CHAPTER 26
Naomi stepped outsidewith Good Boy at her heels, the cool air a welcome contrast to the warmth of the house.
The kennel sat off to the side of the property, a long, well-maintained building with individual runs extending out the back. The sound of barking carried faintly on the breeze, the noise familiar and comforting.
She pushed through the gate, and Good Boy trotted ahead, nose working overtime as he took in all the scents.
Hadley stood near one of the indoor kennels, crouched down and speaking softly to a border collie mix who pressed his nose against the chain-link. Her dark hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and she wore jeans and a fleece vest over a long-sleeved shirt—practical, ready to work.
“Hadley!”
Hadley turned, and her face lit. She straightened and opened her arms just as Naomi reached her.
They shared a tight hug. Hadley had always been more than a cousin—she’d been another sister, especially after Sarah died.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” Naomi said into her shoulder.
“Me too.” Hadley pulled back, her hands still on Naomi’s arms, and studied her face. “You look good. Tired, but good.”
“Tired is accurate.”
Hadley’s gaze shifted past her, and Naomi turned to see Micah standing near the door, his hands in his pockets as he watched with that quiet, observant expression he always had.
“Hadley, this is Sheriff Micah Sutherland,” Naomi said. “Micah, my cousin Hadley Chase.”
Hadley stepped forward and extended her hand. “Nice to meet you, Sheriff.”
“Micah’s fine.” He shook her hand, his grip brief and polite. Then his gaze moved between the two of them, and something like amusement flickered across his face. “You two could pass for sisters.”
Naomi nodded. They both had dark hair, similar builds, the same shape to their eyes.
Hadley grinned. “We get that sometimes.”
Micah shifted his weight slightly. “Are you staying here at Refuge Cove?”
“No.” Hadley’s face brightened. “I actually just leased the old antique store building at the end of Main Street. You know the one with the big windows?”
Micah nodded. “The brick building. Been empty for a while.”
“That’s the one. I’m turning the downstairs into my clinic and living upstairs. It’s perfect—close to town, plenty of space, and the layout works really well for what I need.”
“That’s great,” Naomi said. “When do you open? Did you figure out a date yet?”
“Hopefully in a month or so. I’m still working on permits and getting everything set up, but I’m getting close.”
Good Boy chose that moment to pad over and press his nose against Hadley’s leg.
Hadley looked down, her expression brightening even more. “And who’s this?”
“That’s Good Boy,” Naomi said. “Temporary name. We found him on the road a few days ago. No collar, no tags.”
Hadley crouched and ran her hands over the dog’s head, then she checked his ears and teeth. “I’d guess he’s around two. Looks to be purebred and happy.”
“He’s a very happy dog—and well behaved, except for the fact he likes to jump on people.”
“He looks healthy and well-fed, like someone’s been taking care of him.”
“You know me,” Naomi murmured. “I’ve always had a soft spot for animals.”
