Page 111 of Back To Our Beginning

“I’m going to work really hard to find Sparks, but he might have already found another family who adopted him.”

“Like Mr. and Mrs. Patterson are taking care of me?”

“Sort of. Let me see what I find out. I’ll come back tomorrow. Okay?”

He nodded with a tremulous smile. “I can teach you more Paw Patrol.”

“I’d like that.”

* * *

Irene had volunteered to check in on some of my cases for me this week so I could spend more time with Beau since he was leaving on Sunday. But first I used that time to visit two of the animal shelters in Gatlinburg to see about Sparks, but I didn’t have any luck. They suggested two additional animal shelters, so I left messages.

I also made a call to Oliver. He was excited to hear that I got Eli to talk. He told me what he planned to do with this new information, and then I got excited.

By the time I got to my house, I wasn’t as early as I’d hoped to be. And I was majorly bummed when I didn’t see the Escalade sitting outside my house. Oh well, I’d text him when I got inside, then take a shower. I pulled into the carport, shut off the engine, and gathered up all my crap.

By the time I made it inside, I realized how hungry I was. I dumped everything in my hands onto the dining room table and took my phone into the kitchen. I texted Beau to let him know I was home, then scrolled through to see if the two animal shelters that I hadn’t visited had responded to my calls. They hadn’t.

I opened my fridge and pulled out a root beer and was halfway through it when a text from Beau came in saying he would be home soon. That meant I needed to get my ass in gear and make something for dinner.

Another text came in. It was from Beau again. I grinned.

BEAU:Do you want me to pick up something from Polly’s?

MADDIE:Hell yes. Want me to place the order?

BEAU:Hell yes. I want chicken and dumplings. Is there beer in the fridge?

MADDIE:Yes.

BEAU:Then don’t get anything to drink for me, but get a piece of cherry pie.

MADDIE:Got it. How soon should I say you’ll be there?

BEAU:Tell her I’ll be there ASAP.

MADDIE:Great. Love you.

BEAU:Love you too.

I finished off my root beer, called in the order, then headed for the shower. Maybe I’d surprise him and put on a sundress.

* * *

Chicken and dumplings and chicken-fried steak deserved the dining room table, so I pushed my stuff over so half of the table was cleared off, and then I set out plates and silverware. Just as I was finished, Beau was letting himself into the house. I could immediately smell the homemade goodness.

“Maddie, you look gorgeous in yellow. I love the dress.”

I sauntered over and gave my man a kiss. “I love it when you supply me with food.”

Beau looked over my shoulder. “We’re going to eat at the dining room table, huh? Pretty fancy.”

“Yep, we’re going to eat our food on plates, not out of takeout containers.”

“Big day.” Beau snuck in another kiss.

Good man.