Page 1 of Frozen Hearts

Chapter 1

Melanie Stewart gave herself one last glance in the mirror. She nodded her head approvingly at her own reflection. Her outfit was a simple pair of blue jeans and a black t-shirt, but she wanted to look put together. Today was an important day. At least for her.

Three months ago, Mel had moved out of her parents’ home and into her own townhome. She was one of the few people who had been born and raised in WaterColor. Most of the people she’d known growing up had long since moved on from the quiet beach town. But Mel loved it here. She’d moved into the WaterColor Beach Community and her whole world had opened up.

WaterColor Beach Community bordered the beach, and even had its own beach access. There were larger homes towards the front, and townhomes in the back. Playgrounds and three swimming pools were just some of the many features that had drawn Mel in. But now that she’d settled, it was the little dog park she could see from her living room window that Mel liked the best.

She had spent weeks watching the people come and go with their dogs. Mel had always wanted a dog, but her mom had always said no. Now that she was in her own place Mel was beyond ready. Her friend Jordan ran a local dog rescue, and a doggy daycare. She’d already filled out all of the adoption applications, so today she’d go and meet the dogs that were at the rescue.

Jordan was waiting for her up front when she arrived. As always, Jordan was perfectly composed. She wore a button-down blouse and black pants. To say that Jordan was visually stunning to look at was an understatement. The woman was cool and crisp but somehow still managed to hold a certain amount of warmth to her.

“Do you handle all the adoptions personally?” Mel asked, genuinely curious.

“Only the special ones,” Jordan smirked. Mel felt a tiny pinch of pride inside.

Most people who met Jordan found her to be vaguely intimidating. But Mel had immediately seen how funny and intelligent she was. Perhaps it was because she knew the woman through her work at Mallie’s Cafe. People were usually pretty nice to the people bringing them food.

“Are you ready to meet our little friends?” Jordan asked.

“Yes, bring them on. I have been waiting for this day,” Mel said excitedly.

“That’s what I love to hear. Is there anything in particular that you’re looking for? Big, small, young or old. Do you have any preferences?”

Mel took in the question for a moment. Her brain sorted through her mental images of what she’d imagined her dog would look like.

“I would like a dog that is sort of athletic. I like to go for runs on the beach and I would like a dog that could keep up with me.”

“So probably medium to big, and younger. Not one of our more elderly residents,” Jordan suggested.

“Yeah, I guess so.”

“I think we have some dogs that will be a great fit for you,” Jordan smiled.

Jordan directed Mel down a long hallway with the wave of her hand.

“I want to start you off in our play area. This is where our residents that are dog friendly spend time during the day.”

Mel felt a warmth in her heart. Jordan had thought of everything when it came to the happiness of the animals that found themselves at the rescue. Jordan opened the door at the end of the hallway. Mel immediately felt assaulted by the mix of noises that assaulted her ears.

Inside the room Jordan’s soon to be wife, Reese, was throwing a ball for a group of dogs. When Reese saw them she gave the ball one final throw before coming over. Reese and Jordan were a perfect contrast to one another. Jordan was all business, while Reese had a casualness to her demeanor. Reese wrapped her arms around Jordan and tugged her closer. Mel watched as Jordan allowed herself to be drawn in by Reese. Mel smiled to herself, she hoped to find that kind of happiness with a partner someday.

“Hey, Mel. Are you here to volunteer?” Reese asked. Her blonde hair fell messily over her shoulders and a thin bead of sweat was over her brow from playing with the dogs.

“Not today. Mel is actually here to adopt one of our friends,” Jordan explained.

Reese clasped her hands in front of her and smiled.

“That’s terrific news. What are you looking for in a future friend?” Reese asked.

“I’m not completely sure. But I would love it if I could find a dog to take running on the beach with me every morning,” Mel smiled. Her eyes drifted along the group of dogs playing together in the room.

“Reese can probably give you some insights. She volunteers in the playroom pretty regularly,” Jordan suggested.

Reese’s smile grew wider. Mel watched as Reese scanned the room of dogs. In an instant Reese’s arm was around Mel’s shoulder leading her around the room.

“These two over here are named Toby and Kyle. They both love to swim and play ball,” Reese began.

“Kyle?” Mel asked.

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