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“That sounds lovely,” Erica said and took the glass.
“I think you ladies have things under control here,” Dylan said. “One of us will be right outside if you need us.”
“Shoo, young man,” Betty, the owner of the shop, said. Middle-aged and plump, the redhead always wore her hair up.
“Yes, ma’am.” He and Cam walked out the door, leaving her to these wonderful conspirators.
Erica had formed a bond years ago with Betty and her daughter, Kaylyn. “How’s Snow?”
Snow was the first puppy Erica had ever saved. Betty had adopted him and given the sweet dog a great home.
“Snow is a tough old boy. He’s still got that spark you saw when you found him. You should come see him, sweetie.”
“I will.” Erica thought a trip out to the ten acres that Betty had set up for Kaylyn’s service dog scho
ol would be just what she needed to lift her spirits. “How is Kaylyn doing?”
“She’s got five great dogs ready to go. Did your brothers tell you that she’s got a beautiful German shepherd she’s training for Nicole’s friend who lost his sight at that shooting in the park? What was his name?”
“Jaris,” Erica reminded Betty.
“That’s it. Jaris is still training in Denver to adapt to his blindness. The guy who is working with him is a longtime friend of ours. Chance was born blind. We keep trying to get him to come work for us with the service dogs. Kaylyn won’t give up asking. One thing about my daughter, she’s persistent.”
“Yes, she is.”
“I’ve always thought those two had feelings for each other. Not sure what’s holding them back.”
“Betty, don’t go meddling in Kaylyn’s life,” she said with a giggle. “Remember how bad it turned out when you set up Phoebe with Andy McCrae.”
“I thought for sure they would be perfect for one another. I wouldn’t dream of playing matchmaker with Kaylyn. But if you have any suggestion that might move things along for those two, come sit by me.”
“You’re a little devil, Betty Anderson.”
Betty smiled. “Erica Coleman, you behave.”
The woman was one of the sweetest women in Destiny. “What’s Jaris’s dog’s name?”
“Sugar. She’s a lovely dog. Jet black. She’ll be fully trained by the time Jaris is ready to come get her.”
“Nicole will be happy about that. The work you and Kaylyn are doing is so important.”
“It’s more Kaylyn than me, honey. I’m an old hair burner from way back. She does all the training for the service dog school. I just love on the puppies.”
“An important job, too, Betty.” She hugged the woman. “I promise to come see you soon.”
Paris walked up. “I’m so glad you’re safe, Erica.”
“Thank you. How are you doing?” she asked. Being a nurse, the poor girl had been in the fire at the clinic and would’ve died if not for Erica’s brothers’ firefighting skills.
“It’s been a while since the clinic burned down. I’m doing much better. You’re the one who’s been through hell.”
Erica sighed. “I’m doing okay. Really I am.”
“What happened to you won’t just vanish, Erica.” Kelly, the young hairdresser who worked for Betty, shook her head. “I know. It stays with you. Always.”
Erica was about to ask her what had happened to her when the door opened and Phoebe rushed in, her arms loaded with snacks.
“Sorry, I’m late,” Phoebe said. “I had to take Shane to Doc Ryder to get him checked out. He’s fine, but I had to be sure.” Even though she was the youngest of the Blue children, Phoebe was a bit of a mother hen when it came to both her brothers, but especially Shane. “When I picked up Mom and the food, Mom was running late. She’ll be here shortly. Is Nicole here yet?”
