Page 7

And then his headlights illuminated a sign. As he drew closer, he saw that it read: Kringle Bed & Breakfast. But he couldn’t see the building. It was hidden behind a row of trees and vegetation.

He wasn’t so sure about this. Still, he slowed even more as he turned onto the gravel driveway. If nothing else, it would give him a place to turn around.

And then he spotted the big old Victorian home. With it being dark out, he wasn’t able to make it all out. Something told him it would be impressive in the light of day.

He noticed the candles in the windows. It was charming. “What do you think, Mochi? Should we give this place a chance?”

“Woof! Woof!” Mochi put her massive puppy paws on the armrest and stared out the window. There wasn’t much she could see out that side except for darkness and a few tree limbs.

Mochi was such a good dog. He felt awful that she still hadn’t found her forever home. He truly believed that sooner or later the right person would appear in Mochi’s life and give her all the love she deserved. It would be a person who could see beyond the outward imperfections to the inner beauty.

Maybe it was best they didn’t have room for Mochi at the pet shop. He would have worried about her finding the right home. The last thing he wanted was for her to be adopted and create bonds only to end up being dropped back at the shelter again. Mochi deserved so much better than that.

When he drove around to the far side of the house, he found a large parking area. There were a few cars there. He took the next available spot, which was beneath a big tree.

When Shaun got out, he navigated the gravel driveway all right, but the sidewalk was another story. His feet almost went out from under him. They moved to the grass that was crunchy beneath their steps. Mochi didn’t waste any time taking care of business. And then they made their way to the front of the building.

The steps were illuminated, and the porch light was on. He wouldn’t mind seeing this place in the summer. He could imagine a bunch of hanging baskets and a couple of rockers. It would certainly be peaceful.

He had barely rung the doorbell, when the front door swung open. The wreath of silver sleigh bells jingled. For some reason, he was expecting a sweet older lady; instead, he was met by a young woman around his own age.

She had long blond hair that hung well past her shoulders. He couldn’t make out the color of her eyes as the lighting wasn’t good enough. She had a pert nose and high cheekbones. If she wore makeup, it wasn’t very much.

His gaze paused on her pouty lips. They were lush and looked perfect for kissing. Mochi bumped into his leg and whined, jarring him from his meandering thoughts.

“Welcome to the Kringle Bed and Breakfast,” the woman said. “Are you Shaun?”

“I am. And the fluffball next to me is Mochi. She is usually quiet. I think she’s trying to tell anyone who will listen that she’s hungry.”

The woman opened the screen door. “Please come inside.”

She didn’t have to tell him twice. He was anxious to get out of the cold and wind. Mochi took the lead just like she knew exactly where she was going.

Shaun wasn’t sure what he expected to find when he stepped inside, but it was like he’d just stepped back in time. Everywhere he looked, the place was crammed full of antiques.

The woman closed the door behind them. “It’s a good thing you stopped driving for the night. The storm warnings are all over the radio and television. It doesn’t sound good.” She led them over to a little counter. She turned on a desk light and looked at a book. She turned the book around. “If you would just sign in.”

Sign in? Was she serious? Just how old was this place? He was suddenly having second thoughts about staying here. But the thought of heading back out into that stormy night had him filling out the next empty line in the registry book.

Then he had a thought. “I don’t have cash to pay.”

The woman waved away his worries. She pulled her phone from her pocket. A few swipes later, she held it out to him. “Just tap your card.”

“Well, that’s convenient.” A moment later, his room was paid for.

“And I’ve put you and...” She glanced down at the dog.

“Her name is Mochi. And I promise she’s a really good pup. But if you talk to her, she’s likely to answer you.”

The woman smiled. “That’s good to know. Well, I’ve put the two of you here on the ground floor. I thought it would be more convenient for you.”

He nodded. “Thank you.”

“It’s straight down this hall. Just before the back door, turn right. Your room is at the end of the short hallway.”

“Sounds good. I’ll just go get our things.” He turned for the door. “Come on, Mochi.”

The woman frowned. “She shouldn’t have to go back out. Do you think she’d stay with me?”