She got Carson’s voice mail and left a message. “Hey, Carson, this is Lauren. I found this sweet little stray dog who apparently doesn’t belong to anyone, and I was wondering if you might be willing to take him in or know anyone who might foster a dog until I can find someone. Maybe Carina would be willing? I’m kinda desperate here. Call me back.”
She disconnected. Even if Carson couldn’t do it, maybe he knew someone who could. Or maybe one of Meg’s friends would come through.
Forty-five minutes later, Lauren was officially out of luck. None of Meg’s friends had come through. Carson was gone too much to have a pet, and his girlfriend was afraid of dogs after having been bitten as a child. He’d promised to ask around the hospital but didn’t seem too optimistic.
Lauren could feel walls closing in around her—which made no sense at all since she was outside. She sat on the curb in front of the harbor and the dog sat beside her, his nose resting on her thigh.
It was getting late. She couldn’t leave Meg filling in for her at the resort forever. But what was she supposed to do? She couldn’t take this sweet little guy to the shelter. Sure, it was possible he’d find a home—but it was also possible they’d exterminate him before week’s end.
She couldn’t even think about that possibility. She petted the dog’s head, her fingers catching in his matted fur. “It’s gonna be okay, fella.” Butwas it? She knew what it was like to be unwanted. Not to be chosen for adoption because you weren’t a cute little... puppy.
She peered into the dog’s sorrowful eyes until her own began to sting. “I know, honey. But you’re so sweet and special. Even if I can’t keep you, you should know I really want to. I’d be your mommy if I could.” Her last words wobbled in her throat.
“Lauren?” a voice called.
“Jonah.” She stood as he approached. “What are you doing here?”
“I was just—Hey, who’s this?” His gaze swung back to hers, his smile slowly slipping as his eyes filled with concern. “What’s wrong, honey?”
At the endearment, tears dripped down her cheeks. “I found him at the resort and he was starving, so I took him to the vet, but he doesn’t belong to anyone, and no one will take him in—not Carson or any of Meg’s friends, and the local animal shelter kills dogs!”
“Hey...” He tugged her into his chest and wrapped his strong arms around her. “It’s gonna be okay. We’ll figure something out.”
She snuggled into his warmth, soaking up the comfort. His embrace felt so nice. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been comforted in someone’s arms. And she loved that he didn’t discount her feelings. But all the understanding in the world didn’t solve her little friend’s problem.
She sniffled. “Do you know someone who might take him in? Maybe Javi and Allison?”
“They’ve got their hands pretty full right now. But I think I have another idea.”
She leaned far enough away to meet his gaze. “What? Tell me.”
He searched her eyes. “Would you like to keep him?”
“Of course I would, but your parents already turned down my mascot idea, remember?”
“Let me see what I can do, okay? Where’s your car?”
She gestured across the town square. “Over at the vet’s office.”
“Take the dog back home and I’ll track down Mom and Dad.”
“But what if they—?”
He gave her chin a soft pinch. “They’re not monsters. They’ll at least let you keep him until we can find a home for him.”
“Really? You think so?”
He swept her tears away. “Of course. If all else fails, I’ll hide him in my apartment for a few days. Now head on home and I’ll give you a call in a bit.”
“Okay.” She gave him an extra tight squeeze. “Thank you, Jonah.” She started for her car, tugging the leash. “Come on, Graham Cracker.”
“Graham Cracker?”
***
Jonah tracked down his parents at the town hall. He waited on the steps until the Chamber of Commerce meeting adjourned, then pled his case before they could even reach their car. He didn’t even mention fostering the dog until it could be adopted. Remembering Lauren’s tears and the way her voice had wobbled, he went straight for the big ask.
He used all the persuasive tactics he’d learned in speech class to convince them.
