“The guests will love having a pet around, and he’ll be no extra work for us. And you know Lauren—he won’t distract her from her work. Besides, she’ll be leaving at the end of the year and taking the dog with her, so it’s just a short-term situation.”
His mom had been the first to waver, and then his dad crumbled like a crooked Jenga tower.
Later Jonah arrived at the property, then traipsed across the grounds toward Lauren’s cabin. He couldn’t wait to tell her the good news. To see her face light with joy, her eyes curve to half-moons.
He took the steps to her deck and knocked on her door. It was after dinnertime as it had been a few hours since they’d parted ways.
The door swept open and Lauren gazed at him, hope in her eyes. “Well?”
He beamed at her. “The dog can stay.”
“Oh, Jonah! For how long? I don’t know how long it might take to—”
“He’s yours for keeps if you want him.”
Her mouth gaped. “What? Really? I can keep him here? He’s mine?”
Jonah chuckled. “He’s all yours.”
She threw herself into his arms so hard he had to brace himself to keep from stumbling backward. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
“It was nothing.”
“It was everything. I can’t believe I get to keep him! I have a dog. He’smine.”
He held her tightly, his heart kicking up a few extra notches at her nearness. She felt so good against him, so right. She’d quickly become a constant in his life. When he was at home he texted her often. He made mental notes to take her to this place or that. When he wasn’t with her he craved her. It had been harder and harder to tear himself away when they said good night. And when he woke up, she was his first thought. Those initial sparks had ignited a fire.
You’re getting in deep, Landry.
Who was he kidding? He was already over his head. Just making her happy was the best feeling in the world. Well, next to having her pressed up against him like this.
He kissed the top of her head just as the mutt jumped up on his legs and barked. “I think someone wants our attention.”
Lauren grinned down at the dog. “That’s the first time he’s barked.”
Jonah petted the mutt. His coat was now soft and fluffy. “You gave him a bath.”
“And a good brushing—remind me to get myself a new hairbrush. I wanted him to make a good first impression on your parents. You’re sure they’re okay with this arrangement?”
“I promise. He turned out pretty cute under all the matted fur. What will you name him?”
“Graham,” she said quickly. Then she told him how she’d found him scarfing down a graham cracker left over from last night’s s’mores.
He gazed down at the cute pup. “Well, Graham, welcome to the Pinehaven family.”
Chapter 27
Present day
Geoffrey Chaucer had been right: All good things must come to an end. Lauren finished blowing leaves off the last cabin’s deck and pushed the pile into the forest. Graham barked at the loud hum of the blower, chasing leaves as they tumbled through the air.
The foliage around the lake was still beautiful, but it was apparent by the crisp carpet of leaves that peak season had passed. She was sorry to see it go. Sorrier still that the cold winter was on their doorstep. Already, even though it was two in the afternoon, the air was chilly.
Blower still running, she pulled out her phone and checked for missed calls. Nothing. The weekend had dragged like the last five treadmill minutes. What if Olivia didn’t bother calling her back? Lauren drew in a deep breath, letting the earthy smells of pine and decaying leaves soothe her soul.
Funny that she would even find those scents soothing. When she’d first come here, this level of nature was foreign and intimidating. The smells, the night sounds, the lack of modern amenities... She’d been reluctant to part ways with the city, but she was glad she’d learned to be content in the country.
Lauren waved to one of the cleaners as she left the last cabin. Then she finished driving the leaves into the woods and shut off the blower. She still had an hour before check-ins would begin. She’d head to the barn.The roofers had started bright and early this morning and the window installers had come soon after. The place would be dried in by the end of the week. She couldn’t wait to complete the interior. To see her vision fulfilled.
