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When Emma pulled into her grandfather’s driveway, she spotted him waiting on the porch, nestled in his rocking chair. As she parked, Liam stood up and made his way to the car.
“Good morning, Em.” Liam leaned over and planted a gentle kiss on her cheek after getting into the passenger seat. “You’re looking lovely today.”
“Grandpa, you say that every time,” she said, flipping her hair dramatically with a hand.
“Well, it’s true every time.” Liam chuckled, giving her arm a playful pinch as she started the car and headed toward town.
“So, how was your week?” Emma asked.
“Pretty good. Although I did hear a few tidbits about you.”
She groaned, bracing herself for whatever teasing he had in store for her. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Grandpa.”
“Whatever you say, my dear.” Liam flashed a grin and steered the conversation in a new direction. “Want to grab some ice cream after we’re done?”
“Sure, that sounds great.”
Liam nodded. “But nothing will ever top that ice cream you made with Grandma. That was the best I’ve ever had. It was her recipe.”
Emma glanced at him with a softened gaze, then refocused on the road. Growing up without her father, Liam had been her rock, and over the years he had taught her life lessons that she carried into adulthood. He’d shown her the intricacies of maintaining a home, the compassion to care for animals, and the strength to stand up for herself. She was grateful for him beyond words.
“So, Grandpa, how do you even have time to keep up with all this gossip?”
“Oh, I make time. Especially for something involving you,” he said with a wink.
Emma shook her head as she turned onto Main Street. “Well, whatever you think you’ve heard, you probably got it all wrong. You should get your hearing checked soon.”
Liam chuckled. “My ears are as sharp as Riley’s. Now, how about you tell me about this newcomer in town? I hear he’s quite the sought-after gentleman.”
“He’s no one, Grandpa. I only met Luke because he was the one who found Riley. And then we had lunch together—as friends. It was nothing, really.”
“Ah, I see,” Liam mused.
Emma tightened her grip on the steering wheel. “I’m being serious. It was nothing and won’t ever be anything. Not anymore.”
Liam placed a hand on her arm. “Em, it’s perfectly okay to take a breather, to allow your heart to mend. But from what I know about life, it has a mysterious way of bringing people together when we least expect it.”
The weight of his words echoed in her mind, gently nudging her guarded heart. She knew his advice came from a place of love, but the memories of her failed marriage were still vivid. It was a pain she didn’t want to revisit.
When they arrived at Second Chance Rescue, Charlotte ran over and went straight for Liam, hugging him like she hadn’t seen him in years.
“Hello, sweetheart,” Liam said. “How have you been? How’s school?”
Charlotte bubbled over with excitement as she spoke. “Well, I was voted president of the history club. And I think we have a real chance of bringing home the state championship in the History Bee this year.”
“That’s great news!” Liam raised his hand for a high-five. “I guess I’ll have to keep telling you my old stories so you can win.”
Emma watched with a smile, taking in Liam and Charlotte’s lively exchange. After retrieving bags of dog food and other supplies from the trunk, she made her way into the rescue center. As she walked in, the familiar chorus of barks and meows greeted her, guiding her to the volunteer room.
The moment she laid the bags on the table, Kara’s voice rang out. “There you are!” She approached Emma with a smile and gave her a hug.
“Hey, you!” She squeezed Kara tightly, then pulled back and scanned the room. “Looks like there’s been a lot of new arrivals since last weekend.”
Kara sighed. “It’s been a busy week. But every bit of help counts. Oh, and before I forget, this is for you.” She handed Emma a volunteer shirt. “What do you think? Lisa designed them for us.”
“Love these! They’re cute. Yeah, I just saw her an hour ago.” Emma slipped into the shirt.
“Oh, yeah? We all need a girls’ night soon.”
