“We’re not, really,” he was quick to inform the shelter director. “Like I said, we’re down one volunteer, and it’s going to be a busy day.” The five adoptions were sure to keep them on their proverbial toes.
“Hope’s something special,” Preston added. “You wouldn’t go wrong with her. She’s good people.”
Cade feared he was digging himself deeper into a rabbit hole but needed to clarify himself. “Listen, I’m not interested in Hope, nor do I plan to be. It’s a busy day, and I feel bad for Shadow. He keeps expecting her to show.”
Preston continued to study him, and then out of the blue, he added, “You know she rents the cottage from Mellie and me, don’t you?”
“No. Don’t know why you think it’s necessary to mention it.”
Preston’s slow smile returned. “Thought you might want to stop by and check on her.”
“Why would I do that?” No way was he interested in Hope. At least that’s what he kept telling himself.
Preston’s lips quivered as if holding back a smile. “Why not? You’re a healthy young man, and she’s a beautiful woman. And from what I can see, you have a lot in common.”
Cade bristled at the comment. “We have nothing in common,” he insisted, embarrassed now that he’d bothered Preston. The shelter manager was able to see through his questions far too easily.
“Don’t be so sure,” Preston added, and returned to his paperwork while Cade made a hasty retreat. “From my point of view, the two of you would get along well. You’re both new to the town and with no family to speak of…”
Cade wasn’t listening to anything more as he hurried back into the area where the canines were kept. He was grateful when the door between the office and the kennel closed behind him. For a second, he thought he might have heard Preston laugh.
As he walked the new arrivals, Cade’s thoughts wandered, unbidden and unwanted, to Hope. She had no close family? That might mean she didn’t have anyone to call to help care for her when she was ill. Well, he definitely wasn’t volunteering. Even if he decided to be a Good Samaritan and stop by the cottage, which he had no intention of doing. Besides, stepping in might give Hope the wrong impression. She could read more into his actions than was warranted, and that could have unforeseen consequences. He didn’t need to concern himself. Hope had Preston and Mellie. If she needed anything, Cade knew either of the Youngs would be more than happy to help.
* * *
—
By midafternoon, Shadow seemed to accept that Hope wasn’t going to show. The dog’s entire demeanor changed. Downtrodden, he turned to face the rear of the kennel, so no one could see his face. He remained that way with his head resting on his crossed paws and ignored all the activity taking place around him.
If he felt Shadow would trust him, Cade would be tempted to enter the kennel and give the dog the attention he needed. Knowing how close Hope was to Shadow, she could be anxious to learn how he was dealing with her absence. Cade wished there was a way for him to comfort Shadow.
Unable to explain it even to himself, Cade felt the same sense of loss and disappointment. He hadn’t said more than a few sentences to Hope the entire time he’d been at the shelter. Basically, he’d ignored her. He’d made sure she understood, from the moment they’d first been introduced, that he preferred to keep his own company. Since then, she hadn’t said much to him, either. Which was the way he wanted it.
What had captured his attention when it came to Hope was the way she was with Shadow. No one could miss the changes that had come over the dog since she’d started working with him. Her care and dedication to Shadow had left a deep impact on Cade. Rarely had he witnessed anyone with more patience.
From the scuttlebutt going around the shelter, he’d learned Hope planned to adopt Shadow. He knew she’d been working with him every day after school. Her efforts had been rewarded. Shadow had made stunning progress. While he still held back his trust when it came to others, he was far less aggressive.
Before he signed out for the day, Cade approached Shadow’s pen. “Don’t fret,” he told the dog. “Hope will be back when she’s feeling better.”
Shadow ignored him, which was what Cade expected.
As he headed out the door, Preston stopped him. “Think about what I said,” he called, halting Cade.
“You’ve said a lot of things,” he returned, being purposely obtuse.