Page 84 of Between the Lines

When the volunteer clipped a temporary collar around Maple’s neck and handed Essie the leash for good, Essie felt the weight of this new responsibility, but also a quiet sense of rightness. The last time she’d felt something like that was when she’d said yes to Frank.

She supposed this was almost that important.

Blaise smiled at her as they walked out. “You did good,” she said. “You made a fantastic choice.”

Essie glanced down at Maple, who trotted along at her side like she’d never been anywhere else. “I could not be happier,” she said.

They stopped at PetWorld on the way back, because Essie refused to bring a dog home unprepared. With Blaise’s help, she filled a cart with the brand of food the volunteer had recommended, two stainless-steel bowls, a thick, comfortable bed, a package of chicken treats, a new leash, and a collar with pink leaves on it, which seemed made for Maple. Blaise added a chew toy to the cart without comment.

“She’s going to need something to gnaw on,” Blaise said. “Trust me.”

“I believe you,” Essie said. Impulsively, she threw in a stuffed teddy bear that was labeled as chew-proof.

By the time they pulled into Essie’s driveway, Maple was calm in the backseat, watching the world go by through the window. Inside the house, Essie set the bed near the sliding doors where the breeze came in off the water. Maple sniffed it, circled it once, then lay down with a satisfied sigh.

Essie hugged Blaise. “Thank you again.”

“I’m so happy for you,” Blaise said. “Call if you need anything.”

“I will.”

After Blaise left for home, Essie just stood there, watching Maple. She could already picture morning walks along the beach, the two of them getting their steps in while the sun came up. Frank would join them when he got back. It would be good for all of them.

Essie sat down on the couch and took out her phone. “Maple, sweetheart, look at me.” She snapped a few pictures of Maple.

She chose the cutest one and sent it to Frank. Meet Maple. She’s home.

She’d text the Queen Bees in a minute. First, she just wanted to watch Maple a little while longer. Essie smiled. The house didn’t feel so quiet anymore.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Maude sat on the arm of the couch while Ollie clipped Milo’s leash on, the early evening light slanting in through the windows. If they timed this walk right, they’d see some of the sunset.

“Ready?” Ollie asked.

Milo answered for her, tail going fast enough to make them laugh.

Maude ruffled the fur on his back. “He seems to think so, don’t you, boy?”

They stepped outside together, Ollie locking up while Milo strained toward the path that led down to the beach, clearly eager to get to the water. The air was warm and a soft breeze carried the scent of coconut sunscreen their way.

They’d just reached the edge of the path through the dunes when Maude’s phone buzzed in her pocket.

She pulled it out as they walked, already curious. She saw a new message in the Queen Bees text group.

Essie had sent a photo.

“Hang on.” Maude slowed and used her body to block the sun so she could see the screen better.

The photo was of a medium-sized brown dog with a white chest and one white paw, sitting on Essie’s back porch. The beautiful dog’s ears were tipped forward, eyes calm and curious.

Essie’s message read, Meet Maple. She’s home. Just adopted her today with Blaise’s help!

Maude’s mouth curved into a grin. “Oh, boy,” she said softly.

Ollie glanced over. “What?”

“Essie adopted a dog,” Maude said. “Look at her. Isn’t she gorgeous?”