Page 43 of Since the Day We Kissed

Ethan shifted on his feet, running a hand through his hair. “No, you’re right. I should’ve called. This morning’s been a disaster.”

His eyes flicked to hers. He let out a sigh and licked his lips before continuing. “Had to call a locksmith to the house. They kept saying ‘soon,’ you know? But after waiting forever, turns out they can’t make it till later, whenever that is.”

Another quiet stretch settled between them as Kara listened, half-wondering what his excuse was for twenty-two years ago, half-tempted to add this to the growing tally of letdowns in her mind. Yet she couldn’t take her eyes off him, watching as he glanced around the lobby like some shamed puppy.

It was her turn to sigh.

He offered an apologetic smile. “So, uh, where do you want me to start?”

“Mom!”

Kara and Ethan both turned to face the side door. “Charlotte?”

Kara watched her daughter’s eyes grow wide as she stepped into the lobby at the unexpected presence of— “Ethan!”

For a moment, the three of them stood in silence—Kara caught between her daughter and her past, Ethan looking slightly out of place, and Charlotte’s eyes ping-ponging between the two.

Kara blinked, swallowing hard. “Charlotte, weren’t you supposed to be with friends today?”

“Yeah, plans fell through. Thought I’d make myself useful here instead.” Turning to the familiar face, she extended a polite greeting. “Good morning, Ethan. Decided to volunteer after all?”

Ethan nodded. “That’s right. Nice to see you again, Charlotte.”

“Likewise,” Charlotte replied, then clapped her hands together. “All right, Mom, what’s on the agenda?”

Kara put her hands on her hips. “Let’s start with the kennels.”

Ethan held open the double doors, letting Charlotte and Kara walk through first. Excited barks and whines filled the air, with eager paws scratching at kennel gates as they walked down the aisle.

Kara scanned the room. “Okay, here’s what we’ll do. We’re gonna work in shifts, grouping the dogs strategically.” She turned to Charlotte. “You’ll start by taking out our social butterflies—Freckles, Oliver, Penny, Juniper, and Pepper—into the yard.”

Charlotte gave a mock salute. “Aye aye, captain.”

“Ethan,” Kara continued, “while Charlotte has that group out, you’ll change the bedding in their empty cages. I’ll handle the mopping. Then we’ll rotate through the more skittish dogs, the seniors, and finally the puppies. This way, we can clean more efficiently and cater to each group’s needs.”

Ethan nodded. “Smart setup, Kara. I’ll get right on it.”

As they set to work, Kara marveled at the seamless rhythm that they quickly established, moving around each other with an almost choreographed efficiency. Tasks that usually consumed her entire day seemed to fly by with their combined effort. How long had it been since she had help with daily chores? She’d almost forgotten what it felt like.

With the afternoon carrying on, Kara couldn’t help but watch Charlotte and Ethan interact. The similarities between them were striking—not only their physical features, but their mannerisms, and the way they approached tasks. When it came time to take out the senior dogs, Kara watched as Ethan gently helped Charlotte with Benny, taking special care in securing the leash and guiding the old dog to the yard. Then when it came time for the puppies the two must have spent thirty minutes snuggling and playing with the little fuzz balls. The ease with which they clicked—it was almost too much.

He doesn’t even know she’s his.

The thought stabbed at her heart, but now wasn’t the time.

Soon. I’ll tell him soon.Both of them.

Just then, Charlotte’s melodious laughter rang out, light and carefree, pulling Kara from her thoughts. It was in response to one of Ethan’s playful remarks, and the sound tugged at Kara’s heart. Blinking rapidly to clear her eyes, she drew in a deep breath to steady herself. With a quiet exhale, she turned back to the task at hand, pulling out the bedding from the next cage.

The work continued steadily, the familiar scent of disinfectant and lemon cleaner filling the air and mingling with the occasional bark or whine. The cool linoleum floor squeaked beneath her feet as she moved from cage to cage. When she neared the end of the cleaning routine, Kara heard the back door open and turned.

Ethan had stepped inside, wiping his hands on his jeans, leaving faint streaks behind. “Last bunch is all set in the shade,” he reported, reaching for a fresh bag of bedding. “How’s it going on this end?”

Kara gestured to the nearly finished row. “Getting there. Got these last few left.”

As Ethan joined her in tackling the remaining row of kennels, Kara decided to take a chance on some casual conversation. “So, where are you living now?”

“Virginia,” he answered. “Been there for a while, after I left the army.” Ethan took over pulling the bedding from the cages.

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