Page 12 of Since the Day We Kissed

“It’s done. I love you and we’re gonna get you out of this mess.”

Kara’s eyes welled up again. “Love you too. You’re the best.”

“No, you are.”

WOOF! WOOF! WOOF!

“Looks like we have a volunteer,” Kara said with a grin. Emma laughed as they made their way toward the commotion at the last kennel on the first row, inscribed with the nameBenny.

“Hey boy!” Kara unlocked the gate. “Wanna say hello?”

Riley’s tail wagged as Benny stepped out of his kennel, giving the retriever a sniff inspection.

“I think they like each other,” Emma said, kneeling to pet Benny. “Wait a sec—isn’t this the sweetheart that got adopted like three months ago?”

“Yeah, about that. They, uh, brought him back.” Kara kneeled next to him.

Emma’s jaw dropped. “You’ve got to be kidding me. Who would do that to this little guy?”

Kara’s hand moved over Benny’s coat gently, as if to comfort both the senior miniature schnauzer and her own frayed nerves. “I get life happens, but that wasn’t the case here. They just changed their minds. As if he were a sweater that didn’t fit right.” Her eyes drifted to Benny’s graying muzzle. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m glad they brought him back and didn’t dump him on the side of the road. It kills me though, Em. Benny’s been through so much. He deserves a real home, a family that’ll stick by him.”

“Poor boy. Some people make me sick.”

“I know. And that’s why we do what we do.” Kara cleared her throat, forcing a lighter tone, and switched her kneeling position to a sitting one. “But enough about my drama. Tell me about you. Anything new in your life?”

“Oh, you know, same old,” Emma said, taking a seat on the ground. “Business is booming—turns out people really love overpriced dog treats.” She chuckled. “Luke’s been a godsend at the shop. Sometimes I think he enjoys it more than I do. And Jeremiah made the dean’s list. Again!”

“That’s amazing! All good news.” Kara smiled.

“He’ll be home for summer break soon. Bet I could convince him to lend a hand around here.”

Kara laughed. “Don’t you dare conscript that poor boy for rescue duty. He needs a break.” She paused. “But, if he’s offering—I wouldn’t say no. Also, I’ll have to tell Charlotte he’s back. She’ll be home tonight.”

“Aww, tell her we said hey. And I’m sure he’d be more than glad to help. Oh, and you know Lisa and Noah’s bed-and-breakfast? They got a new menu. We should totally check it out sometime. We’re long overdue for a catch-up.”

Kara shrugged. “Sounds great, if I can find the time.”

“Oh, we’re making it happen, missy. Even if I have to drag you out of here myself.” Emma nudged Kara before Riley plopped all of himself onto her lap. “Ugh, you big lug. You arenota puppy anymore.” She readjusted under his weight, then lowered her voice conspiratorially. “So, changing gears here. Whatever happened with that guy? You know, the one from the app?”

An awkward sound escaped Kara’s throat, somewhere between a laugh and a groan. “Don’t get me started on that train wreck.”

Emma leaned in. “All aboard! Now, spill.”

“Well, for starters, Mr. Six-Two is really Mr. Five-Nine. On a good day, in boots.”

Emma winced. “A lot of men are self-conscious about their height. I mean, he seemed nice from what you told me, though.”

“You mean a little too nice? You know what they say about things, or people, being too good to be true.”

“Wait, what? How can someone be ‘too nice’?”

Kara’s voice dropped short of a whisper. “For starters, he’s married. And get this—his wife? She volunteered here. Once. Can you believe that?”

Emma threw her hands up. “Of course he is. Why are guys like this?”

“Right? Dating at forty feels impossible. It’s like trying to find that one matching sock in the laundry basket. You know it’s there somewhere, but all you keep finding are mismatched pairs and ones with holes in them.”

“Who needs matching socks anyway? At least you know now what you don’t want. But look, your Mr. Right is out there somewhere. He’s probably just—lost. Or stuck in traffic. Or something ...”

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