She thought about it. “I’d like to think I wouldn’t, but if I knew she was going to die, I might distance myself in order to protect my feelings.”
“Sometimes I think the reason that God doesn’t let us see the future is so that we make the most of today.” He ran a finger along Hope’s head. “Poor thing is skin and bones.”
“Once she can eat, she’ll fill out. She’ll never be hungry again on my watch.”
He adjusted Hope in his arms. “Will Rachel let you keep her at the shelter?”
“I haven’t asked.” She crossed her arms over her chest and sighed. “There’s a no pet policy, but she lets Roxie come on occasion.”
“If Rachel had the final say, she probably would, but the board is strict.”
Her chest deflated. “I’ll figure something out.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you.”
“It’s okay. I acted on impulse and should have thought it through, but I’ll find a solution.” She reached over and scratched Hope’s chin. Glancing up, she caught Carl’s gaze. Was she staring at the solution? “I don’t suppose you’d be willing…”
Overstepping her bounds, she cut off the question. Carl had exceeded ten-fold his responsibility to Hope. She couldn’t ask him to take her in until she moved from Hope House.
His carefree grin gave him a boyish appearance. “If you were going to ask if I’d take Hope in for now, the answer is yes.”
She sighed in relief but drew in a protest. She wasn’t in a position to argue, but how could she ask more of him? “You’ve done too much already.”
“You’ll be doing me favor.”
Skeptical, she arched a brow. “Oh, really?”
“I’ve been thinking about getting a dog. Taking Hope in can be a test run until you can take over.”
“You’re only saying that to make me feel better.”
“I’m not. Here, take her for a second.” He returned Hope to her and pulled his phone from his pocket. “Here’s an email conversation I’ve had with a local shelter about the requirements for adopting.”
She skimmed the screen, enough to see he told the truth but no more. She wouldn’t invade his privacy. “Hope will require more care than a normal dog.”
“I realize that but look at it this way. If I’m fine taking care of her with all the extra work, then surely I’ll be able to handle a healthy pup.”
“Good point,” she conceded.
“Then you agree, I’ll take her home when it’s time.”
The eagerness in his tone softened any objections she had. “I agree.”
A small flame ignited inside. Dare she call it happiness?
Chapter Four
Snow covered the streets from Carl’s house to the shelter. He drove slowly and tried to stay in line with the tire tracks left from those who’d gone before him.
Last night’s storm dumped four inches of pristine powder on the ground. Another two to three inches were forecast for that afternoon. He aimed to clear the sidewalks first, then the parking lot of Hope House. Once those were done, he’d sprinkle a fresh layer of salt before the next round came.
Despite his best efforts to focus on the road, his thoughts drifted to Luna and the girls. Would Skye be outside making snow angels? This would be Mercy’s first snow she could go out and play in. That would be a sight to see. Still unsteady at times, Mercy’s efforts would surely be entertaining to watch.
Too bad the shelter kids wouldn’t get a snow day. Since the education building opened last month, most of the children attended school without leaving Hope House. The small classes and custom curriculum helped the students transition from the life they knew to a new, prayerfully better, life.
It also helped eliminate a portion of teasing from the other students. He hated how cruel kids could be. The years passed but bullying never stopped. Children would always find something to taunt others about, regardless of motive or legitimacy.
He stopped along the way to grab a coffee and also several dozen donuts for everyone to share. A cold wintry morning called for a treat, and goodness knew the families at Hope House needed a special something, as did the workers.
