ride home, but we walked down today too. Besides, I know you prefer the beach route, and I’d never try to come between you and your treasures.”
“Well, you are one of them, my dear. You and these two.” Maeve pointed at the tops of Hailey’s and Jesse’s heads. “But I do need my daily dose of the ocean as well.” She spread her arms wide and started to walk out the door. “The tide beckons me.”
* * *
—
It was late in the afternoon when Amanda pulled into Maeve’s driveway and tooted the horn. Denali lazed in the back between the car seats.
Maeve walked down the stairs. It was the first time Amanda had seen her in anything other than a skirt or dress. Dressed in blue jeans, she looked alarmingly thin.
“Hi, Maeve!” Jesse said.
“Hello, you two. Didn’t I just see you this morning?”
Hailey blew her a kiss. “You did. And Denali’s here too.”
“I don’t think he’s very excited about going walking.” Jesse’s lips pulled to the side.
Maeve slid into the passenger seat.
Amanda glanced in the rearview mirror before backing out onto the street. “This may be the world’s shortest walk.”
“It’ll be fine.”
They drove over to Paws Town Square, and Maeve marveled at the surroundings as she got out of the car. “It’s pretty enough to be a resort for people, not just pets.”
Hailey tumbled out of the car, and Jesse raced around to help her with Denali, who was standing at the edge of the seat, looking out but not budging. Hailey tugged on the leash, but that only made Denali lie down.
“Don’t pull him too hard. Here, let me get that.” Amanda walked over and commanded Denali to get out of the car, finally tapping him on his rear end to get him moving. He hit the ground with a hefty one-two snort.
“Let’s go, Denali.” Hailey started walking, and Denali moved in a languid lumber, picking up speed at a slow rate. Jesse skipped alongside.
“You’ll love this.” Amanda hung back with Maeve. “When we got home this morning after breakfast, someone had rolled my trash can out to the street for me. Had to be Paul.”
“That was so thoughtful. Let the man do nice stuff for you. Quit being surprised. There’s not a mourning period we have to complete before we’re allowed to feel happy again. Besides, I like seeing you smile.”
“It’s taken you years to get there. Why are you rushing me?” Amanda tried to make it sound like a joke, but honestly, did she have a right to feel this way about Paul?
“I’m a hardheaded old fool, and I didn’t have someone like me around to give me expert advice. Everyone is different. Some people find love again immediately.”
“What if he’s just feeling guilty?” Amanda lowered her voice. “Survivor’s guilt or something?”
“I don’t think he’s that kind of guy. Enjoy it and keep living a good life. It will all fall into place.”
They walked inside and Maeve let out a gasp. “A bakery for dogs? What will they think of next?”
They took to the walking trail. Air-conditioning and fans kept the air not only cool but dry, which was a relief from the humidity outside. They noticed that fun facts were posted among the plants along the route. Some were even multiple choice with electronic answer boards. The kids had fun guessing them, and as a team they’d scored pretty well.
Surprisingly, Denali enjoyed the walk once he got going. His tongue curled as he panted, but it looked like he was smiling.
A few people passed, walking their dogs.
“Amanda?”
The voice had come from behind them. She turned and so did Maeve.
It was Paul, jogging up with a German shepherd wearing a service vest.
“Paul? What are you doing here?” The dog’s vest looked heavy. “I can see you’re running, but does the base let y’all train here now?” As hot as it was, it would be a nice way to train, but then she never knew any Marine to worry about doing things the easy way. They were as tough as they came. “I take it this is your military working dog.”
“Oh no. This guy’s retired now. I’m just running him. Keeping us both in shape.”
He’d always been committed to a healthy lifestyle as long as she’d known him.
“Hi!” Hailey waved to Paul. “Can I pet your dog?”
“Sure. His name is Gauge.”
“Hi, Gauge.” Hailey reached down to pet him.
Amanda watched her, proud that her little girl wasn’t afraid, but then she caught Maeve looking Paul square in