Before We Kiss (Fool's Gold #14)

“What activities?” one of the older boys asked. “Because it’s not fun yet.”


Ryan patted him on the shoulder. “Patience, my man. You know what a cocktail is?”

The kid grinned. “We get to have them?”

“Almost. We’re making mocktails—cocktails without the alcohol. And appetizers. Oh, and there’s going to be a band later.”

“A live band?” one of the girls asked.

“Yup.” He put down Caramel and pointed to the table. “Let’s figure out who we are and then we’ll get going on the fun.”

Fayrene breathed in deeply, then exhaled with relief. This was going to be okay. Ryan was here and, as far as she was concerned, he was her hero. She would reward him later, but for now, she had a dog-wary little girl to help out.

She crossed to the petite brunette and smiled at her. “What’s your name?”

“Sally.”

Fayrene sat on the floor in front of the girl. “Do you have dogs at home, Sally?”

“No. My dad’s allergic. I’ve never been around dogs before.” Sally watched Caramel move around the room. “Does she bite?”

“Not at all. Why don’t you have a seat and I’ll introduce you. It’s easier to make friends after you’ve had an introduction.”

Sally’s hair was in a thick braid down her back. Her eyes were big and solemn. She hesitated, then dropped to the floor. Fayrene called Caramel over.

The little dog came running and jumped gracefully over Fayrene’s crossed legs, then sat facing Sally. She was panting a little, which made her look as if she was grinning.

“The best thing to do with a dog you don’t know is ask the owner if it’s friendly. If the owner says it is and you can pet it, you want to introduce yourself first.” She petted Caramel. “Now close your hand into a fist and let her sniff you. That’s dog for saying hi.”

Sally bit her lower lip, then slowly extended her small fist to the dog. Caramel leaned in and sniffed delicately before giving her a quick lick.

Sally jumped, then looked at Fayrene. “Does that mean she likes me?”

“It does. You want to pet her?”

Sally nodded. She inched closer and reached out to touch Caramel’s back.

“She’s soft!”

“I know. And feel how much fur there is. She’s really small underneath.”

Sally continued to pet her. Caramel jumped over Fayrene’s legs again and moved next to the girl. She flopped onto her back, exposing her tummy. Fayrene showed her how to rub her chest and her stomach. Caramel sighed in contentment.

Sally laughed. “Dogs are funny,” she said. “But I like this one.”

Fayrene silently thanked her temporary pet and mentally promised bacon every morning for a week. One kid won over, eleven to go, she thought. But with a little more optimism than she’d had before.

* * *

DELLINA WAS UP before six on Saturday morning. The previous evening had gone perfectly. The wine tasting had been a hit and the dinner had gone over well. There had been good food, lots of conversation and most of their guests had gone up to their rooms feeling a little tipsy. She hoped that meant they’d slept well.

Dellina was downstairs by six-thirty, going over preparations. Today was the big busy day. After a morning stretch and yoga class, there was a buffet breakfast on the terrace. Then the vans arrived. The adults would head off to CDS for their obstacle course while the kids went bike riding. At eleven everyone reunited before they all headed to town for lunch and some in-town time during the Summer Festival. At three-thirty the vans brought them back to the hotel.

At four, the kids spent time with Max and his therapy dogs. Angel and the Acorns were going to be there to introduce the new puppies. There would be a demonstration of what therapy dogs could do. For the adults, it was the trickiest part of the weekend—Lark’s lecture. Then there was a big barbecue with the children joining their parents. Dellina’s hope was that, by nine, everyone would be exhausted and make an early evening of it.

She had already confirmed with Josh, Angel and the van company. Although she was itching to make a few phone calls, she resisted. She had to trust the people she’d hired.

At seven, a yawning Fayrene joined her. She wore shorts and a T-shirt and had Caramel with her.

“I’m exhausted,” her sister said as she sat in the chair opposite, Caramel on her lap. “Twelve children is too many. But it went well.”

“Everyone had a good time?”

“Uh-huh. This little girl and Ryan were hits. I was more a background person.” She yawned again. “I need coffee and to rally myself for bike riding.” She rose. “We’re all set, by the way. We have sunscreen and water. Josh is providing the bikes and the helmets. I double-checked that everyone knows how to ride a bike. There’s going to be a short talk on the Tour de France with pictures for the kids to look at.”