Meanwhile, Naomi worked on financials for Refuge Cove. Reviewed their possible new intake. Followed up on a grant.
Everything was normal.
Exceptnothingwas normal.
Naomi eventually took a break from the computer and sat on the living room floor with Good Boy stretched out beside her, his head resting on her lap. She ran her hand over his soft fur, the motion soothing even if it didn’t quite ease the knot in her chest.
He’d been with them for less than a week. That was all.
But somehow it felt longer.
Good Boy had curled up at her feet every night. Had pressed against her leg. Had stayed close when she was scared, as if he knew she needed him.
And now someone was coming to take him away.
Her hand stilled on his head.
She didn’t want him to leave.
She’d known him being here was temporary. Had told herself not to get attached. Had reminded herself a dozen times that he wasn’t hers, that someone out there was missing him, that doing the right thing meant letting him go.
But it didn’t make it easier.
Good Boy shifted, lifting his head to look at her. His tail gave one slow wag.
Naomi’s throat tightened as she whispered, “You are a good boy, you know that? It’s the perfect name for you.”
His tail wagged again.
She leaned forward and pressed her forehead against his, closing her eyes.
He’s just a dog,she told herself.Just a dog.
But he wasn’tjusta dog. In such a short time, he’d come to feel like family.
Naomi looked up as a vehicle pulled up the drive.
Micah’s SUV.
Micah? What was he doing here? Had he come with bad news?
Naomi opened the door just as Micah reached it.
When his eyes met hers, something softened. “Hey.”
“Hey.” She stepped aside to let him in. “I didn’t know you were coming by.”
“I figured I should be here when this guy picks up the dog.” He glanced down at Good Boy, who was circling his legs, tail still wagging. “Just to make sure everything’s okay.”
Naomi nodded. She should have expected that, should have known Micah would show up, even without being asked.
“Thank you,” she murmured. “It’s . . . it’s going to be tough. Tougher than I imagined.”
She glanced at Good Boy and sniffled.
Why was she getting so emotional? She usually prided herself about being in control. But with Grace and Good Boy and everything happening at the property, something was breaking down inside her.
Maybe that was a good thing. Maybe this would teach her not to rely on herself but on God. She knew she needed to trust Him more.
