Summer of Second Chances - Andrea Hurst Page 0,121

But perhaps that was the cost of happiness. And with Logan, it was worth it all.

Chapter 41

It had been almost two weeks since Shelby’s mother had left town and the happiness that followed from her decisions had touched them all. And now it was time, not for a goodbye, but for another chance.

Theo sat down on what he called “Jean’s bench.” Wally, in his fleece sweater, sat at his feet. It was just past dawn and the early morning chill reminded him that fall was just around the corner. Yellow and gold leaves dotted the grass. A hazy mist floated above the surface of the lake. Usually they’d still be tucked in bed, but he wanted to make sure he’d be alone and undisturbed.

"Jean," he said, "I haven't been here in a little while. Wherever you are, you are near to me. As you probably know, I've fallen for Alice. I’ve decided to give it a try. I still miss you, my love. I know you'd want me to be happy, and I am, in a different kind of way. I have two new ladies now. I have Alice and her granddaughter Shelby. And if you count their sweet little dog, Scarlett, I have three.” Theo looked down his aging dog. “Wally's doing fine for now. They say he could live a couple more years.”

Wally’s tail thumped at the sound of his name. A chorus of birdsong greeted the rising sun. This was home. Moonwater Lake, the blessed place he and Jean had chosen.

"Jean, you'll always, always be in my heart. I know you're watching over me, and that someday, you and I, and everyone we love, will be together again.”

A flash of heat spread through his body despite the chilly air. It was as if Jean were answering him with a warm hug. Emotions moved through him like waves. Sadness, happiness, and everything in between. When they slowed, what was left was excitement for his life ahead. He was one lucky man. With a deep breath, Theo stood up and rested his hand on the back of the bench. Memories would never leave him, but there were many more to make.

"Come on, Wally, let's get back and prep for the dog park."

Wally was still a little bit slow on the walk back, but he was doing fine. He ate and slept well. He played some with the other dogs. He was loved. What more could a dog, or anyone for that matter, want?

A few hours later, after a warm breakfast and short rest, Theo was ready for the dog park play date. Mindy, Trevor, and their two dogs arrived to help set up. It was the last club meeting for now. Since they weren't sure how often they would meet after Shelby started high school in a week, everyone had confirmed they’d be there today with their dogs. Theo chuckled; it would be the whole Not-So-Lonely Hearts Dog Walkers Club now.

"Hello," Alice said as she walked in with Shelby and Scarlett. She held up a tray. "Special treats for all the little furry ones."

The news had spread that Shelby would be staying in town, and Alice had secretly dropped a cake off yesterday for the occasion and left it in Theo’s kitchen.

"You did it, Shelby," Eleanor said as she walked in with Dixie and Ruby. “I knew you would.”

Behind Eleanor were Josh and Steph, and short-legged little Oscar in his bow tie. Everyone gathered around Shelby, congratulating her again.

"Thank you all for coming today and for all of your help," Shelby said. "It sure feels great to be an official resident of Moonwater Lake now.”

There was clapping all around and more than a few hugs. Theo had made one of the best decisions of his life when he’d opened his home to this dog park, he thought.

Steph and Josh were holding hands, grins on both of their faces. "We have some news too," Steph said. She placed one hand over her stomach. "We are expecting next spring."

“I’m so excited for you both,” Shelby said.

Congratulations continued and Theo was pleased to see so many happy faces here today. It wasn’t that long ago, he’d not been sure they’d be able to meet anymore.

“Hello,” a familiar voice called out. "Here he is, my new boy, Fritz, who will be joining us today.”

“He’s adorable,” Shelby said. “And those ears.”

“I know,” Joann said. “He looks like a little elf the way they stick straight up. I waited a long time, but I finally