up the suggestions so they would have a record of their agreement. “You can set the hours and we can make a short set of rules, like all dogs must be current on vaccinations and the owners are responsible for all doggie cleanup.”
“That is a must,” Theo said. “I hadn’t even thought of that.”
Shelby felt a thread of worry creep in, but the smile on Theo’s face chased it away. Many plans had gone astray in her life before and she’d learned not to get too excited about anything.
Alice lit up. “I think you will need a special aluminum trash receptacle with a lid. Everyone can take turns emptying it when the dog park closes for the day.”
“Another good idea,” Theo said.
“As my first donation pledge,” Alice said, “I will buy and furnish you with a super-sized supply of doggie bags.”
“Our first donation,” Theo said. “Thanks to Alice, our practical donor. And of course, I will donate the space.”
Shelby gave her grandmother a side hug. “You’re the best.” She turned quickly to Theo. “And you are too.”
Theo sipped his tea. “I think we three can plan a little field trip to Pet Universe to get some things.”
“Like what?” Shelby asked.
“We’ll need a water station, some toys, and equipment,” Theo said. “I’m pretty sure Trevor, who is very handy with building, can secure the fence and build a ramp for running on.”
Shelby could hardly contain her delight. This was shaping up even better than she’d hoped. “I have another idea. For the grand opening, all members can donate a toy as a membership fee.”
“And I’ll bring fresh-baked doggie cookies,” Alice said.
Scarlett barked at the word “cookie” and everyone laughed. Shelby couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen her grandmother so relaxed, or for that matter, felt that way herself.
“If Scarlett agrees, then I think we have a deal,” Theo said. He rose and started clearing off the table.
“I’ll take care of it,” Shelby said. “It’s a work meeting after all.” She carried the tray back to the kitchen and put the glasses in the oversized farm sink, and then joined Theo and Alice near the front door.
“A very productive meeting,” Theo said. “I’ll let you know when Trevor gets back to me, and we can schedule our shopping trip.”
Shelby put the leash on Scarlett. “We’ll be ready. I’ll start spreading the word and we can set up a volunteer work party, while the dogs stay home, to help set things up.”
Theo followed them outside, where Alice thanked him for his generous hospitality before they waved goodbye and started home again.
“What a nice man Theo is,” Shelby said.
Alice nodded, a small smile turning up the corners of her mouth. “Not many like him around anymore,” she said.
Shelby knew Alice was missing Grandpa Stan, but she was also sure she’d seen a spark between Alice and Theo. And sparks could turn into flames, couldn’t they? She picked up her step. She was a bit of a hopeless romantic herself.
Shelby was almost home after taking Eleanor’s dogs Dixie and Ruby for a walk. As the ex-mayor, she seemed to know everyone. Her bridge club was today, with a luncheon to follow. When Shelby had told Eleanor about the dog park meeting, Eleanor thought the idea was fabulous. “Just let me know what I can do,” she’d said. “And thanks for including me.”
She’d also stopped by and told Mindy, who seemed eager for the new space. Mindy would need a ride to Theo’s, and Shelby had some ideas for that. All she had to do now, with the new cell phone her grandmother had bought her, was text Steph and everyone would know. Theo had told Trevor, and that made seven dogs, counting Scarlett. Of course, some days it may be less.
A warm shower and curling up with her latest book sounded perfect. As she entered the cul-de-sac, she saw Logan in gym shorts with his younger brother, who was not quite as tall, shooting hoops at the end of the street.
“Hey, come join us,” Logan said, waving at Shelby.
Her fatigue drifted away at the sight of him and she jogged over to join them. “You’d better watch out,” she said. “My hand-eye coordination is pretty good.”
“Let’s see it then,” Logan said. He roughed up his brother’s hair. “This is my little brother, Gabe. Gabe, Shelby.”
Gabe squirmed away. “I’m not so little anymore,” he said. “I’ll be fourteen in a few months.” He turned to Shelby, a bit shy as they made contact. “Aren’t you