Page 28 of Since the Day We Kissed

“Kara,” Ethan said.

His voice had a rumble that resonated through her. It was deeper than the memories she had of it, but it wasn’t all that had changed. The lines around his eyes had deepened, and sandy blonde hair had given way to salt-and-pepper streaks. He’d also filled out, his shoulders broader than she remembered. But his stance, the way he held himself—that was all very familiar, achingly so.

As her gaze traveled lower, she noticed something new: intricate tattoos wound down his left arm, peeking from beneath his sleeve. Black ink patterns twisted around his bicep, the design full of symbols she couldn’t quite make out, but their presence added a roughness to him that hadn’t been there before. This Ethan was different, shaped by years she hadn’t been a part of.

“It’s just like in the movies, isn’t it?” Charlotte bounced on her toes. “Mom, aren’t you gonna thank him?”

Kara blinked, coming back to herself. “Right, yes. Thanks, Ethan. For helping Charlotte. If you hadn’t ...” Her voice trailed off.

Ethan shrugged, looking uncomfortable with the praise. “Anyone would’ve done the same. Just luck that I was nearby.”

“I’ll say.” Charlotte put her hands on her hips. “And here you are, showing up to the adoption event. What are the chances?”

Kara forced a faint smile and crossed her arms.

Charlotte glanced back and forth between them. “Well, I’m just glad we all got to meet.”

Ethan’s hand moved to the back of his neck. “Actually, we’ve—”

“Well, hello ladies!” Ada’s voice broke in as she approached. “Kara, Charlotte, this is so wonderful! And is that a snow cone stand I spotted?”

Kara nodded, grateful for the interruption. “Good eye, Ada. Some folks from town volunteered to run it. All the proceeds go to the rescue.”

Ada rummaged in her purse, retrieving a crisp paper check, which she handed over with a flourish. “I wanted to drop this off. And wouldn’t you know, I bumped into Ethan here who offered me a ride.”

Kara accepted the check, her mouth falling open at the figure staring back at her. “Ada, this is—wow. You have no idea how much this will help us.”

Ada waved off Kara’s surprise. “It’s nothing, dear. I know you’ll put it to good use.” She adjusted the strap of her purse on her shoulder, glancing around with an approving nod. “Now, how’s the event going? Good, I hope?”

Kara’s professional demeanor returned as she surveyed the crowd. The scent of kettle corn drifted through the air from a nearby cart as laughter mixed with the occasional yip of a dog. Families meandered through the rows of animal pens, children tugging their parents toward the playful dogs. Couples strolled hand in hand, smiling at the animals and chatting as they paused to read adoption signs.

“It’s been great, actually. Lots of visitors, and the animals are loving the attention. I think we might get a few adoptions today.”

Charlotte leaned in, giving her mom a quick side hug. “Told you everything would come together. It’s going even better than we planned.”

Kara returned the hug, then gently disentangled herself from her daughter’s embrace. Clearing her throat, she smoothed out the crumpled brochure in her hand. “Well, I should get back to—”

“Wait a minute.” Ada blurted. “Weren’t you two a thing? Way back when?”

Kara’s spine snapped straight, the words hitting her like a cold gust of wind. Her gaze darted to Ethan, finding him suddenly fascinated with the ground, his hands shoved deep into his pockets.

Kara swallowed hard, knowing she’d have to field this one. “Well, Ada, we—”

From the corner of her eye, Kara caught a flash of movement.

“Ada, hey!” Emma rushed over, gently grasping Ada’s wrist. “Sorry to interrupt, but I could really use your help with something. Charlotte too, if y’all are free?” She glanced at Kara. “It’s a bit of a three-person job.”

Ada hesitated, looking back at Kara and Ethan. “Oh, but we were in the middle of—”

“It’ll just take a minute, promise,” Emma insisted, already steering Ada away. She caught Kara’s eye, a silent understanding passing between them. “We’ll be right back!”

Kara let out a small sigh.Thank you, Em.

Charlotte didn’t need to hear any more, not before Kara could explain things to her.

“Oh, just one more thing!” Charlotte came running back, slightly out of breath. “Ethan, you should totally volunteer here sometime. The animals would love you! We also kinda really need the help.”

“Thanks,” Ethan said with a half-smile. “I’ll, uh, think about it.”

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