Page 65 of Finding Home

She tightened her hold on him, keeping him in place. “That isn’t sadness or fear. It’s trust.” In him, and in herself.

TWENTY-FOUR

“It isn’t what we say or think that defines us, but what we do.”

~Jane Austen,Sense and Sensibility

Elle’s back was cool thanks to the emptiness on Clayton’s side of the bed. Rubbing her eyes, she tried to focus, the room lit by the gray light peeking through the blinds.

Fully dressed, Clayton stood beside her bedstand, a Post-It pad in hand, writing something.

“What time is it?” she whispered, trying not to wake the sleeping pug in her arms.

“Hey,” Clayton said, slipping the Post-It pad in his back pocket before crouching beside the bed. “It’s six-thirty.”

“I didn’t hear the alarm.”

“I woke up before it. You were sleeping so soundly, I turned it off so you could get more rest.” He smiled, combing his fingers through her sleep-rumbled hair.

“You’re sweet to me.”

“You’re cute when you’re sleepy.”

“You’re cute all the time.” She yawned.

“Come on, Fitz.” He tried coaxing the snoring pug awake.

Fitz burrowed against Elle’s chest.

“I can keep him, if you’d like,” she offered.

“I don’t know if I have much of a say.” He chuckled and lifted his brows. “Are you sure?He’s a good boy but can be a handful.”

“You’re a handful,” she smiled.

Clayton’s laugh was low and sent a wave of happy pleasure through her. He pressed a quick kiss to her cheek. “I know you have lunch with Janet. He’s good here, but if you want to take him to Cassie’s, she has a few tables outside on Saturdays during the farmers market. I can text to have her hold a table if you’d like.”

“Yes, please.”

“I’ll see you two tonight.” He pressed his lips to her forehead, then headed out the door.

Fitz sat shotgun as Elle drove to downtown Perry to meet Aunt Janet. She smiled for the entire drive. Who wouldn’t with a grinning pug in the front seat?

Clayton had requested a table on the edge of the sidewalk, where she could watch folks wandering to the farmers market. Fitz had made himself at home on her lap, and Aunt Janet sat across from her. A blue and gold striped umbrella rose from the center of the table, emblazoned withCassie’s Corner Café.

“If you’re taking his dog to lunch with me, this is serious.” Janet folded her hands on top of the table and leaned toward Elle.

Elle took mercy on her aunt, giving her some details but not all. That they reconnected during the barbecue, and that the next day Clayton offered to be her running partner. A bit of an odd feeling came over Elle as she shared their relationship detailswith her aunt. She’d never chatted about romantic interests with a mother-type figure before.

“Here you go.” A soft female voice said placing Elle’s grilled pear chicken salad and Janet’s tuna melt and fries on the table. “I’m sorry for the wait. We got slammed and your server was packing up a large to-go order.”

“Oh, it’s totally fine. We didn’t wait that long.”Elle looked up and her eyes widened in recognition. Summer Michaels, childhood bestie turned teenaged tormentor had delivered her meal.

The Summer that stood in front of her was so different from what Elle remembered. She’d let her once blonde hair return to its original chestnut tone, which was now tied back in a ponytail. The fashionable plaid skirts and fitted blouses of their teen years were replaced by worn sneakers, khaki shorts, and a white T-shirt under a black apron. The venomous teenager had been replaced by a frazzled and soft woman, watchful eyes glancing to the other tables.

“Hey, Summer. How’re your folks?” Janet asked.

“They’re good.”

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