Page 37 of Always Almost You

He studied Buddy for a moment before answering. “There’s something about him,” Mike said quietly. “I knew the minute I met him we were supposed to be together.”

Gwen’s expression softened. “And how many other times have you said that?”

Mike winced. “Okay, okay. I may have brought home a few strays as a kid.”

“A few?”

“But this is the first time since college,” he finished.

Gwen stepped forward and pulled him into a tight hug.

“You’ve always been tenderhearted,” she said. “That’s one of my favorite things about you.”

Mike swallowed. “Thanks.”

She stepped back and clapped her hands once. “All right. Let’s get you and Buddy inside. I can’t wait to see Mom’s face when she realizes you’ve brought another stray home.”

Buddy’s tail wagged harder at the word home—as if he already understood.

CHAPTER 27

Lauren floated toward consciousness the next morning. She stretched, raising her arms above her head and pointing her toes toward the foot of the bed before flexing them again. She opened one eye and noticed brilliant white light leaking through a narrow gap in the heavy blackout curtains. Pumpkin lay tucked against her side, snoring softly, warm and solid.

Lauren reached for her phone, being careful not to disturb the pup. It was 10:30. She blinked. When was the last time she’d slept this late?

She extricated herself from the duvet and padded to the bathroom. Lauren brushed her teeth and took a quick shower, the hot water loosening the last of the travel stiffness from her shoulders. Wrapped in the plush hotel robe, she returned to the bedroom.

Pumpkin hadn’t moved.

Lauren smiled. Her clothes and makeup were in the suitcase scheduled to be delivered later that day. She pulled on the cashmere turtleneck she’d bought at JFK and the pants she’d traveled in. A quick swipe of lip gloss from her purse completed her ablutions. She finger-combed her hair and twisted it into a loose knot at the nape of her neck. If her suitcase didn’t arrive today, she’d need to do some serious shopping.

She crossed to the in-room coffeemaker and brewed a cup. Beside it, a wicker basket held a banana, a protein bar, a packet of instant oatmeal, and a small bag of trail mix. Each was tagged with a price that would have covered a full breakfast downstairs. She hesitated, then chose the banana and protein bar.

While the coffee brewed, she finally took in the room properly. In the corner near the coffee station sat a memory-foam dog bed, two stainless-steel bowls, and a small cellophane bag of dog treats tied with ribbon. She smiled at the thoughtfulness.

Lauren crossed the room and flung open the curtains. The space flooded with the crystalline brightness that only comes when sunshine strikes an unbroken expanse of fresh snow.

Pumpkin lifted her head and blinked in the sudden glow.

“Time to get up, sleepyhead,” Lauren said. She filled one of the hotel bowls with water and set it on the floor.

Pumpkin jumped from the bed and took a long drink, her little Christmas pajamas slightly askew.

Lauren scooped kibble into the other bowl while sipping her coffee. She studied the downtown Newport map the hotel had provided as she unwrapped her protein bar.

“I’ve got a plan,” she told her pup. She clipped Pumpkin’s leash to her collar, slipped into her new raincoat, and wound the vivid blue scarf around her neck. “Let’s explore. There are a few small parks and squares where you can stretch your legs. And lots of adorable shops. The weather is too beautiful to waste.”

She glanced down at the red flannel doggie pajamas. “And we definitely need to get you something warmer. As cute as you are in those.”

Pumpkin wagged enthusiastically.

“We’re not allowed inside restaurants,” Lauren continued as she slung her crossbody bag over her shoulder and opened the door. “I’ll ask about takeout options.”

The corridor and elevator were deserted, but the first floor hummed with life. Guests checked out. Staff moved briskly. Luggage rolled across polished floors. Pumpkin, in her festive pajamas, drew smiles and soft laughter from nearly everyone they passed.

The bellman greeted them warmly. “Good morning, miss.” He bent to pat Pumpkin. “And who is this?”

Lauren introduced them and explained that they were heading out to explore. “I believe Eisenhower Park is nearby?”