Page 19 of The Journey That Never Ends

“It’s about Jack.”

Elana looked at Ethan. “What about him?”

He glanced at the house. “Since you got here, he’s been different. Better.”

She followed his gaze. Jack was sitting on the top step of the porch watching them carefully. “I’m not sure it’s me.”

Ethan snorted. “Believe me. It’s you.”

Elana forced herself to look away from the dog. “I think you and Felicia are mistaken. Once we’re gone, he’ll forget about me.”

Ethan cocked his head. “Are you sure about that?”

She opened her mouth to speak, but suddenly felt something against her leg. She looked down to see Jack resting his head against her leg.

Her heart tugged in her chest. “I can’t stay.” She rubbed the area behind his ears.

“I want you to consider something.”

She looked at him and waited for him to speak.

“Would you be willing to take him with you to Montana?”

She started to shake her head. “I can’t take him. What if he hates riding in the van?”

Ethan shrugged. “He loves riding.”

She bit her lip. “What if he runs off or gets lost?”

Ethan shoved his hands in his jeans pocket. “Keep him on a leash.”

She crossed her arms. “What if he gets sick?”

He cocked his head. “Just give me a call and I’ll give you the closest vet. I’ll even cover any costs he might incur.”

She slowly shook her head. “Grandma Cecilia isn’t going to go for this. It’s her van, and I don’t think she will allow me to take him.”

Grandma Cecilia appeared beside her with a smile on her face. “I guess Ethan told you we are taking Jack on the trip with us.”

Elana glared at her grandmother. “You already talked about this?”

She beamed. “Of course. I think it’s a fabulous idea. We can drop him off on our way back from Montana. Besides, it’s a good idea to have a dog for protection. You never know what kind of criminals are roaming the roads.” She slapped Elana on the shoulder. “It’s settled. Now come inside and let’s eat. I made my famous lasagna.”

Ethan and Grandma Cecilia walked toward the house, leaving Elana alone. She looked down at Jack. The dog stared up at her.

She knelt to Jack’s level. Looking the dog in his eyes, she rubbed him between the ears. “I know we don’t know each other. And I’ve never taken a dog on a road trip. Don’t tear anything up, and don’t run off. Deal?” She held out her hand.

Jack looked at her hand, took a step forward, and licked her from her chin to her forehead.

CHAPTER11

The next morning, they were all gathered around the van. Felicia had brought Jack out of the house on a leash. She had his dog bed along with a bowl and some dog food.

Elana felt unsure about this whole situation as she took the leash from Felicia.

“What if he…” she started to say, but Ethan held up his hand.

“Just call if you have any questions or run into problems. Cecilia has my number. Call day or night,” Ethan reassured her.

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