“Where do you think Betsy went when she ran away?” Tami was always good at conversation. “Do you think she lived in theforest?”
“She did! She lived deep in the woods in a fairy wagon.” Jessie bounced in her seat. “Next time Betsy runs away, I’m going withher.”
“Remember how worried and scared you were when Betsy ran off?” Linx asked Jessie, patting her back. “Your mommy and daddy will cry and cry and be worried andscared.”
“I don’t want Mama and Papa to cry.” Jessie crossed her arms and looked at hermother.
“No, you don’t.” Linx stroked the girl’s silky hair. “You and Betsy need to stay home so everyone can behappy.”
“Okay.” Jessie nodded. “But we’ll be happier if we have a puppy or a baby brother orsister.”
Linx glanced at Mrs. Patterson who pursed her lips and placed her napkin primly over herskirt.
Jessie didn’t know that her adoptive mother was unable to have children, and she couldn’t fault the little girl for beinglonely.
“Tell you what,” Linx said. “Next time you come to the center, you can teach Ginger to eat dogfood.”
“Can I?” Jessie raised her hand and beamed at her mother. “Please?”
“Sure, you may.” Jean flashed her daughter an indulgent smile. “You can help Miss Linx as much as youwant.”
Even though Linx was glad for Mrs. Patterson’s trust, her gut cringed at the thought of Grady taking it all away from her. But then again, if he actually won custody of Jessie, would he let her visit and spend time withJessie?
“Mama, can I say grace?” Jessie raised herhand.
“Of course,darling.”
Linx lowered her head and closed her eyes as little Jessieprayed.
“Father, bless our food and bless our home. Bless Miss Linx and all her puppies. Bless our town and bless everyone. Thank you for bringing Betsy back.Amen.”
* * *
After breakfast,Linx dropped by the post office to mail off her bills. She hadn’t heard head or tails from Grady, and he hadn’t sent anyone to claim the dogs he had lined up for the veterans he washelping.
“There you are,” a female voice called out to her after she dropped her letters in the mailbox. It was Cait, Grady’s sister. “Last I heard, Grady had a date night with you. Have you seen him since? He hasn’t returned any of my calls or textmessages.”
Linx put her hand over her forehead and shook her head. “I screwed up badly. He’s hurt, and he’s skipped town. I’m surprised he didn’t say goodbye toyou.”
“What happened?” Cait clutched Linx’s sleeve. “How did he get hurt? Is it physical oremotional?”
“It’s emotional, and it’s a long story.” Linx blinked and averted her gaze. “I’m not sure I should be the one to tellyou.”
“If Grady’s missing, how’s he going to tell me?” Cait put on her elder sister tone. “I’m really worried abouthim.”
“I’m sure he’s okay,” Linx reassured. “Probably working at his homesite. We can go up andcheck.”
“Great. Let’s go now.” Cait threw her letters down the mail slot. “On the way, you better tell me whathappened.”
“I don’t even know where to begin,” Linx said, feeling a knot bury deep in her belly. “I really think Grady should be the one to tellyou.”
Cait screwed up her eyebrows and glared at Linx. “Okay, then tell me what’s up with you. You don’t look so happy. In fact, you look like your heart’s broken. Did Grady do it? Did he hurt you? I told him not to fool around with you if he has no intention of… Nevermind.”
“Grady and I hurt each other.” Linx swallowed dry rocks in her throat. “We’re the type of people no one should ever get involved with. The ones you keep away from anyone you careabout.”
“Why would you say that?” Cait’s green eyes widened. “You’re both strong and self-sufficient, but you have tender hearts inside. I mean, look how you care for the dogs, and Grady, well, he might be gruff, but he cares for hisfamily.”
“Right, except all we do is hurt each other. I feel like he’s quicksand or something. I can’t live with him, and I can’t live without him. It hurts too much to be with him, but it hurts worse to let himgo.”
