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He followed her inside. The other time he was here, he’d been tired and in a rush. He hadn’t taken time to look around, but he had a little time now. And from what he could see, there was a little bit of everything on the shelves.

Row after row, he found things for dogs, of course, cats, and birds. As he walked, he noticed items for fish, reptiles, and hamsters. He was certain that if he looked around a little more that he’d find essentials for other sorts of pets. All of that in little Kringle Falls—very interesting.

“Hello.” Merry Kringle stepped out from the back. When her gaze landed on him, she smiled. “It’s good to see you again.”

He nodded. “The storm has me stuck here for a little bit.”

Merry’s gaze moved past him. Her smile broadened. “Good morning, Leah.”

“Hi. It’s good to see you again.”

He heard some barks from the back. He had to admit that he was anxious to see the pups. He still felt responsible for them, even though he’d handed them over to Merry’s care.

Before he headed to the back of the pet shop, he asked, “Is Candi around?”

The smile slipped from Merry’s face. “You two have the worst timing. Today is her day off. I’m so sorry. But if you give me your phone number, I’ll be sure to give it to her with a message to call you.” Merry walked over to the checkout counter. She reached into a drawer and pulled out a sticky pad and a pen. She held them out to him. “Here you go.”

He took it from her and wrote his name and phone number. He handed it back. “Thanks. I appreciate it. I just thought with me in town that we could connect.”

Merry smiled and nodded. “Understood.” The pups barked louder. “I think the puppies are anxious to see you.”

“I’ll, uh...” He sent Leah a hesitant look. “Do you mind if I go see them?”

She shook her head. “Go ahead.”

He started toward the back and then paused to turn back. “Would you like to meet them?”

She nodded. “That would be nice, especially if they are as sweet as Mochi.”

“They are.”

When they reached the back, he saw Peep and Maya in a play area surrounded by colorful stuffed animals, chew toys, and a couple of balls. They ran over and put their paws on the wall, hoping he would pick them up.

He stepped over and ran a hand over each of their heads. His gaze scanned the area to see if Theo had escaped, but he didn’t see any sign of him.

When Merry joined them, he asked, “Where is Theo?”

“Oh, I was able to place him in a home. It is temporary for now, but I have a good feeling that it will become permanent.”

Shaun opened his mouth to ask her if that was wise because that’s not how they did it at his father’s shelter or at the shelter where they were now volunteering. The animals didn’t go home with anyone until they were certain about adopting them and the paperwork was complete.

But then he recalled his father mentioning that last year Merry had a different method for placing the pups with their families, and by all accounts it had all worked out for the best. Shaun closed his mouth. Who was he to complain about her different methods as long as they worked?

“Do you mind if I pick one up?” Leah asked Merry.

“Not at all. They thrive on love.”

She picked up little Peep, who was nothing but tail wags and butt wiggles. He watched as the biggest smile formed on Leah’s face as the puppy lathered her with kisses. She was definitely a dog person.

He reached in and picked up Maya, the little hound dog mix. She was a little more reserved but still licked Shaun’s face many times. He really wanted the best for all of them.

He looked in Merry’s direction. “Do you think you’ll have problems placing them?”

Merry shook her head. “I don’t think so. I just want to make sure I have the right person for each pup.”

He thought of Mochi. “Are you sure you couldn’t find a home for Mochi?”

Merry was quiet for a moment, as though giving her next words some consideration. “I think that Mochi will find the perfect home. Just give her a little time, and she will tell you exactly where she belongs.”