Nodding, he said, “She told me she felt like half a person, not knowing who he was. She didn’t understand why you kept him a secret. Even if she couldn’t get you two back together, she didn’t see why she should lose out.”
“She wanted a relationship with him.”
Ducking his head, Quinn took his time drying the panting dog’s legs, coasting the towel across each paw. “She had a point, Rae. Even if grown-ups hate each other, their kid shouldn’t lose out. Don’t you agree?”
A knock on the door spared her from answering. In a fog, she found Kameko waiting with a bright smile.
The five-year-old swayed eagerly from side to side. “Is Shelby pretty now?” Her longing gaze fell on the dog. “Can she come out and play?”
Chapter 9
After the revelations about Lark, Quinn seemed determined to correct any missteps he’d made.
Despite Rae’s assurances he’d done nothing wrong, he insisted on making dinner, whipping up a vegetable frittata and a side of hash browns. Kameko—announcing Quinn would sit beside her—daintily helped set the table. She folded the napkins into perfect triangles while Rae fetched the dishes. The excitable Shelby trotted back and forth, her snout capturing the marvelous scents raining down from the stove.
When Quinn brought the platters to the table, the malnourished dog wisely lingered near Kameko. In the space of an hour, she’d become the mutt’s greatest admirer.
The adults feigned indifference as most of the food mysteriously dropped from her plate. Her furry coconspirator made short work of it.
Dinner ended with a spontaneous round of applause for their ingenious chef. The praise took Quinn off guard.
Amid the clapping he rose from his chair. The familiar blush crept across his skin as he took a stiff bow. Yet even a kid with little experience with praise learns fast. Rummaging through the cupboards, Quinn announced he’d bake something for dessert.
While he placed ingredients on the counter, Rae noticed his dog rooting around inside his book bag. Beneath the heavy textbooks, a handful of dog food was scattered across the bottom of the bag. Shelby—tongue lolling and ears cocked—seemed agreeable to another meal. Rae chopped up small chunks of cheese. Connor fetched the peanut butter. The dog plowed through the savory mixture.
By the time the doorbell rang, and Rae ushered Yuna inside, a celebratory air had filled the living room.
On the floor, Kameko—having stolen one of Connor’s athletic socks from the laundry basket—played tug-of-war with Shelby. Her peals of laughter resounded through the room. From the couch, Connor cheered her on. Quinn did the same, in between polishing off mouthfuls of the leftover hash browns that had been growing cold on the coffee table.
Taking in the lively scene, Yuna said, “I’ll give you credit, Rae. When you make a change, you don’t settle for half measures.”
“You know me. Go big or go home.” Rae helped her out of her coat. “I thought your hubby was picking up Kameko. Did Chardon’s dedicated mayor get hung up?”
“His meeting started late. I won’t see Kipp until later tonight.” More laughter rang out. Yuna glanced affectionately at her daughter. Kameko rolled onto her belly and nuzzled Shelby’s neck. “Is the dog Quinn’s? She has a sweet temperament.”
“Can we discuss Shelby in a sec? There’s something I need to tell you.” Rae plunged forward before second thoughts intruded. “I’ve changed my mind about Night on the Square.”
“You’ll help with the fundraiser?” Yuna smiled broadly. “What made you reconsider?”
There was no simple explanation. Rescuing Shelby from Mr. Cox had brightened Rae’s outlook. Quinn’s revelations about Lark were less cheerful news. Still, he’d lent insight into Lark’s secret hopes and wishes. Rae was grateful for the knowledge. Together, the two events seemed a turning point: Rae often felt immobilized by grief, but her life was moving forward.
In fits and starts.
She was no longer stuck in place. Even if her verve for life slumbered beneath frosty layers of sorrow, she was beginning to feel, well, hopeful.
None of which she could describe at the moment. Kameko leaped up, and her eager playmate barked. Connor balled up the sock and pitched it neatly. Child and dog raced after.
Rae said, “It’s not right to bail on the June event. I made you a promise, Yuna. Count me in as your second-in-command.” She inhaled a fortifying breath. “I do have one condition.”
With expectation, Yuna stared at her.