Page 11

“The woman at the pet shop, Merry…something, she said she could only take three.”

“That’s too bad. I was really hoping Candi could take all four.” His father sighed. “I’m starting to think Mochi was meant to stay with you.”

Shaun shook his head. “I don’t think so. We just haven’t found the right person for her. But they are out there.”

Leah’s face came to mind. In fact, they might have just met the right person. Perhaps he’d broach the subject at breakfast. The idea certainly appealed to him.

“Anyway,” his father said, “there’s no need for you to rush back. I won’t be here. But your sister did extend the invitation to you to spend the holidays at the farm.”

Shaun rubbed the back of his neck. His sister had extended that invitation to him last year after his messy split with his now ex-wife. He’d found an excuse to get out of it. This year he would be expected to attend the family holiday.

They talked for a little longer before they said goodnight. It was then he noticed the pinging of ice on the window. He had no idea what they were going to wake up to, but he had a feeling it wasn’t going to be good.

Chapter Five

The weather was getting worse, instead of better.

Early the following morning, Shaun walked Mochi to the back door of the inn, where he found a note taped to it. WARNING: Steps and sidewalk are very icy!

Shaun picked up Mochi so she wouldn’t fall on her bad hip and headed outside. He carefully descended the ice-covered steps. In fact, everything appeared to be covered in a thick layer of ice.

It made him wonder if he was going to be able to leave that morning like he’d planned. He didn’t relish the idea of trying to drive on a sheet of ice. He would give it some more thought over breakfast.

As good as the pancakes had been last night, they hadn’t clung to his ribs. His stomach was already growling in anticipation of breakfast. Maybe he could give her a hand. In fact, the more he thought about it, the more he liked the idea.

Once inside the back door, he put Mochi down. When she pulled on the leash to go to the kitchen, he said, “Not yet. Come.”

He headed for his room and dropped his coat on the bed. Then he moved to the store bag he’d put up on the chest of drawers to keep out of reach of Mochi. He reached inside for the bag of kibble.

Mochi climbed his leg. Her nose was wiggling as she smelled the food.

He ran his hand over her head. “Okay, girl. Let’s get you fed.”

She let out a deep woof, as though she knew exactly what he’d told her. He couldn’t help but smile.

When he opened the room door, Mochi darted out. Shaun’s smile broadened. He followed her directly toward the kitchen, to the aroma of fresh brewed coffee. The scent of bacon had him quickening his steps. Mm...

He came to an abrupt halt in the kitchen doorway when he realized Leah wasn’t alone. There was an older woman with short silver hair and a pair of silver-framed glasses. She wore an apron as she washed dishes.

The smile slipped from Shaun’s face. He’d been hoping to have a few minutes alone with Leah. He’d been looking forward to getting to know her better.

Then he reminded himself that this was for the best. He’d finally gotten his long, drawn out divorce finalized a few months ago. Since his split with his ex, he’d sworn off relationships.

It was just then that Leah turned and spotted him as Mochi sat next to him. A smile bloomed on her face. “Breakfast is almost ready. I have a stack of waffles staying warm in the oven.”

“I was going to offer you a hand, but I see you already have help.”

The woman at the sink turned to him with a warm smile on her face. “Hello. I’m Martha Greene. I knew Leah’s grandmother. My husband and I have been coming to this B&B since we were newlyweds. I was just telling Leah that my husband and I even knew her great-grandparents. They were running this place when we first got married. But I’m sure you don’t want to hear any of that.”

“Actually, I find it interesting.” He meant it. “How many generations does this place go back?”

Leah got a wide-eyed look. “I...uh, I don’t know.” Looking flustered, she turned to the waffle grill. “I really need to take care of the food before something burns.”

He felt bad for putting her on the spot. “Can I help you?”

She shook her head. “I’ve got it.”

“I offered to help her with the food too,” Martha said. “But she insisted she has it under control. So, I decided to work on the dishes.”