Page 84 of Stroke of Fate

We walk up the short driveway, and when Levi’s hand brushes mine, I’m the one to link our fingers together. He doesn’t comment, but his responding squeeze tells me enough. It’s surprisingly quiet for an animal shelter, and I say as much to Levi as we walk up the three steps onto the porch.

“The main shelter is a mile or two down the road. They use this house for any dogs getting picked up for the day or those getting adopted.”

Levi knocks, and a few seconds later, an older woman with a salt-and-pepper bob and kind brown eyes opens the door. Her face lights up when she sees Levi and pulls him into a motherly hug.

“Hi, Ms. May,” Levi says, hugging the older woman back.

When they pull apart, she holds him at arm’s length and gives him a once-over, reminding me of a grandmother inspecting her grandchild.

“You look good, healthy.” She nods approvingly. “I was going to call you. I wasn’t sure if you’d make it today.”

“We were running a bit late this morning,” Levi says.

With that explanation, she turns her kind eyes to me.

“Ms. May, this is Bear,” Levi says, making introductions.

“It’s lovely to meet you,” I smile.

She takes my hand in her soft, wrinkled one, giving it a gentle pat. “A lovely name for a beautiful girl.” Then she laughs, “I feel honored that I finally get to meet someone special in Levi’s life. I thought he was hiding people from me.”

“Never had anyone worth introducing you to until now,” Levi says, pulling me closer, and I flush against his side.

“Such a sweet-talker, isn’t he?” She winks. “Come, let’s go get Winston.”

She hooks her elbow through mine, but instead of walking through the front door, we head back down the driveway and around to the backyard.

While Levi works on unlocking the latch at the top of the gate, Ms. May leans in close. “You’ve found yourself a good boy, Bear.”

Oh, I know Ms. May. And that’s what scares me.

She pats my arm again before strolling ahead through the gate Levi’s holding open for us. As I pass by him, he shoots me a questioning look, but I’m saved from having to respond when a blur of fur launches itself at me.

Laughter bubbles up my throat as I drop to my knees, letting the black-and-white dog nuzzle into me. He flops onto his back, eager for the belly rubs I’m already giving him. He’s adorable, and despite whatever he went through to end up here, it’s clear he’s loved and well cared for now.

“Winston is one of our older dogs,” Ms.May says, watching us with a smile. “He’s often overlooked because of his age, but he’s a love bug.”

“How old is he?” I ask, noticing the white aging spots around his muzzle.

“The vets estimate he’s around twelve. A good Samaritan brought him in when they found him wandering alone.”

My heart aches thinking of this sweet boy having to fend for himself on the streets.

Winston twists and turns, leaping up from the grass, when he spots Levi walking toward us with a leash. He bends down, letting Winston lick his free hand. My heart warms as I watch their sweet interaction.

Once Levi clips the leash securely onto the harness around Winston’s body, he straightens and looks up at me. “Ready to head out?”

“Ready whenever you are.” I grin.

We say our goodbyes to Ms. May, promising to return Winston on time.

Then we walk hand in hand back to the car, with Winston trotting happily beside us.

***

We’ve spent the last hour walking through a wooded trail with Winston. It’s a beautifully sunny morning, the crisp air carrying the scent of fall. After another few more minutes down a well-worn path, we reach a clearing.

“Wow,” I say, my breath catching at the sight.

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