Something is going on.
“You’re free to go through and say hello to everyone. I’ve just got a couple of things to finish off and I’ll come and find you.”
My mouth opens and closes, but I don’t manage to summon any words as Cole presses his hand to the small of my back and leads me through the door that’ll take us to the first room full of kennels.
The scent of dog hits me the second I step into the room. I’m sure there are plenty of people who would hate it. But I’m not one of them.
Whimpers, whines, growls, and barks greet us, and as I move past the first few kennels to reach the two I want to see first, the volume begins to increase.
“I think they missed us,” Cole muses as he walks beside me.
“This is why I love dogs; they’re always so happy to see you.”
“I’m always happy to see you. Does that mean I’m a dog?” Cole asks, making me laugh. “I prefer you rub a little lower than my stomach, though.”
“Oh my god, you did not just—” My words vanish as I approach Buddy’s kennel to find a big red gift bow tied around his neck. He’s just as excited as ever, bouncing on his two back legs for attention. My brows pinch, but when I look up and see a banner pinned to his wall that says, “Today I go to my forever home,” my stomach drops into my feet.
Of course, deep down, I’m happy for him. He’s such a wonderful dog. He deserves to have a home with someone who can love him daily. But…I’m going to miss him.
I continue forward, needing to see Charlie as well.
As always, his entire body is wagging with happiness. A sob erupts when I find the same thing in his kennel.
“They’re both leaving,” I say quietly, more upset than I should be about losing these two characters. I haven’t spent all that much time with them, but they’re special. I felt like we had a connection.
“Yeah,” Cole rasps beside me. “They’ve got a new home.”
A heavy sigh passes my lips, my heart aching. “Do you think this means they’re going to be together?” I ask hopefully.
“Yeah, Whirlwind, they’re staying together.”
I crouch down in front of the divide between their kennels and stroke them both through the bars as best I can.
“Do you think they’ll miss this place?” I don’t know why I ask, but the words roll off my tongue regardless.
“No,” Cole says firmly. “Once they set foot into our apartment, they’ll forget all about being here.”
“I hope—wait,” I say, surging to my feet and turning to look up at Cole. “What did you just say?”
He smiles down at me, excitement glittering in his eyes.
“I said, once they set foot in our apartment, they’ll forget all about being here.”
“O-our apartment?” I echo.
His smile grows. “Yeah. I adopted them. For you.”
“What?” I half cry, half laugh as disbelief rushes through me.
“I hate that you’re alone when I’m travelling, and the moment we met these guys, I knew they were the ones, just like I did with you.”
“You don’t believe in love at first sight.” I don’t know why the memory of that conversation comes back to me, but it does, and I can’t keep the words in.
Cole chuckles. “Maybe not, but I do believe that sometimes people come into our lives for a reason. And possibly, just possibly, that reason is to fall in love with them.”
My breath catches, and my eyes water.
It’s not a declaration. Honestly, I’m not expecting one. Cole has been through a lot. Let down by everyone. I’m aware that it’s going to take time for him to fully trust me, and I completely understand that. But I also have every intention of showing him every day that I’m here for him, and that I’m not going anywhere.
