winters were cold and the children long gone. When we visited Moonwater Lake, we knew we’d found our new home.”
“We felt the same when we first came up here for a vacation,” Alice said. “After working an orchard and farm for several years in central California, we were ready for a change.”
Theo looked down at Alice. “It is a very special place.”
She nodded and turned back to the outside scenery.
Shelby watched as her new friend, Theo, and her grandmother talked easily. The dogs had curled up together in Wally’s overstuffed bed by the fireplace. For a moment, Shelby felt like the only one without someone to be with. But then she realized that she had helped bring these two lonely people, and dogs, together, and that made her happy. And the dog park would do even more. Perhaps…her mind drifted to Logan. The full moon was coming up in a few days, and Logan had invited her over to his house. They were neighbors after all, she rationalized. Maybe he was just being friendly. But maybe…
“Shelby,” Theo said, suddenly standing in front of her. “How about I get us some of my homemade Arnold Palmer iced tea and we go sit out on the deck and talk dog park?”
Back to Earth now, Shelby said, “I’ll help.”
“You two go sit outside. I’ll be right there.”
Shelby followed Alice out the glass door to the deck overlooking a completely fenced, grassy yard that sloped gently toward the water. They took a seat at the redwood table and chairs that sported a pine green umbrella to block the blistering sun.
“Theo’s backyard is perfect for dogs,” Shelby said. “All it needs is a few toys and balls.”
Shelby let her mind roam across the spacious fenced portion of the yard. There were large grassy areas where the dogs could play and do their business, lush trees with shade for resting, and a sturdy fence that allowed for protection without blocking visibility to the lake.
Theo carried a small tray of treats and drinks to the table and placed it in the center. The dogs were at his heels, and Shelby could see why. On a small plate, arranged decoratively, were several varieties of dog cookies as well as Alice’s chocolate chips on a separate one.
“Help yourselves, ladies,” Theo said as he sat down to join them.
Shelby distributed dog treats evenly between Wally and Scarlett, who promptly gobbled them up before begging for more.
“Well,” Theo said, “it looks like Wally’s appetite has returned as well.”
Shelby surprised herself by saying, “That’s what happens when you’re happy.”
“And have a good buddy, too,” Theo said.
There were a few moments of silence at the table after that as everyone registered his words. Shelby watched a bluebird land on a feeder hanging from a nearby branch and fill his little stomach. A boat with colorful sails glided through the water in the distance. She took a deep breath and let the moment sink in.
Theo cleared his throat. “Would you two like a tour of the yard?”
They started down the couple of steps to the grass, the dogs at their heels.
“What a perfect spot for a dog park,” Shelby said. “You can easily fit up to eight dogs here, and they will love it!”
Theo smiled. “I thought the same myself. All the space can be put to good use.” He pointed out areas that needed some work in the fence and showed them the storage shed with plenty of room for doggy items.
“It’s perfect,” Shelby said.
Theo looked over to Alice. “If we are all in agreement, why don’t we write up a list of things we need and get started?”
Alice nodded. “It couldn’t be better.”
After exploring the yard for a while, Theo motioned to go back to the deck. “Let’s get to business, then.”
“Be right back,” Shelby said. She went in the house and retrieved her laptop, then placed it on the table in front of her.
Theo raised a brow. “I see you are quite organized. Where shall we start?”
“First, I have some questions.”
“I’m ready,” Theo said with a chuckle.
Shelby caught the smile he threw toward Alice and for a moment she felt like she was back with her grandmother and wonderful grandfather again. “This all needs to be convenient and easy for you, Theo. I was thinking the dog park should be limited to only dogs we know and that all get along well.”
“Agreed,” Theo said. “And I think being open two days a week would be fine for me for now.”