“She definitely does,” Finley agreed. “She’s such a gifted little dog. I think you’ll find that she has the capacity to do a lot of things well—including forming bonds and giving affection. With your care and training, she’ll become a treasured member of your family.”

Spare him. He didn’t like this kind of sentimentality. If he’d just met Finley, he would’ve concluded that she was faking it, laying it on thick. But she wasn’t. Her excitement was genuine. She spent hours ensuring that the adoptions overseen by the Center resulted in what she’d classify as “happily-ever-afters.”

Luke lifted Agatha, feeling her slight weight in his hand for the last time. He handed her to the girl.

“Thank you for taking care of her.” She cuddled the puppy against her chest.

“You’re welcome.”

“She’s so cute!” she cooed.

If your taste runs to tiny devils. “Enjoy,” Luke said, when what he wanted to say was, I’m very sorry for you all.

The Gomezes gave another round of gratitude and then good-byes. Luke knew with certainty that Finley had succeeded at finding Agatha her ideal family. She would be much, much better off with the Gomezes.

The girl turned, stealing the puppy from view as the family ushered themselves outdoors.

What he mostly felt was relief. But a surprising amount of sorrow pierced him, too. It had been what felt like a lifetime since he’d taken care of anyone the way he’d taken care of Agatha.

He was glad to see the puppy go.

But also, a little bit sorry to see her go.

He could feel Finley’s attention on him. He looked over at her, and the force of their eye contact clanged in his gut.

He wasn’t a fan of messy emotions. He didn’t like experiencing grief. Or tenderness for Finley. Or protectiveness of Finley. Or guilt. In no way did he want to set himself up for pain.

He liked simplicity. In the years since he’d left home, he’d been happiest when he’d done his job and spent the rest of his hours alone, free from being taken hostage by his feelings.

“Are you okay?” Finley asked.

“I’m better than I’ve been since the day that you gave me that high-maintenance rodent.”

“But also slightly sad?”

“Nah.”

“Hmm,” she said knowingly. “It’s always bittersweet to say good-bye. I’m choosing to focus on how happy that family will be with Agatha.”

“Or not.”

She laughed. “Luke. Have a little faith.”

CHAPTER TWELVE

Luke and Finley arrived at the Chickamauga train depot at eleven a.m. on Saturday and paid the two-dollar-per-person entrance price.

One look around the Walker County Regional Heritage Train Museum housed inside the depot, and Luke’s spirits sank. It was larger than he’d expected and packed with stuff. They were going to be here awhile. “Do you remember this place?”