Page 85 of 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Forty-Seven

“Of course. Well, I wanted to talk about Bear’s options. I know he needs some behavioral work, don’t you darling?” she said, scratching Bear behind the ears. His tail wagged and he almost knocked over one of the displays, which Devon caught right in time. “He’s a lot for a regular foster to handle and I appreciate you and Jameson stepping in. But this was a temporary arrangement, and I finally found something permanent for Bear.”

Her stomach clenched. “A family?”

“No, as I said, this breed is difficult to place. But a friend of mine runs a shelter in Rhode Island and knows this breed well. They have an excellent behaviorist and room so Bear will be transferred over.”

“What? Wait—when?”

“End of next week.” Judith’s eyes held warm sympathy. “Devon, I know you’ve gotten attached, most temporary fosters do. You were able to give Bear a home when he didn’t have one, and he will never forget you. But he needs to be in a place where he can have a permanent place, and this is the best option.”

“What if I adopt him?” she rushed out.

Her words were kind but firm. “I couldn’t approve it. Your place is too tiny. He can’t keep staying in the floral shop all day and in a small apartment. He needs more space, and he needs to be able to deal with his issues.”

“What if Mac takes him? He likes it over there and we can have the same arrangement? Mac loves dogs.”

“I already spoke with Mac,” she said. “He knows about Bear and right now, he doesn’t want to take on the responsibility of a full-time dog. He sees more traveling in his future. He’s always willing to help temporarily but Bear needs more. I’m sorry, Devon. I know how this hurts, but it’s for the best.”

She fought back ridiculous tears for a dog she’d never expected to love so much. But she knew Judith was right. This wasn’t the right place for Bear. Not now.

Devon managed to nod. “I understand.”

Judith squeezed her arm. “I know you do. I’ll leave you both. You’ll talk to Jameson?”

“Of course.”

She gave Bear one last pat and disappeared.

Devon sunk to her knees and Bear flopped to his side for belly rubs, having no idea things were about to change.

For all of them.

* * * *

Jameson waited for her.

He sat on the couch with Bear at his feet. He’d gotten done early and everything was ready and prepped for Mac. He was proud of what he’d accomplished with Vintage and knew his cousin would be thrilled. He’d be stepping into a renovated, better organized restaurant, ready to turn a larger profit.

His sock was wet from Bear’s drool. He looked around at the chewed-up furniture and endless dog hair. It should be a good thing he wouldn’t have to worry about taking care of the beast, or dealing with his ridiculous issues of dog fear. He’d have more time again. Less chaos.

Less mess.

So, why did the thought of losing Bear feel close to grief?

He’d gotten used to him over the past month. Funny, the time seemed so short until you dealt with the mystery of emotions. How can someone fall in love with a dog so quickly?

How can someone fall in love with a woman without years of dating?

Yet, it had happened. He couldn’t tell her, of course. He had to go back to New York, but he needed Devon to know this was all real. She wasn’t a fling, a transitional, or a temporary affair. She was a woman he cared deeply about, and wanted to see if it was possible to work it out long distance.

He heard the gentle knock at the door and then she let herself in. Quietly, she sat down next to him on the couch and wrapped her arms around him. They sat together for a while, comfortable in the silence, happy with Bear and the feeling of being close.

“I know it’s the right thing,” he finally said. “I just don’t want to give him up.”

He pressed his forehead to hers and stroked back her silky hair. Her legs bent at the knee and were draped over his thighs. Her breath was warm and minty, rushing over his lips. “Neither do I. I wish there was another option but I can’t think of one.”

“This got messy,” he said.

Her lips twitched in a smile. He cupped her cheek. “Do you regret it?”

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