Loner by Harloe Rae Page 0,48
She signals to the brown dog, who’s brought herself almost within reach. “This is Elsa.”
Another loud squeak bubbles out of Millie. If her mind wasn’t already made up, that about seals the deal. My daughter yanks on my arm until I bend down.
“She’s a princess, Mama.”
Her soft voice tickles my ear. “She sure is. Do you like her?”
“Uh-huh. Can we pet her?”
I look to Kellie, who’s grinning at us. “Absolutely. Just place a hand out in front of you so she can sniff.”
We do as instructed and Elsa immediately responds, erasing the sliver of distance between us. Our palms take turns getting slobbery kisses and lavish licks. Elsa nudges Millie, who giggles and scratches the pooch behind her ears.
“Oh, she loves you,” Kellie coos. “Is it safe to assume the other two can go? I’ll take them outside for a walk.”
I glance at Millie, but she only has eyes for Elsa. The two of them are forming a wriggling pile of laughter and unbreakable bonds. I blink at the heat pooling in my eyes. What a perfect pair. A lump forms in my throat, and I swallow roughly.
“My daughter seems hooked on this beautiful lady. Do you have her information card or file?”
Kellie nods. “Absolutely. I can give you some time alone with Elsa. Get to know each other a bit more, see how y’all get along. I’ll take the others for a stroll and return shortly.”
I rub the sting in my nose. “Thanks again for this. I really appreciate everything this shelter does for animals and the families looking to fill that special void.”
She squeezes my arm gently. “No, thank you. To see this level of happiness brought to a child means so much. And you’re potentially saving that animal from a much crueler fate. This is the type of connection we all strive for.”
I return my eyes to Millie and Elsa. “It truly is. I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction.”
Kellie leans closer. “She’s probably not letting you leave here without that dog. You know that, right?”
A laugh cracks through the emotion sticking to my tongue. “I sure do, and that’s what we planned for.”
She studies me for a moment. There’s a certain sparkle in her eye that makes me want to squirm. “This probably isn’t appropriate for me to say, but everyone knows that I don’t have a filter.”
“Ah, okay?” A sharp inhale gets trapped in my lungs as I wait for more.
“Not sure if you’re attached to a fella or not. It doesn’t really matter. I’m bummed that my son is hellbent on staying single for all of eternity. I think you two would hit it off.”
I force out the breath with a whoosh. “Oh, that’s so sweet of you. I’m not really looking for a relationship.”
“Isn’t that what we always say? It just takes the right one. Much like Elsa and your daughter. Match made.” She snaps her fingers.
“You sound like my friend.”
Kellie takes a step toward the door. “I bet she’s very wise.”
“Josey would appreciate hearing that.”
“I give you permission to tell her. Especially if a gorgeous woman such as yourself is attempting to ward off men.” She winks at me, and I find myself laughing again. This woman is a riot.
“Um, thanks? I think.”
Kellie picks two leashes off a hook. “I’ll get these boys handled and grab Elsa’s file for you. Then we’ll see where we’re at.”
I’d almost forgotten the other dogs were in here. When I turn to search for them, they’re chasing a ball along the far wall. “Will they be okay?”
She waves me off while walking toward the rambunctious pair. “They’re young purebreds. Don’t worry too much about them.”
“Oh, that reminds me. Do you happen to know what Elsa’s pedigree is? Not that breed matters at all. We just need a good personality.” I know enough to determine she’s a combo platter. My parents used to say that a mix is always a safe choice. Turns out, at least in this instance, they’re right.
Kellie taps her temple. “I just went over her paperwork. Elsa is almost a year old. I’ll have to double check her exact age. She’s a blend of retriever and Australian shepherd. Maybe a bit of Labrador thrown in, too.”
“Can’t go wrong with any of those. They’re all great for being around kids.”
She nods. “Definitely. I remember she spent several months with a foster family who had young children. Elsa has always been socialized with other pets. She’s never shown any sign of aggression.”
“How long has