Page 31 of Shelter for Tanna

“But are you going to have time for me?”

“She works during the day, and in the evenings I’m sure she wouldn’t mind if you were around.”

“Actually, I’m going to be tied up most of the evenings I’m there. Mixing business with pleasure, you know. I’m staying at Sparky’s house, but listen, I’m happy for you, man. She sounds great. Can’t wait to meet her.”

“I can’t wait for her to meet you. You’ll like her, trust me. Hey, I’ll talk to ElCapitan, see if it’s okay if you hang out with us at the station on Tuesday and Wednesday during the day if you want.”

“That would be awesome. I’d love to see the guys again. It’s been a while.”

“Great. So when are you coming in?”

“Early Sunday morning. Spending the afternoon at the kennel.”

“Wait.” Braden was pretty sure he knew what that meant. “You’re…”

“Yeah. We’re getting a shepherd from BrandywineKennels, and I’ve got to go meet him. I’m the department’s point man for the K-9 officers and their training.”

“Oh, wow! You can bring him to the station! I’d love to see him. Your girl coming with you?”

“Nah. She’s gotta work.”

“Well, I hate that. She and Tanna would get along great. Have dinner with us Monday evening!”

“That sounds good, if I can bring Sascha.”

“I thought your girl was… Oh, wait. The dog.”

Crash was roaring with laughter. “Yeah! I’m not going all the way to Kentucky to cheat on Adeline, dumbass! But seriously, I’m looking forward to it. And Braden?”

“Yeah?”

“Congratulations. You sound happy, and I’m happy for you.”

Braden’s heart was full. Crash was coming to see him! He’d get to meet Tanna, Daniel, and Max. His friends were becoming her friends, and that was how he wanted it. “Thank you, buddy. Let me know when you get to town.”

“I’ll do it. Can’t wait. Later.”

“Later.” Braden ended the call and sat there, grinning like a loon. He couldn’t wait for them all to meet. But he was happy for another reason.

Tanna’s world was expanding. She had his family. She had the guys at the station and their families. Now she’d have Crash. She’d have more of a lot of things in her life.

But Braden wanted her to have it all.

* * *

Tanna couldn’t believe how lonely Tuesday night seemed. She’d gotten used to Braden being around and when he wasn’t, the house seemed empty. Even worse, it seemed gloomy. He was a bright spot, always smiling, always positive, and Tanna wanted to be jealous of him, that he’d always had a good life, but she couldn’t be. She was thankful for that. It gave her hope too.

Wednesday morning was a revelation, and not a good one. She was almost to school with the boys when Max asked, “Mom? What’s that in the sky?”

He pointed out the front window, and Tanna turned to look. “I honestly don’t know. But I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about. Here we are! You two have a good day at school, okay? Love you.”

“Love you too, Mom,” Max called back.

Daniel leaned in the window. “Love you too, Mom.”

“Wouldn’t want to embarrass you,” Tanna whispered as she chucked his chin and he grinned.

As soon as they were inside, Tanna wheeled the car around and drove toward what Max had been pointing at. She’d lied?she knew exactly what she was seeing. Five blocks from the downtown area, there was a huge snarl of traffic, and she tried her best to find ways to get around without losing sight of what was going on. When she finally got a glimpse, her heart almost stopped.

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