The Best Is Yet to Come (14)

Even so, for Spencer this was a dream come true. Callie Rhodes was his date for homecoming.





Chapter 5




Hope wasn’t at the animal shelter when Cade arrived. Because of his court date, the private and group counseling sessions, plus work, Cade hadn’t been to the shelter in several days. That hadn’t stopped him from thinking about Hope, though. Unwelcome, she drifted into his mind at the oddest times.

On his way to work on Thursday, he saw her chatting with Willa at Bean There, the local coffee shop. He nearly ran a stop sign when he caught a glimpse of her, stopping partway into the intersection. He was grateful he hadn’t gotten a ticket. Judge Walters wouldn’t have been pleased.

After arriving at the shelter, Cade kept watch for Hope. It wasn’t like her to be late. Shadow remained in his kennel, and, like Cade, looked up expectantly every time the door opened. Feeling a certain kinship with the canine, Cade walked toward the feral dog and was surprised when Shadow didn’t immediately growl or show his teeth.

“She’ll be here soon,” he commented, and wasn’t sure if he said it to reassure Shadow or himself. Most of the time, Hope was at the shelter about the same time as Cade. Although they rarely spoke, he’d started to plan his arrival to match hers, so they often signed in together.

Another hour passed, and Hope remained a no-show. When his curiosity got the better of him, Cade made an excuse to talk to Preston, who stood at the counter outside his office.

“Taffy and Violet were adopted this weekend?” he questioned, although he knew the answer.

“Yep, and we’ve got five more going to homes today,” Preston murmured, while keeping his focus on the paperwork he was currently signing.

“I haven’t seen Hope around,” Cade commented, wanting to sound casual. “It’s going to be a busy day, and we’re short one volunteer.”

Preston looked up and studied Cade for an uncomfortable moment before a knowing grin showed itself.

“Hope called early this morning to tell me she wouldn’t be in. She wasn’t feeling well. There’s a flu bug going around the high school, and she thinks she might have picked it up. She sounded pretty miserable.”

“Yeah, I heard the flu is taking its toll around town.” He’d been down with the flu not that long ago himself. It’d been short-lived, a forty-eight-hour bug. But he’d been sicker than he could remember in a long time and was weak as a newborn kitten afterward.

“I didn’t know you and Hope were friends,” Preston said, looking well pleased with himself.

“We’re not, really,” he was quick to inform the shelter director. “Like I said, we’re down one volunteer, and it’s going to be a busy day.” The five adoptions were sure to keep them on their proverbial toes.

“Hope’s something special,” Preston added. “You wouldn’t go wrong with her. She’s good people.”

Cade feared he was digging himself deeper into a rabbit hole but needed to clarify himself. “Listen, I’m not interested in Hope, nor do I plan to be. It’s a busy day, and I feel bad for Shadow. He keeps expecting her to show.”

Preston continued to study him, and then out of the blue, he added, “You know she rents the cottage from Mellie and me, don’t you?”

“No. Don’t know why you think it’s necessary to mention it.”

Preston’s slow smile returned. “Thought you might want to stop by and check on her.”

“Why would I do that?” No way was he interested in Hope. At least that’s what he kept telling himself.

Preston’s lips quivered as if holding back a smile. “Why not? You’re a healthy young man, and she’s a beautiful woman. And from what I can see, you have a lot in common.”

Cade bristled at the comment. “We have nothing in common,” he insisted, embarrassed now that he’d bothered Preston. The shelter manager was able to see through his questions far too easily.

“Don’t be so sure,” Preston added, and returned to his paperwork while Cade made a hasty retreat. “From my point of view, the two of you would get along well. You’re both new to the town and with no family to speak of…”

Cade wasn’t listening to anything more as he hurried back into the area where the canines were kept. He was grateful when the door between the office and the kennel closed behind him. For a second, he thought he might have heard Preston laugh.

As he walked the new arrivals, Cade’s thoughts wandered, unbidden and unwanted, to Hope. She had no close family? That might mean she didn’t have anyone to call to help care for her when she was ill. Well, he definitely wasn’t volunteering. Even if he decided to be a Good Samaritan and stop by the cottage, which he had no intention of doing. Besides, stepping in might give Hope the wrong impression. She could read more into his actions than was warranted, and that could have unforeseen consequences. He didn’t need to concern himself. Hope had Preston and Mellie. If she needed anything, Cade knew either of the Youngs would be more than happy to help.



* * *



—

By midafternoon, Shadow seemed to accept that Hope wasn’t going to show. The dog’s entire demeanor changed. Downtrodden, he turned to face the rear of the kennel, so no one could see his face. He remained that way with his head resting on his crossed paws and ignored all the activity taking place around him.