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Chapter 9
Shadow, on his first day away from the kennel, was tucked close against Hope’s side as they sat on the sandy beach. She’d grown close to this stray. A bit of the pain of being alone in the world dissipated as she ran her fingers through his dense fur. Shadow needed her and she needed Shadow. It was one of those incidents when she could ask who had rescued whom.
With the wind in their faces, completely content to sit side by side, they stared out at the rolling waves as the water splashed against the shore, leaving a thin zigzag line of foam.
For the first time since getting the heartbreaking news about Hunter, Hope was at peace. With patience, love, and persistent training, it was as if Shadow was a completely different dog. While he remained guarded and leery of people, he no longer snarled or acted aggressively whenever someone approached. Hope was proud of the work she’d done and the changes she’d made in his life. And he in hers.
She hadn’t mentioned Hunter to anyone, the pain debilitating even now, a year following his death. Working with Shadow had helped her deal with the loss of her twin. In some unexplainable way, this feral dog had eased the tight hold grief had wrapped around her heart. She was alone now, starting over, building her life from scratch. Only she wasn’t so much alone as when she’d first arrived in Oceanside. She had Shadow and he had her.
—
Willa was the first person Hope introduced her canine companion to once the adoption papers had been completed. He was now officially hers. Willa surprised Shadow with a special concoction she’d called a puppuccino. He’d loved it, slurping it down in quick fashion, to both Willa and Hope’s delight.
“I’m hearing good things about you,” Willa said, as she handed Hope her drink.
“Oh?” She brightened. After the incident with the flat tire, Hope had to wonder.
“A lot of the high-schoolers stop by after class, and I hear them chatter about what a good teacher you are. One recently mentioned she went to you after class to talk about troubles at home and how much she appreciated the advice you gave her.”
Hope figured that was probably Morgan, a junior girl. She hadn’t felt she’d given her advice that was anything special. What Morgan really needed was a listening ear, and Hope had provided that.
“Good to know,” Hope said, grateful for the positive feedback. “And thanks.”
“Any time,” Willa said, and turned her attention to the next customer.
Hope left and wandered down to the beach. Shadow walked steadily at her side, keeping close and alert.
As it often was at the beachfront, the wind was strong. Kids raced up and down the shoreline with their kites, the long tails flapping in the breeze. Couples strolled along the wet sand, savoring the sunshine.
For early October, the afternoon was glorious. Hope had been assured days like this would be rare, as the rains were sure to hit the Pacific Northwest soon. It seemed as if God had smiled down on her, making this day even more special as she had Shadow with her.
Because her gaze was focused on the activity along the beach and the water, Hope didn’t notice Cade until he stood almost directly in front of her. He had his hands in his pockets and looked ill at ease. Her heart raced as she recalled Tonya’s words about letting him make the next move, if there was to be one. She’d trusted that advice, although that hadn’t kept thoughts of him from drifting into her mind.
“Hey,” he said, his greeting carried with the wind.
“Cade?” Despite her effort to appear casual, she couldn’t keep the surprise out of her voice. She stopped herself from starting a conversation, letting him take the lead.
He didn’t quite meet her eyes as he asked, “Do you mind if I join you?”
“Ah…sure.” She found it difficult to hide how pleased she was that he was there to share this special moment with her.
Lowering himself down beside her, Cade seemed uncertain and eyed her dog. “Do you think Shadow will mind?”
“Guess we’ll find out.” After all her work socializing the canine, this would be a valid test. Tightening her hand around Shadow’s leash, she was prepared for however her dog responded.
Cade carefully sat down on the sand, maintaining a fair distance between him and Shadow. He was close, but far enough away to show that he posed no threat. As expected, Shadow focused his gaze on Cade and regarded him warily.
Hope waited impatiently for him to speak. In their brief history, he had avoided speaking to her, although she didn’t know why.
“It’s a beautiful afternoon,” Cade said, as if he didn’t know where to start.
“Sure is.” She raised her face to the sun and briefly closed her eyes, soaking in the warmth.
Shadow was alert, his head up, watching every small move Cade made. With his knees up, Cade placed his hands between them, as if to show her dog he was a friend.
“The other night when you invited me to dinner…” He hesitated, as if unsure what to say next.
“What about it?”
