short run. The trail was perfect, as I preferred vegetation over concrete for my workouts. The grass was ankle-high, but it was easy to see where the path had been. I followed it without a problem and noticed that several of the trees were apple. The others looked to be pear and plum trees. The budding fruit filled the branches and I ambled along, stopping several times to examine them. Already my mind conjured up jars of apple butter, plum jelly, and canned pears.
Halfway through the orchard I heard a low growl coming from behind me. My heart immediately sped with fear. Being cautious, I slowly turned around to find a large German shepherd not more than five feet away from me. His teeth were bared as if he was prepared to attack with the least provocation. His eyes were dark and menacing. I immediately sensed that he was a guard dog whose job was to ward off trespassers.
“Hello, boy,” I said slowly, carefully, fearing that if I made an abrupt move the canine might take it upon himself to bite a chunk out of my leg. I froze and carefully looked around for his owner, but unfortunately I saw no one.
We were at a standoff. I didn’t move and neither did the dog. Then he cocked his head as if questioning my presence in the orchard.
“I’m friendly,” I said in low tones, being extra-careful, in case he decided to go for my jugular. “Are you friendly? You look like you could be.” I hated that my voice trembled. Animals could sense fear, and while I was putting on a good front, I couldn’t disguise my initial reaction.
I’m not sure how to explain what happened next. The dog continued to study me. Somehow, some way, he seemed to sense that I wasn’t a threat. He held my gaze and then did something completely unexpected.
He wagged his tail.
My relief was instantaneous and I felt my body relax. I hadn’t realized how tense I’d gotten. We both got a little closer and I got down on one knee to carefully, slowly, pet his head. He had a collar with a silver circle attached with his name. Elvis.
“So you’re a love-me-tender breed of dog, are you?” I asked, feeling more relaxed. He might look like a big, bad beast, but he seemed to accept my presence as if he knew I wasn’t a threat to him or his owner.
“What can you tell me about this house and who lives here?” I asked and then smiled, thinking anyone who overheard me would think I had marbles for brains, expecting a dog to fill me in on what to anticipate.
Looking around, I couldn’t see anyone, so I finished my run, determined to return the following day and inquire about the house.
—
Jo Marie was up and busy in the kitchen when I returned.
“Did you get a good workout?” she asked, sliding the cookie sheet into the oven.
“I did,” I said, reaching inside the refrigerator for a bottle of cold water. I removed the top and took a large swallow. “I stopped by the house you mentioned.”
“What’d you think?”
“I liked it. I’d hoped to meet up with whoever is doing the renovation work, but I didn’t see anyone. I’ll try again tomorrow.” I had a meeting with the school administrator later in the afternoon.
“Dana, the real estate agent I mentioned, lives close to there. I’ll see her later at spin class; she might have some additional information. I can ask her if you’d like.”
“Please do.” I left Jo Marie then and jogged up the stairs to take a shower. I’d been in Cedar Cove less than twenty-four hours, and already it felt like home.
Emily had been with me about a week and we’d settled into a routine of sorts. We rose about the same time, I noticed. While I prepared breakfast for my guests, Emily went out for her morning run. She arrived back at the inn about the time I’d finished with breakfast and had cleared the table. While I cleaned off the dishes and stacked them in the dishwasher, Emily cooled down and whipped together her morning protein drink. I had to admire her healthy eating habits. She’d made a shake for me one morning and it was great. It’d become my habit to skip breakfast. It’d never been my favorite meal, but I appreciated her balanced approach to eating.
When Emily didn’t have any luck talking to whoever was doing the renovations, Dana promised to