Reunited on Dragonfly Lane - Includes a bonus novella Read online

  Chase couldn’t help but smile at this. He’d heard a lot of things but that one was new.

  “Will you make sure to tell his new owner for me?”

  “I will,” Chase promised.

  Mrs. Dozier nodded. The color was back in her cheeks, and she was smiling faintly now. “Thank you, Dr. Lewis,” she said before turning and walking out of the clinic.

  Chase sighed and then turned toward his receptionist, Penny, who’d arrived while Mrs. Dozier was giving up her dog. Penny was in her midfifties and had been working at the clinic for years under the previous veterinarian. Chase guessed she’d seen it all when it came to pets and their owners too.

  “Know anyone who might be looking for a dog?” he asked Penny.

  She shook her head. “No. Do you?”

  Chase hesitated, some part of him unwittingly contemplating volunteering himself. But he wasn’t ready for another dog after Grizzly.

  He shook his head as guilt formed a knot in his belly. “No.”

  “That’s too bad,” Penny said as she shuffled items on the counter and prepared for the day ahead.

  Chase agreed. “I’ll call the rescue at lunch.” Until then, his schedule was full. There was no time to think about rehoming puppies with broken legs or nearly kissing long-lost loves who didn’t want to be found again.

  * * *

  Sophie checked her phone for the millionth time as she sat on the floor of her boutique. She’d called Chase twice today and had left one voicemail for him to call her back. It was now late afternoon, and he had yet to call back. The suspense of how Comet was doing was driving her a bit crazy.

  She groaned at her phone’s blank screen. Why wasn’t he returning her call?

  She reached for one of the unopened boxes on the floor beside her and grabbed a pair of scissors to open it with. She’d gotten a big delivery of new clothing today, which had required unboxing and steaming before hanging each piece on a rack for display. She loved new shipments and new lines but it was also exhausting. At least today it had served to distract her from her mostly silent phone.

  Sophie lifted the items out of the box as a giddy excitement reinvigorated her. The spring line for her boutique was going to fly off her racks. Her gaze moved over the newly hanging fabrics and rush of colors, stopping on the last of the items she’d ordered.

  She stood and walked over, running her hand down the small section of gowns she always kept in stock. There wasn’t a ton of demand for such fancy evening clothes. That’s why it was genius for the women’s shelter to have a black-tie affair instead of the annual spaghetti dinner this year. Sophie’s best friend, Trisha, ran the shelter, and they’d come up with the idea together. It would give people a reason to get dressed up and hopefully bring in a lot more money to cover repairs and renovations for the shelter.

  Speaking of Trisha, Sophie’s cell phone rang, and her best friend’s name flashed across the screen. She quickly connected the call. “I was just thinking of you. We need to get together soon. I didn’t feel like we had much time to chat at Jack and Emma’s wedding reception.”

  “Could that be because you were too focused on my ex-brother-in-law?” Trisha asked.

  Sophie felt her cheeks burn. “We’re old news,” she said. “There is nothing between us.” It was only a small lie. There was something there, a tiny spark, a buzz of awareness and remembrance of closer times. But Sophie had squashed it.

  Trisha made a humming sound on the other end of the line. “If you say so. Catching up sounds good but that’s not why I’m calling.”

  “Oh? What’s up?” Sophie asked.

  “Well, I have a client here at the shelter who will be going on a couple job interviews soon. The problem is she doesn’t have anything to wear and can’t afford to go shopping. Appearance is half of that first impression, as you always say. And I really want to set her up for success.”

  “Of course,” Sophie said, still admiring the gowns from where she stood. “What do you need from me?”

  “I was wondering if I could send her your way later this week? So you could work your fairy godmother magic.”

  Sophie kind of liked being compared to a fairy godmother. She’d never felt like the princess but she loved helping other women, especially those who were down on their luck. “Of course you can. What size is she?”

  “She’s an eight or ten,” Trisha said. “She needs some shoes too. Size seven and a half.”

  Sophie grabbed a pen and notepad and wrote the details down. “Let me see what I can find. I’ll give you a call back midweek?”

  “Perfect. Thank you so much, Sophie.”

  “You know you can call me anytime.”

  “I do,” Trisha said. “I never want to take advantage of our friendship though.”

  “This is not a favor between friends. This is my job, Trisha.”

  “No, your job is running a fancy boutique. That fairy godmother back room of yours is going above and beyond to help women in need. You give them more than clothes. You give them confidence, and that goes a long way. But you know that better than anyone.”

  Sophie was speechless for a moment. She did know that. That’s why she’d started the back room to begin with.

  “Anyway, I’m sure my client will also be grateful. She’s working really hard to get back on her feet.”

  “We all need a little help every now and then,” Sophie said, her eyes suddenly burning. She’d needed more than a little help in her life, and this town hadn’t let her down. The people of Sweetwater Springs had rallied around her after her accident and during her recovery. And when she’d opened this boutique, half the town had showed up, buying her full stock on the first two days. She’d had to order more right away.

  “I’ve also gotten a shipment of gowns,” Sophie told Trisha before hanging up. “For people to wear to your black-tie affair next month.”

  “Oh, wonderful. I can’t wait to take a peek,” Trisha said excitedly.

  “And to get your own dress,” Sophie said. Trisha wasn’t one to dress up in fancy clothing since her husband had been arrested. Trisha purposely dressed down as if to prove to everyone that she had not benefited from his crimes. “The whole point of your event is for people to be as fancy as possible, you included.”

  “Right,” Trisha said, her tone notably more subdued. “I can’t believe I was the one who came up with the idea.”

  “There was wine involved,” Sophie reminded her. “And it was a great idea. That’s why I pushed you to go for it.”

  “Remind me never to agree to anything under the influence of wine again,” Trisha teased.

  They talked a few more minutes and then hung up. After that, Sophie went to search her back room for clothes that might work for Trisha’s client. The room in the back of her boutique looked worse than Sophie’s closet at home. There were donated clothes from previous seasons and returns due to fabric flaws or damage.

  Sophie shuffled through the things, finally finding a nice blouse and pair of pants that might work for the woman at the shelter. She had a size large blazer too but it might be too big. Sophie set the things aside. She still needed shoes but since Sophie wore the same size as the woman in need, she could find a pair from her own closet.

  When she was done, she headed back to the front area and paused as she looked at the rack of gowns, excitement swirling in her chest once again.

  “Wow, you look excited over something.”

  Sophie hadn’t even heard the bell over her entry door jingle with an incoming customer. She looked up and smiled at a familiar face. Kaitlyn Russo-Hargrove owned the bed and breakfast on Mistletoe Lane. Sophie sometimes saw her around town but Kaitlyn didn’t shop at the boutique.

  “I am excited,” Sophie shared. “I just put out new gowns for the black-tie affair that the women’s shelter is putting on this year.”

  Kaitlyn had only been in Sweetwater Springs for a couple of years but she was already a pillar of the community. “I’m excited about the
event but I must say I’ll miss the annual spaghetti dinner.”

  “Really? You’re not getting tired of it yet? You don’t think they should do something new and exciting?”

  Kaitlyn shrugged. “I don’t know. There’s a lot to be said for things that are familiar. Especially in Sweetwater Springs. The people here really love their traditions and charities, don’t they?”

  “You’re one of us now. No talking like you’re an outsider looking in.”

  Kaitlyn laughed as her gaze wandered around the store. “I guess that’s what brought me in. Everyone I know shops at your boutique so I thought that I’d join your long list of customers.”

  “You moved here with all of your New York wardrobe. You haven’t needed to do much shopping, I’d guess.”

  “That’s true. But every time I rave over something that a friend of mine is wearing, they tell me they got it here.”

  “Well, you’re in luck,” Sophie said, “because I just got the new spring line on the racks today. You’ll be one of the first to wear the pieces. You can be a walking advertisement for me.”

  Kaitlyn smiled. “Perfect.”

  Sophie returned to the counter as Kaitlyn shopped for the better part of an hour. When Kaitlyn was done, Sophie rang her items up and said goodbye. Her phone started to ring as soon as her boutique was empty. Sophie glanced at the caller ID and felt her heart flutter. She held the phone to her ear. “Hello?”

  “Hey, Sophie. Sorry it took so long to return your call.”

  “No problem. I was calling earlier to check on Comet. Is he okay?”

  “Yeah, he’s doing great, actually.”

  Sophie blew out a breath, so relieved that her eyes teared up.

  “You can come see for yourself if you want,” Chase offered, his voice going low, making her wonder if he was suggesting more than just a friendly visit to see an injured dog.

  Sophie hedged. Then she looked at the clock. It was still fifteen minutes until close but it was doubtful anyone else would be walking through her door this late in the day. “I’d love to.”

  “Great. I’ll be here for the next half hour at least. Take your time.”

  They disconnected the call, and Sophie walked up front to turn the sign in the window to CLOSED. Then she headed out of her boutique, locking the door behind her. Her car wasn’t in the parking lot, because she’d walked to work today, which wasn’t unusual. Chase’s clinic was one road past the route she normally took to get to her home on Dragonfly Lane. It was slightly out of her way but her leg wasn’t acting up right now and a little extra exercise and fresh air would be good.

  She needed to see for herself that the little black-and-white dog was okay. Even if it meant that she’d have to see Chase as well.

  * * *

  Chase felt the air become charged the moment that Sophie walked into his clinic. He turned and headed down the hall toward the front of the building to see if it was in fact Sophie and found her talking to Penny at the front desk.

  Sophie looked at him as he approached, and he saw her quick intake of air.

  “You came,” he said.

  She smiled. “I told you I was coming. You didn’t believe me?”

  He shrugged a shoulder. “I was just hoping nothing would hold you up, I guess.”

  She shook her head. “I walked today. I usually take Peony Road but Blossom Street also connects to Dragonfly Lane. It’s just an extra block.”

  Sophie wasn’t telling Chase anything he didn’t already know. He wondered if the extra distance was a problem for her leg though. He knew Sophie still had issues with it, although he wasn’t sure to what extent. Sometimes she had a subtle limp, but other times there was no visible evidence of her injuries. At least not with the long pants and skirts she wore. He’d visited her in the hospital right after her rescue but he’d never seen her scars.

  Chase nodded as he stared at Sophie. His mind had suddenly gone blank, overrun with so many competing thoughts, all about her.

  “You were going to let me see Comet,” she prompted as the corners of her lips curled into a small smile.

  “Right. Yes, I was.”

  Penny gave Chase a strange look as she watched the two of them.

  Chase cleared his throat. “Comet is back here.” He gestured to the back area where he’d taken the dog on Saturday.

  “I’m surprised that he’s not home with Mrs. Dozier already,” Sophie commented as they walked.

  Chase blew out a breath as they approached Comet’s kennel. Immediately the little puppy stood to attention, balancing on the casted hind leg. He barked at Sophie, and she lowered to her knees to reach her hand through the cage and pet him.

  “Here, I’ll open it for you,” Chase said. He released the latch, freeing Comet to come toward her. The little dog wasted no time getting the attention he was due.

  “Is it okay that he’s walking?” Sophie asked, looking up at Chase.

  “I couldn’t keep him from walking if I tried. That’s why I casted his hind leg so well. It’s stable. No need to worry.”

  Sophie nodded, running her hand down Comet’s marbled coat and talking in a sweet voice that made Chase’s heart squeeze.

  “You two seem to like each other,” he noted, as an idea seemed to take root in his mind. Sophie seemed to like Comet as much as the little dog liked her. “Mrs. Dozier isn’t coming to take Comet home.”

  Sophie met his gaze again, a small divot forming between her brows as she looked at him in question. “What do you mean?”

  “Well, Mrs. Dozier has decided that she can’t handle Comet. She’s giving him up.”

  Sophie’s mouth dropped open. “No, she can’t do that. Comet needs her.”

  Chase leaned against the kennel, folding his arms over his chest. “Usually, I would agree but in this situation this is probably what’s best for the both of them.”

  Sophie shook her head. “How could giving up someone you’re supposed to love be best?”

  Chase was tempted to call her out on the hypocrisy of that question. After her accident, Sophie had broken up with him, saying it was what was best for both of them. Chase was going to college, and she had a year of rehab ahead of her. When that hadn’t worked to push him away, she’d revealed the truth. She blamed him for her injuries. He hadn’t been there for her when she’d needed him most.

  “Mrs. Dozier can’t keep up with a puppy. That’s why Comet got hit by a car in the first place,” Chase explained. “So I’m rehoming him.”

  “You are?” Sophie asked.

  He shrugged a shoulder. “Well, I’m trying. If you say no, I’ll be calling the local rescue.”

  Sophie stood, her eyes narrowing. “If I say no?” she repeated.

  “Comet obviously likes you.”

  “But I’m the reason Comet is even hurt,” Sophie pointed out.

  “No, it was an accident. Or a twist of fate,” he said, remembering that Sophie didn’t believe in coincidences. “Maybe you ran into Comet over the weekend for a reason. Maybe he’s meant to be your dog.”

  Sophie looked unsure. She lowered her gaze to Comet, who was now whining at her feet, urging her to pay him more attention. A puppy’s need for love was bottomless. “Why don’t you take him home?” she asked, looking back up at him.

  “I’m not ready. I just lost my dog, Grizzly, three months ago,” he said quietly. And it still felt like yesterday in his heart. He saved everybody else’s pets but he couldn’t save his own.

  “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  He nodded and reached out to touch her arm, gaining her attention. “I think you and Comet are a good match. It’ll be an adventure, Sophie.”

  Her gaze narrowed once more. “I don’t go on adventures anymore.” Now they were definitely talking about the past. Sophie looked down at the dog. “I’ve never even had a dog before. He needs someone who knows what they’re doing. Especially since he’s hurt.”

  Sophie’s eyes were suspiciously shiny, and her hands were shaking.
“I’m sorry, Chase, but I’m the last person who should be adopting him. I can’t take Comet home with me.”

  Chapter Four

  Chase had slept restlessly last night, and now he was reaching for his third cup of coffee before nine a.m. He’d gotten up early to go for a jog, showered, and had come in to care for the overnight animals, including Comet.

  He’d really hoped that Sophie would have agreed to being Comet’s new owner. He understood though. Taking on a pet was a lot of responsibility. A person didn’t go into being a dog owner lightly. That’s why he was waiting to get another dog himself. He’d loved Grizzly but owning a dog meant he had to change his plans sometimes or make arrangements so Grizzly was cared for when Chase couldn’t take him on trips.

  Chase had been on far fewer climbing trips since moving back to Sweetwater Springs. Agreeing to be the only vet in town wasn’t a job one took on lightly either.

  Chase plopped behind his desk and reached for his phone. Since Sophie had said no, Chase’s next move was to call the local dog rescue. He’d known Mary Ellen forever. He pulled up her contact and connected the call.

  “Hey, Chase,” she said, “I haven’t heard from you in a while.”

  “Well, I wish I could say this was a friendly call. One of my clients gave up her dog this week, and I’m trying to find him a good home.”

  “Oh no. I’m sorry to hear that. What kind of dog is it?” she asked.

  “A young border collie mix, about six months old. He’s got a broken hind leg,” Chase said.

  Mary Ellen made a noise on the other end of the line. “That’s too bad. I’m afraid my rescue is full. And even if it weren’t, I’m at capacity for homes willing to take on a dog with special needs.”

  “It’ll only take a month or so to heal,” Chase said, already getting the feeling that he was striking out yet again.

  “That’s a long time to ask someone to rearrange their life for a foster dog’s needs, while caring for several other dogs in their home. I really wish I could help but I’m afraid I can’t this time.”