Callum
“We're doingthis for you two. Not me. I'm perfectly happy never attending social events.”
Daisy wagged her tail so hard her entire back half wiggled. Hank gave me a look that clearly saidI'm fine. You're the one stalling.
Fair point.
I adjusted my grip on both leashes, watching Daisy's nose work overtime as we walked down Main Street. Every lamppost deserved investigation. Every patch of grass required thorough sniffing. Hank trotted beside her with dignified patience, like a grandfather indulging an overexcited toddler.
“Listen, I need you both on your best behavior today.” I kept my voice low. A couple passed us on the sidewalk, and I nodded in greeting. “Daisy, that means no begging. I know you think those sad eyes are irresistible, but we need someone who won't spoil you rotten.”
Her tail wagged harder.No promises.
“And Hank.” I looked down at the old scruffy terrier. “I know crowds aren't your favorite, but try to give people a chance. You're a good dog. Someone out there is going to see that.”
Hank's bushy eyebrows twitched. He'd been with me for three weeks now, long enough that he'd claimed the corner kennel in the barn as his territory, growling at any dog who dared venture too close. Long enough that I'd learned he slept better with an old fleece blanket tucked around him. Long enough that leaving him in someone else's care made my chest tight.
Which was exactly why he needed to find a home today.
The farmers’ market was already bustling when we arrived at the town square. Vendors set up booths under white canopies, arranging produce and baked goods and handcrafted items. The scent of Mrs. Thompson's cinnamon rolls drifted from her bakery booth, making my stomach growl.
I scanned the square, looking for?—
“Cal!”
Rosie waved from a booth near the center, and I forgot how to breathe.
She wore a red and white dress, the pattern reminding me of a picnic blanket with all those neat little squares. The dress fitted her waist before flaring out, and her hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders with the top half pulled back. Sunshine caught the loose strands, turning them honey-gold.
And her lips. Red.
I was staring.
Stop staring.
Daisy barked, lunging toward Rosie's booth hard enough that the leash nearly slipped from my hand. The pull jerked me back to reality. Farmers’ market, adoption event,not staring at Rosie like an idiot.
“Sorry.” I shortened Daisy's leash as we approached. “She gets excited.”
“That's perfect! Excitement is exactly what we need.” Rosie crouched down, letting Daisy lick her hand while Hank hung back behind my legs. “Oh my gosh, you're the sweetest thing! Yes, you are!”
Daisy soaked up the attention like she'd been starved for it her entire life. Which, considering I fed her twice daily and gave her puzzle toys and took her on regular walks, was insulting.
Rosie laughed, bright and genuine, as Daisy's enthusiasm nearly knocked her backward. She steadied herself with one hand on the ground, the other scratching behind Daisy's ears exactly where the dog loved it most. The smile that spread across her face could have powered the entire town—wide and unguarded and absolutely radiant.
She made it look so easy. Like joy was just her natural state.
But I knew better. I'd seen that brightness flicker and die in the clinic, watched her shoulders curl inward as my careless words landed. The memory made my chest ache.
Never again.
“And who's this?” Rosie's voice softened as she noticed Hank pressed against my legs.
“Hank.” I glanced down at the terrier. “He's... not great with new people.”
“Sounds like someone else I know.” Rosie's eyes flicked up to meet mine, a smile playing at the corner of her mouth. “That's okay. We'll take our time.”
Rosie held her hand out toward Hank. He watched her for a long moment, then glanced up at me like he was checking if this was allowed.