Page 16 of My Accidental Holidate

“But not too much time.”

Great.

“You know you’re being less than helpful, right.”

“The universe knows when two people are meant to be together. Your meeting was no accident, my grandson. It was fate.”

Time. It’s going to kill me, but I set a date in my mind. Then I will go see her.

7

Lucy

I found the one. The one I’ve been looking for all my life. And she’s snarky, playful, and has three legs.

This new rescue,XOXO Adoptions, has approved my adoption and I’m walking into the waiting area to take my sweet girl home.

It’s been two weeks since I last texted Kurt and he’s given me space. Part of me wishes he hadn’t, but in that time, I’ve learned a lot about myself. I’ve learned that my business is not my life. I’ve let Rosie have free rein on the store more than a couple days, taking long walks to the coffeeshop and just sitting there and reading. I’ve visited the library and had dinners by myself.

“Table for one,” I practiced it over and over in the mirror before heading into the first restaurant. I wanted it to sound natural, and it did. I thought I was okay with being… alone.

But then Rosie showed me this new rescue that’s part of a non-profit organization.

And I saw Lulu. She just seemed familiar. And she had stars in her eyes. The filter they used made her look a little comical, but definitely distinctive.

I applied, I met her with the rescue manager, and I was called two days later to say that she’s mine.

Longest two days… ever.

Maybe this is the family I’m meant to have and maybe she’ll be enough.

But the pit in my stomach hasn’t filled after that text to Kurt. It’s deep. He was a part of me, and he filled the hole that my early years left inside of me.

I find my way inside and the rescue manager stands. “Miss Hart, hello! Lulu is so excited.”

My heart rings. She’s mine.

I follow to one of the meeting rooms and wait.

The door opens and my mouth drops. There’s Lulu, but at the top of the leash is Kurt.

I swallow and wonder what’s going on.

He bites his lip. “Is it okay if I come in?”

I nod without saying anything.

Sitting on the small bench next to me, he allows Lulu to jump up next to him.

“So, Lulu, this is Lucy and she’s going to be your new mom. I know she’s going to take great care of you, because she took great care with me. I just didn’t do the same with her. And I regret that.”

I stay quiet. I need to hear it.

He clears his throat. “And I’m sorry that I didn’t tell her how much I need her. She’s more than I’ve ever though I deserved, and she inspired me to start this rescue.”

My mouth drops open. “Really?”

He nods. “Really.”

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