Page 64 of The Love Shack

This shelter, and Berkley especially, was responsible for so much love. This was what he needed in his life. The signs of positive action. The ability to make a difference, to see it happening and to take part.

“Hey,” Lark said. “Get the gate for me, will you?”

He turned to see her with two cats in her arms, both of them purring. Soft, loose pants fell around nicely rounded hips. And her shirt advertised his business.

Damn, but she hit him on several levels. He hadn’t stood a chance, he realized that now.

Stepping over to assist her, he saw how easily Lark fit in here. With the town, the people, the close community and the overall sentiment. He had a feeling she’d fit in anywhere.Why had she been crying?

He might have messed up before, but he wouldn’t make the same mistake. Not here. Not now.

Everything in his life came down to priorities, and this time, he’d make the right choices.

His new businesswasa priority, but it wouldn’t be number one.

That would be the people. Starting right now.

Possibly...starting with Lark.

It was an unusual occurrence for a guy to pick her up, so no wonder she kept looking out the window. Hero insisted on looking with her each time, though the dog didn’t know Lawson was coming by. Berkley had wanted to meet him at the restaurant, but he’d insisted this was an official date, and as such, he wanted the whole shebang.

Berkley wondered what the full boat entailed. Hopefully everything she imagined and more.

Over the last few days, he’d stopped in several times for visits, and now Hero and Cheese considered him part of the family. Sometimes Lawson deliberately brought along things that Cheese could steal. A soft key-chain fob. A foam can Koozie. Lanyards. Once he brought a visor, and they later found Cheese curled up inside it, her fluffy body contorted to fit.

Each time they saw Lawson, they welcomed him with enthusiasm, but Hero no longer went bonkers with glee, and Cheese, after a brief greeting and a little thievery, left to do her own thing. They were used to him, and his visits.

While she impatiently waited, she wondered how Oliver and Lark were getting along. After the yoga class, they’d shown up together a few times to walk Handsome. Thanks to all the love and attention the dog received, he was making great progress. His dental work was tentatively set for two weeks from now with Dr. Upton. Once that was done and the dog had recovered, he’d be available for adoption.

One of the good things about running the shelter was that Berkley could make the final decisions, and she had a feeling Handsome had already found his forever person. Oliver just didn’t realize it yet.

Sunday the salon was closed, so Lark would be coming over to do her hair. Berkley was both excited and nervous about the idea of changing it. She’d donned the pink tips years ago as a way to camouflage herself, a type of statement that the old Berkley—the doormat, the pariah, the dog-faced girl who’d stolen a married man from a princess—was gone for good. All hail the new Berkley.

Except...she hadn’t been new. She’d been the same old downtrodden, fearful person—with different hair. Big whoop. So much for her bold change.

This time she’d do things right. An outward change would be a good start, even fun, but it was the inside she had to work out. A less fatalistic attitude, an openness to friendship, a willingness to take part.

Animals had been her lifeline; now she needed to include people. A makeover with Lark was top of the list.

When she heard a car pulling up, nervousness and excitement gripped her. She smoothed her hair, tugged up the neckline of her sleeveless sundress, stared down in dismay at her unpainted toenails in her casual flip-flops, and had the wild urge to run to her bedroom and change. Everything.

Hero, who’d jumped at the closing of a car door, barked happily. He wanted the door opennow.

Too late to change her mind about her outfit. With a bracing breath, she caught Hero’s collar, pasted a smile on her face and opened the door.

Betty stood there.

Before Berkley could say a word, the older woman announced, “I’ve come to get Gladys. I’m ready. Completely ready and totally committed and I want her. You can’t refuse me, Berkley. You just can’t.” She ended with her wobbling chin held high and defiance in her eyes.

It all struck Berkley as hilarious as she started to laugh.

“Humph,” Betty said indignantly.

“Oh, Betty.” Berkley awkwardly embraced her with one arm while still controlling Hero. “I’m sorry I laughed. You just took me by surprise. And of course I wouldn’t refuse you! You’re perfect.”

Betty now tucked in her chin. “I’m not.”

“You are. In every single way.”

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