you think? Running away and leaving our parents far behind?”
“Oh no, I already tried that once. It lasted an hour!”
His laugh was contagious, and Shelby joined in. Logan ruffled her hair before kissing her on the forehead.
“We’re lucky to have each other,” he said.
Shelby’s breath caught. And what about when he left at the end of summer?
“What’s the frown about?” he asked.
“Sorry. I love what you said. It’s just…sometimes I wonder why you like me when you could have any girl?”
“I don’t want any girl, Shelby. I didn’t think I could find a girl like you. Beautiful on the inside and outside. Honest, real, and truly caring about others.”
“No one other than my grandmother has ever told me that before,” Shelby said. “Especially a boy.”
“Then they are all crazy and don’t deserve you.”
She reached up and stroked Logan’s face. “I think I’m still dreaming.”
His warm kiss sent her mind and heart spinning. She melted into his arms as the kiss lingered.
“Do you still think you’re dreaming?” Logan asked.
“Now I know I am!”
It was finally the grand opening of the dog park. Shelby and her grandmother were on their way to Theo’s, with Scarlett trotting along next to them.
"Scarlett," Alice said as they approached Theo’s back gate, "you're going to get to see all your friends today."
"Morning," Theo said as they entered the backyard. "I thought I'd let Wally out alone a little before the crowd gets here. He's still not feeling that great, so he may want to just go in and sleep."
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," Alice said. "I hope he feels better soon."
Scarlett yanked toward Wally. Keeping her on the leash, Shelby let her sniff the tired-looking beagle, but Wally didn't respond in kind. He just waddled back up the steps and went inside.
Wally just didn't seem right. Scarlett was whining for her friend to come back out. Shelby was concerned, too. "It's okay, Scarlett, there'll be more dogs here soon.” She let the dog off the leash and Scarlett launched for the ramp that Trevor had built. It was about three feet high in the middle with inclines at both ends, and Scarlett raced up and back on it many times.
"Well, she seems to love that," Alice said, "Maybe we need one of those."
"You can always ask Trevor to build you one," Theo said.
"Did I just hear my name?" Trevor came walking in with Buddy at his side. Mindy and Karma were with him.
"No more cast,” Shelby said.
Mindy held up her leg. "Just a little brace now, but I still have to be careful." She released Karma, who ran straight to Shelby.
“Hi, girl," she said, petting the energetic black and white shepherd. Scarlett came racing over, barking at Karma to play with her. Off they went circling the yard, through the nylon tunnel, up the ramp, and then directly for the box of toys.
"I brought something," Mindy said. "A rope and ball chew toy I ordered online."
Trevor removed Buddy’s vest and gave the sign for him to play. Mindy tossed the toy to the golden dog, who promptly caught it.
"Oh, Buddy, you’ve still got it," Trevor said. Buddy shook the toy and tossed it in the air before catching it again in his mouth.
“Impressive,” Mindy said, smiling up at Trevor. Then she looked over at Shelby. "This park is fantastic. Thank you. I'm so glad Karma hasn't been locked in the house with me all this time. She would have gone completely crazy.”
“So how can I help today?” Trevor asked Shelby.
Shelby looked around. Everything was ready and in its place. There was fresh water in the drinking station, plenty of doggy bags and toys. The yard had been freshly cut, probably by Trevor. Everything was perfect. The dog park of her dreams. She could feel tears pooling in her eyes.
Theo came over beside her and put his arm around her shoulder. He looked over to Trevor. "We couldn't have done it without you. So just enjoy."
"Aww," said Trevor, "it was nothing."
Mindy, in a bright-colored sundress and sandals, reached for Trevor’s hand. "You made a real difference here. Now let’s go throw some balls.”
Trevor's smile was bright, and so was Mindy’s. Shelby was happy to see it. The shadows from Trevor’s face seemed gone, and his eyes brighter somehow.
"I haven't seen Trevor smile like that before,” Theo said. “He was so sad when he moved here a few years back. I think Mindy's been good for him."
"I think they're good for each other," Shelby said.