Page 28 of Everlasting Promises

Once she’s finished, Evan rinses him and gets treated to another shower, then Hope towel dries him. I clip his nails, brush his fur, and return him to his kennel. We repeat the process twice more, then go in search of Tori.

“Are you guys finished already?” she asks from behind the counter.

“Yep. All done. Many hands make light work and all that. We’ll see you in two weeks.”

“Thanks, guys. I really appreciate the help. I’ve got two sick cats and a dog in recovery after surgery in the hospital today, so you’ve saved me a job and given me more time to sit with them.” Her gratitude glows from her eyes. I know she appreciates as much help as she can get.

We say goodbye and stroll to the parking lot.

13

BEN

“Mom,I’m hungry. Can we get something to eat?” Evan moans, and I could cup his cheeks and kiss him right now.

“Me too.” I rub my stomach for theatrics. “Rex and I were going to grab some fish and chips from theBlue Goosedown at the beach.”

Evan’s head snaps up to his mom. “Can we get fish and chips, too?”

I should feel ashamed, but I don’t. Using a kid to spend more time with his mom is underhanded … not very upstanding … but I am a man beneath the uniform and badge I wear. The badge to which I swore to serve and protect … to uphold laws and keep the community safe. Technically, I’m not breaking any laws.

She messes up his hair and leans in close, taking a whiff. “You smell like wet dog. We can grab lunch at home after you shower and change.” Evan’s face drops, and so does mine. Both of our shoulders roll inward with disappointment. Rex barks up at Hope, and she chuckles as she looks at the three of us. Rollingher eyes, a hint of a smile touches her lips—a genuine one this time. “All right, then. I guess the shower can wait.”

Evan cheers loudly, but I keep my celebration close to my chest, only sharing a simple smile with Hope. “Fantastic. Let’s go.”

Rex and I climb into my truck, while Evan and Hope climb into her car, then we make our way down to the beach and theBlue Goose. We grab a table on the terrace overlooking the water, so we can sit with Rex, then I head inside to order lunch after arguing with Hope because I refused to take her money. She’s clearly used to being independent.

I guess even when her husband was alive, he would have been frequently absent and she would have been the primary caregiver and responsible for their welfare. That builds a toughness and strength not all women have. It’s admirable … not to mention sexy.

On my way back to the table, I pause a moment, watching Hope and Evan laugh about something. Without knowing them all that well, I imagine there hasn’t been a lot of laughter in their home over the last six years.

There’s been an obvious change in Hope since I first met her. She seemed heavily weighed down in her grief. She was closed and guarded. Then she opened up a little last time at the shelter and shared a little of her pain with me. Today, I watched her laugh and smile with Evan. They weren’t fake like her previous smiles, and I wonder if I can help Hope, so all her smiles are genuine.

The breeze blows a honey-colored curl across her cheek, and she raises a slender finger to pull it away, tucking it behind her ear without breaking her attention from her son. They seem close. I can’t imagine the strength of their bond forged through devastation.

I know after Seb and I lost Tahlia, our bond strengthened because we experienced shared pain, even though I was closer to her. He still felt the devastation of losing our best friend deeply.

Hope glances up, and her eyes catch on me; the aquamarine is so light, almost sparkling out here in the afternoon sunlight. She smiles gently, but it isn’t fake, so I’ll take it.

My feet move of their own accord, carrying me back to the table. I plop the number and our sodas in the middle and take a seat. “Thanks for helping me bathe the dogs today. We got through them much quicker than I would have on my own.”

“I had fun, even if I stink like a wet dog now.” Evan gives his mom the side eye, then leans forward and takes a whiff of her. “Ha! You smell like a wet dog, too, Mom.” He points at her as he leans away like she smells offensive.

I lift my T-shirt to my nose, then pull it away quickly. “Pretty sure we all smell like wet dog at this point.”

Evan leans in for a smell. “Yep, you stink too!”

“Evan!” Hope snaps, creases forming between her brows as she looks at her son with disapproval. “Where are your manners?” She looks at me. “I’m sorry. Wyatt and I instilled manners in Evan, even if he seems to forget them whenever he’s around you.”

I wave off her concern. “We’re just having some fun.” A server drops off a large basket of chips, fish, and calamari rings, along with salt, vinegar, and ketchup. Evan’s eyes widen comically. I grab the steamed fish for Rex and then wave my hand across the table. “Dig in.”

Hope tucks her loose hair behind her ear. “Thank you for lunch again,” she says as Evan reaches into the basket and grabs a handful of chips, stuffing them into his mouth unceremoniously. “Evan! Oh, my gosh, Ben’s going to think you have absolutely no manners at all. What is wrong with you?” Her neck and cheeks flush that gorgeous pink I love so much.

He drops his eyes and curls his shoulders inward. “Sorry. I’m just so hungry, and Ben doesn’t mind.”

As much as it doesn’t bother me, I need to support Hope. “As much as I love that you’re comfortable with me, you need to listen to and respect your mom. She’s trying to teach you how to be a good person, and how to behave in different situations.”

He nods slowly. “Sorry, Ben.”

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