Now that he said it, he knew he wanted to keep Bandit, even hoped they wouldn’t find a microchip. “Chance has been gone long enough. He’d want me to open my home to another dog, and Bandit needs someone.”
Rachel smiled and wrapped an arm around his. “He and Roxie get along already. Having a friend could be good for both.”
A smile of approval spread across Dr. Scott’s face. “Let’s get moving then. Do you want to get him started with vaccines and dewormer today?”
“Yes. Can you run bloodwork, also, so I know if we’re up against anything?”
“Absolutely.” The doctor turned to Mandy. “Can you take him to the back and scan him? If you don’t find anything, go ahead and get a fecal and blood sample please.”
Mandy took the leash and left with Bandit.
“Are you sure about this, Aaron?” Dr. Scott leaned against the metal exam table. “I don’t want you to take him out of obligation. I can make a few calls and find a temporary home for him, maybe even a permanent one.”
He nodded his head firmly. “I want Bandit. We weren’t even supposed to be on that road. I have to believe I was meant to find him.”
“I do believe you were. Give me about fifteen minutes, and I’ll have results for you.”
“Thanks.”
Once they were alone in the room, Rachel turned her gaze to him with laughter in her eyes. “You’re a big softie.”
“What else am I supposed to do?”
“Exactly what you’re doing. Bandit couldn’t have a better owner than you. I’m happy for him.” She kissed his cheek. “And you.”
“It’s a good thing him and Roxie get along.”
“Why? Besides the obvious that they’ll probably be around each other a lot.”
He wrapped his arms around her and stole a kiss. “Because one day soon, hopefully, they’ll be adopted brother and sister.”
Epilogue
November
Leaves crunched under Rachel’s feet. The brisk air sent a chill through her and she tightened the scarf around her neck. Nearby, smoke drifted from a chimney. The smell of burning wood teased her nostrils.
She called out to Aaron who stood several feet away. “We should leave soon. Our families are waiting for us. We told them we were taking the dogs for a walk at the park, not an all-day excursion.”
Any other day she wouldn’t have cared, but all her immediate family had flown in for Thanksgiving and were at her house with Aaron’s parents and siblings. She hadn’t wanted to leave the house, but it seemed important to Aaron that they come to the park.
“We’ll head back in a minute. I’ve been teaching the dogs a trick.” He walked over to her. “Want to see it?”
“Did Bandit finally get the hang of fetch?” She knew Aaron had been working with Bandit on it, but the dog thought playing chase with the object was a better idea.
“Even better. Just watch.” He grinned. “Are you ready?”
“Ready.” She watched him pull a stick from his coat and throw it in the distance.
Both dogs chased after it, but Roxie lagged. Bandit waited patiently for her to reach the stick, then they both grabbed the stick at the same time. Bandit held one end in his mouth, and Roxie held the other. They brought it back, walking at the same pace.
Rachel clapped her hands in delight. “That’s amazing. How did you do that?”
“With a whole lot of work and even more patience.” He pointed to the stick. “We’re not done yet. Dogs, present the stick.”
Bandit and Roxie sat on their haunches and jutted their snouts to give Rachel the stick.
“Go ahead, take it,” Aaron prodded.
Grabbing the rough piece of wood, she noticed a string tied around it. She went to pull it off and her hand contacted a cold piece of metal. She looked down and gasped.
The dogs barked at something behind her. Now they chose to bark and make a scene? Right at the most pivotal moment of her life to date? She looked behind her and saw all her family and Aaron’s standing at the park’s entrance. Her hand flew to her mouth, and she promised herself she wouldn’t cry.
Aaron took the stick, removed the ring, and knelt on one knee in front of her. “From the moment I saw you struggling to get Roxie out of your car, I knew you’d be a part of my life. What I didn’t know is how much I could love you, and that I’d value your life above my own. It would be my honor to spend the rest of our lives as husband and wife. Will you marry me?”
“Yes, yes, yes.” She forgot about the cold and the Thanksgiving dinner waiting for them. She heard their family cheering for them, but she only had eyes for her fiancé.
Aaron slipped the round solitaire on her finger. A perfect fit—exactly like them.
