is that you need to think about whether you ever wanted someone else to have him.”
“Of course I want Boo to have a good home. With plenty of room.”
“You don’t have the room. But the Dawsons do. Maybe a little forgiveness goes a long way.”
No longer content to simply sit stiffly in his lap, she climbed off and stood before him, hands jammed on her hips, anger simmering. “You don’t think I can forgive?”
He crossed his arms. “You tell me.”
“Of course I can. And I’m going to prove that right now by forgiving what you just said about me not being a forgiving person.”
He raked a hand through his hair, staring at the ceiling. “Didn’t say that.”
“You implied it.”
“Zoey, I had a long day.” He stood. “I don’t want to fight.”
“Me either.” She took a tentative step toward him. “You found him just like you said you would. You’re my hero.”
“I’m not a—”
She shushed him with a finger to his mouth, the other hand wrapping around the nape of his neck. His eyes switched from their annoyed expression to a more heated one. “I know you’re not a hero, but tonight can you just be my hero?”
“Yeah,” he said and lifted her into his arms. “I can do that.”
Chapter 23
Zoey couldn’t sleep.
Ryan lay next to her, naked and sleeping soundly. The evidence of their making up was scattered all over the floor in pieces. Her bra and panties, his shirt and pants. Their sex tonight had been passionate, even a bit angry at times, maybe because Ryan wasn’t fully satisfied with her explanation. And she still wasn’t sure he understood that she couldn’t give Boo back to the family that had abandoned him. They were at an impasse.
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