They accept with enthusiastic nods, and I give Cole my biggest, most grateful grin.
Later, after our bellies are full, the little girl steps outside the bakery to untie the dog and walk along a grassy area.
I lean across the table and eye her parents. “Will you tell me what’s going on?”
Frank explains their circumstances, a story I’ve heard countless times. He and his wife lost their jobs in California. Then they lost their house and everything they own. They came to the Midwest for the lower cost-of-living and had to sell their car along the way to feed themselves and put a roof over their heads. They’ve been staying in a motel and were forced to check out this morning. They’re out of money with no hope in sight.
“There’s a homeless shelter about ten minutes from here.” I soften my tone. “I can—”
“We appreciate your help. We really do.” Holly’s chin trembles as she gazes out the window at her daughter and the tiny mutt. “But that dog is all she has left. Homeless shelters don’t take pets—”
“This one does.” I grip her hand on the table between us. “It has private rooms for families, healthy food, and fantastic programs to help you find jobs and get on your feet again. I’m actually on my way there now.”
Cole arches a brow at me, his eyes asking, This is what you’ve been up to?
“It’s called Gateway Shelter,” I say to her and nod my head at Cole. “Cole’s never seen it, and I’m taking him there to show it off, because it’s such a great place.”
“Are you sure about the dog?” Her voice scratches with disbelief. “I’ve never heard of shelters allowing pets.”
It’s true. Most don’t because of the hassle and cost. As a result, many people—women specifically—tolerate abuse just so their cats or dogs will have a home. I come across homeless families all the time, just like this one, who refuse to seek shelter because their companion animals aren’t welcome.
A while back, I put a bug in Father Rick’s ear—the manager at Gateway—about modifying the no pet rule. Unsurprisingly, during the latest round of renovations, he made changes that would accommodate dogs and cats.
“I promise.” I squeeze her hand. “Your dog is welcome.”
Holly and Frank share a look, and their eyes take on a bright shiny glimmer.
“We’d love to check it out,” Frank says. “It’s ten minutes away?”
“A ten-minute drive.” I glance out the window, squinting at the motorcycle. I’ll have to call a cab.
“Give me a minute.” Cole steps outside and puts his phone to his ear.
“He’s really handsome.” Holly blushes, tucking a strand of short auburn hair behind her ear.
“Yeah,” I sigh. “He really is.”
Frank, who isn’t hard on the eyes either, shakes his head.
When Cole strides back into the bakery, he pockets his phone and meets my eyes. “Trace is sending his driver. The car will be here in a few minutes.”
He called Trace? That’s so…expected. My chest feels like it’s filled with sunshine and dimples, and I have the sudden urge to dance. Like jump up on the table and shake everything I have. But I refrain myself, settling on a smile.
“Thank you.” I reach out and grip his hand.
Twenty minutes later, we arrive at the shelter. Father Rick welcomes the family with open arms and gives them a tour. Cole and I tag along, so he can see the scope of the renovations that have been ongoing for the last six months.
“Danni and her fiancé funded all of the expansion.” Rick beams as he guides us through one of the new shower rooms.
He shifts his eyes to Cole, and his smile slips. Cole stands behind me, his jealousy blatant in the glower lining his face. I elbow him in the ribs, and he grunts. Then he wipes a hand over his mouth and grins down at me.
Rick regards us suspiciously. What must he be thinking? He attended my engagement party with Trace, and now I’m here without a ring, flirting with another man. I need to clear things up before we leave.
Continuing the walk-through, Rick shows off the remodeled kitchen, massive pantry, private rooms for families, and finally the dining area, where everyone congregates.
No one hangs out during the day, since they’re expected to be out and about looking for jobs.
“The doors will open in…” Rick glances at his watch. “About thirty minutes, and it’ll be a mad rush to feed everyone and get them settled in for the night.” He turns to me. “Are you sticking around for a while?”
“Yep.” I walk toward the little girl and her dog and bend down. “Do you like to dance?”
A smile struggles on her lips and flickers in her green eyes. “Yes.”
“Wonderful.” Rick claps his hands together and motions at her parents. “Come on. I’ll introduce you to Susie. She’s our job consultant. Then we’ll get you set up in one of the private rooms.”
They exit the dining hall, leaving Cole and I alone, grinning at each other.
“Did Trace give you hell when you asked for his car?”
“Nope. He was absolutely relieved to hear the sound of my voice.”
My eyes bulge. “Really?”
“No.” He grimaces.
“I hate that you two had a falling out because of me.”
“You’re worth it. He and I at least agree on that.” He looks around the large room. “When did you start volunteering here?”
“When you died.” My tone sounds more acidic than I intended.
I play it off and move to the table at the far wall where I had a stereo system set up.
“Danni.” He touches my lower back, his expression broken.
“It’s okay, Cole.” I power on the speakers and brace my hands on the table. “I was depressed and didn’t know what to do with all that negative energy. This place gave me purpose. I started volunteering in the kitchen. Then I got a wild hair up my ass to shake things up.”
“You dance here.” He takes in the small dance floor and music equipment.
“Line dancing.” I lift a shoulder. “I like giving sad people a reason to smile.”
“You’re pretty fucking amazing, you know that?” He brings my hand to his lips, kissing my fingers. “Whenever I’m with you, I feel like I’m flying. But you also scare the crap out of me.”
“What? Why?”
“You’re the best of everything. Your soul is so pure I don’t want to darken it.”
“Cole—”
“Beauty and love and freedom… That’s you, all wrapped up in a tiny seductive package. Christ, I want to indulge in every inch, inside and out.” He turns my hand over and presses his mouth against the inside of my wrist. “You taste like life.”
I step into him, hugging his waist and resting my cheek on his chest. “I missed you, Cole. So much.”
“I feel you, baby.” He embraces me tightly, pressing his lips to the top of my head.
A throat clears near the entrance of the dining hall.
Rick crosses his arms and cocks his bald head, probably wondering why I’m all up against a man who isn’t Trace.
“I never told him about you,” I whisper. “It was just too…hard. But I should—”