She placed the box on the counter.It was then that he saw the dark shadows under her eyes.It confirmed that he was doing was the right thing for her.He just hoped she agreed.
And then because he couldn’t resist, he asked, “How are you doing?”
She shrugged.“Okay.I guess.The attorney came back to town and took care of things.Roger and Billie Jean don’t have a case and left.Hopefully, they won’t be back.”
“That’s good.”He wanted to know how the attorney accomplished such a feat, but he’d promised to keep this conversation short.“I have it on good authority that Tater Tot is missing you something awful.”
She didn’t look at him.“I’m sure he just needs time to adjust to his new family.”
Colin shook his head.“He’s still with Merry.”
This time her gaze met his.“He is?But why?”
Colin chose to ignore the why question and instead told her the best part.“If you want him back, Merry will give him to you permanently.”
He wasn’t sure what reaction he was expecting, but when she smiled, his heart thumped.Her smile was bright, like the clouds had parted, and the sun had come out again.
And then her smile faltered.“Are you sure?I mean, she said she had the perfect family for him.”
“Yes, I’m sure.And the perfect family for him is you.He loves you.And I think you love him too.”
She nodded.“I…I do.”
“If you hurry, I think you can find Merry at the Gingerbread house contest.”
She glanced past him.“It looks like my last customers just left.I can lock up now.”
She did a few last-minute things before putting the Closed sign in the window.He hung around to keep her company.The truth was that he enjoyed being around her.He just wished she felt the same way.
As they moved to the door and she turned off the lights, she turned to him.“Are you coming with me?”
He wanted to, but he didn’t feel it was his place.He’d come here to do what he’d intended, and now it was time for him to leave.
“I’ve got some stuff to do at home.Tell Tater Tot I said hi.”And then he walked toward his pickup.
The visit didn’t end the way he wished it would have, but at least he knew that Holly and Tater Tot would be reunited.He told himself that was the important part.
She’d ruined things.
As Holly rushed over to the gingerbread house contest, she couldn’t help but regret the way she’d handled things with Colin.He’d smiled, and he’d been kind, but she felt a distance between them that hadn’t been there before.And it was all her fault.
When she arrived at the gingerbread house contest, she glanced around for Merry.She easily found her in the midst of a small crowd.Holly’s stomach shivered with nerves.What if it was too late?What if Tater Tot already went to his new home?
Shoving aside her worries, she approached the group.It took a few minutes until she made her way to Merry.“Hi.Looks like you have a big turnout.”
Merry smiled and nodded as she glanced around.“More than last year.It’s great to see so many people coming out to take part.”Merry’s gaze settled on her.“How about you?Can I sign you up?”
“Uh, I don’t think so.”It was time to get to the point of her visit.“I actually wanted to talk to you about Tater Tot.I made the biggest mistake by giving him up.I heard you might still have him.Is there any way I can get him back?”
Merry smiled.“I’m so glad to hear it because he’s missing you something awful.And my husband’s allergies are a mess.”
“Oh, no.I’m so sorry about your husband.”
“He’ll be fine.I gave him some allergy medicine.I’m just so glad that you and Tater Tot will be together.”
“But what about the other family?”
Merry waved away her concern.“Don’t worry about them.I’ll find them another dog to adopt.I firmly believe dogs should go to the homes where they are meant to be.And Tater Tot is meant to be with you.”
