Page 38 of Summer at the Cornish Garden Café

‘Sexy not sturdy with those killer curves,’ he said quietly, his eyes filled with something that made her stomach flutter.

‘Oh… OK then. I’ll take that.’

‘But regarding Fifi, she does need to learn. Some people don’t like dogs jumping up at them.’

‘No, that makes sense.’ Lena looked over at Harvey longingly.

Thomas placed a hand in the small of her back. ‘Come and see him.’

‘I’m nervous.’

‘Why?’

‘In case he doesn’t like me.’

‘Of course he’s going to like you.’ Thomas led her over to Harvey and she crouched down and called him. He looked up and tiltedhis head then bounded towards her. She rubbed his furry head and stroked his soft ears. ‘Harvey, how would you like Lena to be your new mummy?’

‘He doesn’t understand that, surely?’ Lena watched Harvey’s face. He came closer and placed a small paw on her knee.

‘I think that was a yes.’ Thomas nodded. ‘Harvey likes you too.’

She spent the next hour with Harvey while Thomas got on with his work. Fifi followed Thomas like his shadow, clearly unwilling to let him out of her sight. Lena played ball with Harvey then put on his harness and lead and took him for a walk around the grounds. He was easy to walk and kept looking up at her as if checking if she was happy with his behaviour. The thought of waking up to his cute little face every morning filled her heart with joy.

When they returned to the courtyard, she said, ‘Harvey, would you like to come and live with me?’

He stopped walking and peered up at her, his face seeming to break into a grin.

‘That’s settled then. I’ll let Leanne know.’

Harvey’s fosterer was waiting in reception, so she took him from Lena and said she’d see her soon. Lena watched with a lump in her throat as they walked away.

‘It’s only temporary,’ Thomas said as he joined her, placing a comforting arm around her shoulders.

‘I know. I just feel like he should be with me now.’

‘He will be very soon. Come and fill in the paperwork with Leanne.’

He took her to the office then kissed her cheek before leaving her there. She completed the application, and Leanne asked when she wanted to collect Harvey and she said as soon as possible.

They arranged for her to get Harvey in three days’ time, and she couldn’t wait, but first she needed to buy everything he would require to settle into his new home with her.

Since she’d arrived in Cornwall just over two months ago, a lot had changed in her life, and she was happier than she’d ever been.

22

THOMAS

‘Hello!’ Thomas said as the front door opened and Winnie and Wendy stood there grinning at him.

‘Hello, Uncle Thomas!’ they said in tandem, and he scooped them into a big hug.

Behind them came Marnie and Bligh. His brother-in-law was carrying a shopping bag and a rather grim expression.

‘Can we play with Fifi?’ Winnie asked.

‘Of course.’ Thomas nodded. ‘She’s in the garden.’

Fifi was sunning herself in the courtyard and her day would be made when she saw the twins. She loved the children and the fuss they made of her.

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