And of course, Callan had eight thousand questions for the guide, who seemed delighted to have a history buff in the group.
There was a stillness in the air as they walked through the fields, the grass rustling softly underfoot.
As if the ghosts of the past weren’t far, keeping watch over their fallen comrades.
Instead of spending another night in Gettysburg, they decided to drive the hour and a half to Washington and camp in the nation’s capitol, as they’d easily need an entire day for sightseeing. Since they hadn’t made time for a Broadway show when they were in New York, Daisy went online and got them tickets for the symphony as she didn’t think he’d care for an opera.
CHAPTER 19
They started their day at the Lincoln Memorial, admiring the statue of Abraham Lincoln and enjoying watching the tourists snapping photos, trying to get the perfect shot for social media.
“He wasna a king?” Callan peered at the statue.
Daisy pulled her ponytail through the back of a baseball hat.
“No. Lincoln led the country through the Civil War and abolished slavery. He’s one of the most revered presidents in American history.”
They waited for a bus of tourists to leave before moving closer to read the Gettysburg Address engraved on the wall.
Frankie was delighted at all the new smells and people. As they decided what to see next, a little girl with wavy blonde hair and big blue eyes approached them, her gaze fixed on the dog. She was wearing a bright pink pair of shorts and a white tee shirt with sparkles that proclaimed her a Swiftie. Her parents were talking to each other, unaware of what their kid was doing.
“Hello,” she said in a small voice, looking up at Daisy and Callan with a hopeful expression. “Can I pet your dog? I love dogs, but my mommy and daddy won’t let me have one. Mommy says their hair gets everywhere and daddy says they stink. Does your dog stink?”
“Only when he rolls in the mud.”
Callan grinned as Daisy squatted down to eye level with the kid, rings catching the light, her heart melting at the hope on the girl’s face.
“Of course, sweetie. This is Frankie. He loves making new friends.”
The little girl’s face lit up with joy as she petted Frankie, who wagged his tail even more vigorously and licked her hand and face in greeting, making her shriek with delight.
The girl’s parents approached, annoyed looks on their faces.
“Sorry if she’s bothering you,” the mother said. “She’s been asking for a dog for a year.”
“Not at all,” Daisy replied. “Frankie loves the attention.”
The look on Callan’s face made her wonder what he was up to, as he knelt down to chat with Amelia.
“Perhaps Frankie can convince your parents to reconsider,” he suggested with a wink.
Amelia looked up at her parents with big, blue pleading eyes. “Please, Mommy? Please, Daddy? Look how happy Frankie is! I know our dog would be so happy to have a home.”
Her father laughed, shaking his head. “Nice try.”
Callan leaned in, adopting a conspiratorial tone. “Ye know, a dog can be a great companion. They keep you company, protect ye, and they’re always happy to see you.”
Daisy nodded, joining in the playful persuasion. “Plus, they give the best cuddles. Frankie here is a certified cuddle expert.”
Amelia’s mother smiled, clearly amused by the team effort. “We’ll think about it, sweetie. But for now, you can play with the dog.”
The kid squealed with delight, making Callan wince, and continued to shower love and hugs on Frankie, who soaked up all the attention, tail wagging.
After giving the dog a biscuit, they walked along the National Mall, as Callan took in the Washington Monument, rising tall in the air.
Luck was on their side, as they were able to purchase two tickets.
“They used more than 36,000 stones to build it. You’re going to love the view from the observation deck.” Daisy told him.
