Prologue
Yelps and barks greeted Rachel Goodman at the door of San Leandro County Animal Shelter. Her blood raced with anticipation. She’d wanted a dog all her life, and now she’d finally have one.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Her fiancé Josh stood beside her with his hands in his pockets.
“Absolutely.” She tilted her head and stared at him with a questioning gaze. “Aren’t you? I thought we were on the same page.”
“A dog’s a huge commitment. It’s not that I don’t want one, but why rush? Wouldn’t it make more sense to wait until after the wedding?”
“I told you already, the shelter is full. They need dogs moved out now and are running a special.” Shaking her head, she moved through the door and didn’t let Josh’s hesitation bother her.
If she waited for him to decide, they wouldn’t have a dog for another four years. After all, they’d been dating since their sophomore year of high school. Seven years later, he’d proposed on the eve of their college graduation.
He followed her through the door. “But the dog will form a stronger bond with you since you’ll have six months with her before we marry, and you move into my house.”
Her giggle escaped unplanned. “Other than work and sleep, we’re always together. The dog will have as much time with you as me.”
“I know, I know.” His face relaxed, and he offered a smile. “You know how I am.”
“And I love you for it.” Leaning over, she kissed his cheek. “Now let’s get a dog.”
They signed in at the front desk. Since the dog would be under her name, Rachel handed over her driver’s license and a note from her landlord to prove she had authorization to own a dog on the property.
The shelter attendant, Tad, led them to the kennels, stopping short of entering. “Do you have an idea of the dog you want?”
“I’d prefer a medium to large dog, but I know the right one will call out to me.” She craned her neck for any view of the adoptable dogs.
Josh raised his brows. “Are any of them already housebroken?”
“Quite a few.” Tad opened the gate. “Take all the time you need. If you see one you’re interested in, let me know and I’ll give you some time with her in our interaction area.”
“Thank you.” Rachel reached for Josh’s hand and pulled him along. The thrill of owning her own dog couldn’t be squelched.
“What about this one?” Bending down, Josh called for the canine. “Come here, little guy.”
A beagle mix cowered in the corner with the saddest eyes Rachel had ever seen. She stooped next to Josh and gently called for the pup. Slowly, the dog came near them. Rachel stuck a hand through an opening and scratched the ears. How would she ever choose just one dog?
“I want him.” Josh stood up, with an expression foreign to Rachel.
“We can’t take the first one we see.”
“Why not? This one calls out to me.” Determination stood firm in his face.
She’d never known him to be so resolute about anything, let alone see him make a decision so quickly, which made her pause. “Let’s look around more. We can always come back to him.”
They continued down each aisle, and Rachel’s heart dropped when they reached the final kennel. All the dogs were adorable, and most seemed to have a great personality, but none jumped out to her that shemustget that one and taking them all wasn’t a possibility.
Josh nudged her with a grin. “The beagle?”
She wiggled her shoulders. “He is awfully cute.”
“Yes.” Josh pumped his fist.
On the way to the gate, a quiet bark caught Rachel’s attention. A golden retriever-type puppy stared at her with the intensity of a thousand-watt spotlight. Her tail wagged and she jumped up, her paws pressing the walls of the metal kennel, begging to be chosen.
“Wait, Josh.” She grabbed his hand to stop him. “We didn’t see her before.”
His head tilted. “We already decided the beagle.”
