An owl hooted loudly in a nearby tree, startling them apart.
Running a hand over his mouth, he locked eyes with Rachel and they both laughed. “One day I’ll thank that owl.”
Chapter Seventeen
Rachel watched her parents drive away in their rental car. She’d offered to go along to the airport and wait with them, but they claimed they’d be fine. They knew how much she hated goodbyes and were looking out for her.
Still, she fought against the melancholy that crept into her heart. Even though she loved her life in Maryland, she missed her family. That would never change. For as long as God wanted her here, this is where she’d be. She’d rely on His strength to help her when the distance between coasts became too far.
Plus, she had Aaron now, a true blessing from God at exactly the time she’d needed him. He’d proven to be her strength when she was weak. Despite all that had happened during the last month that should have left her drained, she’d never felt better. She looked forward to a future that included Aaron and Roxie.
She went inside and found Roxie waiting by the door. After several days with the cone on, Rachel had ditched it and given Roxie freedom if she left the stitches alone, which the dog never bothered. The swelling surrounding the incision had disappeared. Small stubbles of hair poked through Roxie’s skin, ready to begin the process of hiding the scar.
Awestruck at Roxie’s recovery, Rachel marveled that she’d wasted hours worrying. There had been major adjustments, and Roxie was still learning to get up the steps, but she would conquer them in time.
“Come on, Rox. Let’s watch a movie before your appointment.” She sat on the sofa with Roxie at her feet.
Today was the last day of her vacation. Between her parents leaving and Roxie’s appointment later in the afternoon, she planned to make the most her time. She could relax knowing Hope House was in good hands. Her staff had kept it running smoothly, and Luna’s return yesterday had bolstered everyone’s spirits.
She scrolled through the menu until she found a light romance that wouldn’t require her full attention. Fifteen minutes into the movie, her eyes began to flutter. Swinging her legs onto the sofa, she curled up and laid her head on the armrest. She closed her eyes and listened to the dialogue, eventually drifting into a nap.
Roxie’s excited bark woke her up. The movie still played, so she couldn’t have been asleep too long. In her sleepy state, she heard the doorbell ring. She sat up and stretched her arms. “Coming.”
“It’s me,” Aaron called out.
Her heart skipped a beat, and she rushed to the door. “I wasn’t expecting you this early, but you’re a nice surprise.”
His smiled broadened. “I called and texted you. When you didn’t answer, I figured you were outside.”
“No, I, um, fell asleep.”
“I can tell.” His cheeks twitched, and he smoothed a strand of her hair.
“Oh, goodness.” She turned around and combed her hair the best she could with her fingers.
He tapped her on the shoulder. “You’re beautiful, even with hairs out of place.”
Heat travelled from her neck to cheeks. “I’m supposed to show you my best self.”
“Too late.” He kissed her forehead. “I love you at your best and worst. If not, it wouldn’t be love.”
Warm fuzzy feelings covered her. “Do you ever say the wrong thing?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” He wagged his brows.
She harrumphed. “All right then. We can add a lack of humility to your imperfectness.”
“Hey now.”
She laughed and pulled him into the house so she could close the door. “Did you finish work early?”
“Yes and no. I still have work to do, but I’m at a standstill until tomorrow.” He kneeled next to Roxie and petted her. “Rather than sit and complain, I figured I’d come see you before Roxie’s appointment.”
“What time is it, anyway?”
He chuckled. “That must have been a good nap.”
“It was.” She reached for her phone on the end table. “Three o’clock already? How long is this movie?”
