“I’m okay. I promise,” he said.
We pulled into a circular cobblestone drive in front of the mansion.
The front door opened. A man and a short woman stepped out, flanked by a large pack of dogs in various shapes and sizes.
The man looked to be in his sixties, fit and sun-kissed. He had the kind of lean frame that came from never sitting still. He was a man who spent his days fixing things, working with his hands.
The woman looked to be about the same age as the man. She wore white pants and a floral blouse, with a cleaning apron tied loosely around her waist. Her gray hair was cut short. Simple and practical. She had thin lips and sharp cheekbones, giving her a look that was both kind and no-nonsense.
“Daniel, my boy!” the man called, his grin wide and warm—the kind of smile that told you everything about a person’s heart. He had a wide nose and thick eyebrows that lifted with joy.
The man walked over and pulled Daniel into a hug, gripping him hard. Some of the smaller dogs jumped in excitement. The man released Daniel, who reached down to pet as many of them as he could at once.
“And this must be Emily!” the man said, turning to me. “I’m Hudson, and this here is Tara.”
He offered his hand, and I shook it. His grip was firm.
“Emily,” I said, smiling. “It’s so nice to meet you.”
Two of the little dogs jumped on me, tails wagging like mad.
“Down, you little rascals,” Hudson scolded gently.
I laughed and knelt to pet them.
“The small ones don’t listen at all,” Tara said as she reached out to shake my hand. “Hudson doesn’t tell them off. Especially not the ones that came from abusive homes.”
“They’re rescues,” Hudson said with a shrug. “They don’t like stern voices.”
“I don’t mind,” I said, though I glanced back toward the car. Mochi was watching from his cage, eyes blinking with curiosity.
Hudson followed my gaze. “Don’t worry. The dogs aren’t allowed inside. Just the kitchen and hallway. They’ve got the whole back garden and my cottage to roam.” He pointed toward a nearby structure that resembled a former stable, now converted into a cozy little guesthouse.
“I’m sure they’ll get used to each other,” I said. Animals usually did. And it was rarely about size. Confidence was what mattered. Which meant Mochi would be bossing the dogs around in no time.
“I don’t think we’ll be here long enough for that,” Daniel said with a smile. “We agreed on a week max, remember?”
“Well, come on in,” Tara said. “I’ve made lunch.”
“That’s so kind of you,” I replied.
“Would you like a little tour while Tara heats the casserole?” Hudson asked.
“I’d love one,” I said.
“I’ll take Mochi inside,” Tara offered, walking toward the car.
I was surprised she knew his name. Daniel must have told her.
“Hello, Mochi,” she said in a sweet voice.
“Hello,” Mochi replied. “Hello.”
“Would you like some fresh melon slices?”
“Those are his favorite,” I said, amazed. “How did you know?”
Tara carefully grabbed the cage and smiled. “I had a African grey growing up. He loved melons. They’re some of the smartest creatures alive.”
