She kept remembering him as the skinny kid with an infectious laugh.It didn’t matter her mood; he could always get her to smile with a dumb joke or a goofy look.She recalled how he used to go out of his way to make her smile.
Now, he was all grown up, and she had no idea if he still had that warm, deep laugh.And she doubted she’d get a chance to hear it while she was home.He’d looked at her like she was a ghost that he couldn’t wait to get away from.Sure, things hadn’t ended well between them, but that had been so long ago.
The door swung open, and the cold air came rushing in.Felicity lifted her head from logging some books into the computer system.Merry Kringle, dressed in a long red belted coat, rushed inside.Felicity hadn’t seen the mayor’s wife in quite a while.The woman hadn’t aged a bit.
Although it wasn’t Merry that held her attention.It was the adorable puppy in her arms.The puppy was wrapped in a red and white fleece blanket.Felicity couldn’t be sure, but it looked like a golden dachshund.And the puppy appeared to have fallen asleep in Merry’s arms.Aww…
Felicity rushed out from behind the checkout counter and approached Merry.“It’s so good to see you.”
Merry smiled at her.“I heard you were in town.I’m so glad I got to see you.It seems like forever since we talked.”
Felicity nodded.“It has been a while.”
“I think the last time was…” Merry briefly frowned before looking flustered.“Oh, well, it’s, uh…it’s been a while.”
It was the first time Felicity had witnessed Merry tripping over her words.Perhaps that was because the last time they’d seen each other had been at her father’s funeral.Honestly, Felicity couldn’t remember much about that period.The whole episode was nothing but a horrible blur.
Merry visibly swallowed.“Anyway.How are you doing?”
“Good.”The answer automatically popped out.She was anything but good.But the answer was out there now, so she went with it.
She reached out and pet the puppy.Its ears were fluffy, and the fur was downy soft.The next thing Felicity knew, there was a little pink tongue licking her hand.What a cutie!
“She likes you,” Merry said.
“I’m sure she likes everyone.”
“Actually, she’s a bit timid.Hopefully, she’ll grow out of that stage.”
Felicity was drawn to the dog.There was something about her that reminded her of the golden retriever puppy she’d had as a little girl.Dolly was the sweetest dog.She would follow Felicity everywhere.She hadn’t thought of Dolly in a long time.
When an urge came over her, she asked, “Could I hold her?”
“Sure.”
Felicity lifted the puppy from the blanket.“What’s her name?”
“Sunny.I think it really fits her.”
“I agree.”Felicity held up the puppy so she could look into her golden-brown eyes.“You are so adorable.”She snuggled the puppy to her chest before turning her attention back to Merry.“You have the sweetest puppy.”
“Oh.She’s not mine.She actually doesn’t have a family at this point.”Merry’s brows rose.“Any chance you’re looking for a dog?”
Felicity laughed.The thought was tempting but not practical on so many levels, from no longer having a home to not having a long-term job.“Sorry.I can’t help you out.”
Merry nodded.“I understand.”She glanced around as though looking for someone.“I was really hoping Connie would be here.”
“She just stepped out.She should be back later.Can I help you?”
Merry’s gaze settled on her.She studied her for a moment, but Felicity couldn’t tell what she was thinking.“Could you do me a favor?”
Did anyone ever tell Merry no?She didn’t think so.There was just something about the lady that was a mix of kindness and authority.It was like everyone just wanted to do whatever it took to make her happy.Felicity was included in that group.
Felicity continued to pet the pup.“Sure.What do you need?”
“Well, I wanted to ask Connie if she could take care of Sunny while I go to the dentist.”Merry’s face scrunched up as though she weren’t fond of getting her teeth worked on.“I can’t miss this appointment.I have a tooth that hurts.”
“Oh, that’s not good.I could keep an eye on her for you.”
