According to his phone, Olivia’s school was just a few blocks away, so Gabe decided to leave the truck parked on the street here and walk. Based on a few recent visits to his niece’s elementary school, he knew schools weren’t as receptive to visitors as they used to be. If he tried to see Olivia in person without an appointment, it was unlikely he’d be able to get past the front desk.

But that was fine by him. All he wanted to do this morning was deliver the flowers to her and let her know he was thinking of her. Maybe it would tempt her to call, maybe it wouldn’t. But at the very least, it was a try. And right now, that was the best he could do.

Chapter 14

Olivia had planned to arrive at the High Grove Animal Shelter just as the building opened at eight, but traffic had been light, and she was a few minutes early. Aside from a single truck that reminded her a bit of Gabe’s and gave her heart a pang, the parking lot was empty. If ever a building could radiate happy energy, this one did.

The single-story redbrick building had already been freshened up for spring with new mulch. Bright-yellow daffodils lined the mulch bed. Popping out between the groupings of flowers were brightly colored metal cat and dog sculptures. The two parking spots in front were reserved for in-progress adoptions and had metal signage with pictures of storks carrying blankets with kittens and puppies spilling out that brought a smile to Olivia’s face.

As welcoming as the shelter was at first look, tears still stung her eyes as she opened her back-passenger door, pinched open the door of the crate wedged in between the front and back seats, and clipped a leash to the pointer’s collar. Goodbyes had never come easy. And even in the span of one short night, she was more drawn to this reticent dog than ever.

If she knew for sure Principal Garcia was going to renew her contract for next year, and she wasn’t going to be back to the drawing board in terms of a job, she’d jump through hoops to move out of Aunt Becky’s right now and find a dog-friendly place to rent.