Page 112 of The Accidental Honeymoon

I raise an eyebrow. "Do you want the list alphabetically or chronologically?"

He laughs and sets the box down gently on the table. "Touché, Lily."

Ellie Haart, Ryan's younger sister and the event's organizer, waves at us from across the square. She is wearing her usual animal print scrubs. The bright pattern looks wild in the sea of casual jeans and T-shirts the volunteers wear.

"Calla, Jay!" she shouts, cupping her hands around her mouth. “Thanks for coming!”

"We wouldn't miss it." I wave back enthusiastically.

Ellie is a whirlwind of energy. She bustles from one table to the next. I have to say, I admire her commitment. As a veterinarian, she’s already stretched thin. And yet, she still finds time to organize events like this. I don’t know her that well yet, but I’m already in awe,

I glance over at Ryan. He’s tying down a tent with Wren, or at least trying to. They seem to be having a serious disagreement over it. Frowning, I move closer.

“You’re doing it wrong,” I hear Ryan say. He looks at her with a taunting expression. “Do you need help? Just tell me you need me?—”

Wren suddenly shoves the entire tent at Ryan and leaves him staggering, his arms full of poles and canvas. She stalks away and de notices my curious gaze. He smiles.

“She’s so temperamental, you know.”

I narrow my gaze. “Be nice to Wren. She’s my family now. You? Not so much.”

Ryan grins. “Aye aye, boss.” He gives me a faux salute and returns to setting up the tent.

Jay lopes up to me, missing the entire interaction completely. "Ellie really outdid herself this time." He nods toward a table laden with animal-themed crafts and another with a towering stack of pet food donations.

"She did!” I glance at the table. "It's going to be a great turnout."

Jay pulls out his phone and starts a live stream. "Hey guys, we’re here at the Greater Town Square Pet Adoption Fair. Come on down and meet some adorable animals. Calla and I will be here all day." He turns the camera toward me.

I give a little wave. "And we’re giving away a free cupcake to everyone who visits." I smile, knowing that the lure of sweets will draw a crowd.

Jay ends the stream. He tucks his phone away. "Think we’ll survive the sugar rush?"

“We can only try,” I announce, faux-dramatically. Jay grins.

Ellie wheels over a large cart filled with animal enclosures. The sight of wiggling puppies, curious kittens, and a few more exotic creatures makes my heart melt on the spot. Jay makes sure they are safe in their enclosures and out of the sun.

"These are the stars of the show." Ellie’s enthusiasm is infectious. "Take a look."

We crowd around the cart and peer in like kids on Christmas morning. Jay’s face softens as he gazes at a tiny tabby kitten. Its big eyes and wobbly head are too much to resist.

I feel a pang of something maternal.

I turn my head and spot a three-legged Great Pyreneeswith a grumpy expression. It’s like he’s the canine version of a grumpy old man. "What’s his story

Ellie sighs. Her usual upbeat demeanor dips for a moment. "That’s Gonzo. He lost his leg in an accident and has been in and out of shelters. He’s a sweetheart. Just needs the right home."

I kneel down to Gonzo’s level and extend a hand slowly. He sniffs it cautiously. His big, soulful eyes take me in. Then he rests his heavy head on my palm. The warmth of his fur and the trust in his eyes are almost too much to bear. "He seems like a real sweetheart."

Jay leans in over my shoulder. His hand gently strokes my back. “What? Did you already fall in love?”

I look back at Gonzo. He has settled into a resigned, sleepy posture. It's like he knows his fate and has made peace with it. That just kills me.

"Maybe we could—" I start, but Jay cuts me off.

"Calla." His tone is cautious. "We have a lot on our plates right now.”

I know he’s right. The bakery, his brand, and our new marriage all take time and energy. But looking at Gonzo, I just can’t shake the thought that we could make it work somehow.

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