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“I do too. Fingers crossed,” I spoke as I got up from the island.
Chapter 41
Kate
Every Saturday morning, weather permitting, I went to the lake in Central Park where I would spend at least an hour and draw or read a book. Sometimes, I would just stare out into the water and appreciate the beauty that surrounded me. A sense of peace and inspiration flowed through me each and every time, just like when I would sit in the gazebo in Mystic.
I sat on a wooden bench sipping my coffee and staring out into the lake as I thought about all the things I had yet to do to get my business off the ground. My website was in development and I still had to design and order some business cards. As I was sitting there, I caught something running towards me from the corner of my eye. Looking over, I saw it was a white puppy with a pink leash attached to it.
“Oh my goodness. Where did you come from?” I smiled as I reached down to pet her.
She was a Maltese and the cutest little thing I had ever seen. I looked for tags on her collar but didn’t see any. Then, I looked around to see if anyone was coming to claim her. Obviously, she had gotten away from her owner.
“You are adorable.” I picked her up and brought her nose to mine. “Where’s your parents?”
She began licking my face over and over.
“Thank you for the kisses, sweet girl.”
Suddenly, I heard a voice approach me from the side.
“There you are, you little rascal.”
I looked over and saw Gabriel standing there. I felt my almost mended heart crack and a sick feeling washed over me.
“This is your dog?” I asked with suspicion as I narrowed my eye at him.
“She is.” He smiled at me. “We were on a walk and she somehow broke free from my hand. Thank you for holding on to her. I’m Gabriel Quinn.” He extended his hand.
I was confused as fuck as to what was happening. But I decided to play along.
“Kate Harper.” I lightly shook his hand.
“It’s nice to meet you, Kate.”
“Likewise.” I slightly tilted my head to the side.
“She likes you.” He smiled as the dog wouldn’t stop licking my face.
“She’s adorable. How long have you had her?”
“A couple of days.”
“What’s her name? You really should get tags for her.”
“I was going to, but I haven’t named her yet.”
“Why?” I asked in confusion.
“Because I haven’t been able to think of a fitting name for her. Any suggestions?” He smirked.
“Well, growing up, I always wanted a white Maltese and I was going to name her Lady because she’s prim and proper.” A small smile crossed my lips as I held the dog up and stared at her.
“I like it. Come on, Lady. We need to continue our walk.”
I set the dog down and handed the leash to Gabriel. I could literally feel the crack in my heart begin to heal. Seeing him with that puppy gave me all the feels.
“Thank you again, Kate. It was a pleasure to meet you.” The corners of his mouth curved up into a smile as he began to walk away. Suddenly, he stopped and turned to me. “Excuse me, Kate?”
