Page 62 of Just a Wrong Turn

With an exhale, Liza replied, “Yeah.”

Her heart hurt. For so many reasons.

“Liza!” Ada and Maggie were shouting to her from the second story deck. “Hot tub!” They waved their hands in the air, displaying ridiculous dance moves to entice her out of the car.

A smile broke through. After taking a deep breath, she decided to try to enjoy herself.

Once settled in the cabin, Liza made her way to the deck. She needed some quiet to process her feelings, so she wrapped herself in a blanket and snuggled into a patio chair.

The view reminded her of a postcard. Snow capped mountains were visible beyond giant evergreens. The air was cool and crisp.

Miller never had called her back. She was trying to come to grips with the fact that things were probably over between them.It just seemed like we had something good…

Liza felt a tear rolling down her cheek. The sliding door opened behind her and she tried to wipe away any evidence of emotion.

Maggie stepped out onto the deck. “Can you help me grab the snacks and drinks from the Jeep?”

“Yeah, no problem.” Liza stood.

“I’m just gonna grab a sweatshirt. I’ll meet you out there.” Maggie said as she strode inside.

Liza made her way to the front door and then down the stairs to the driveway. As she got near the Jeep, she heard something. Taking a few steps closer, she realized it was coming from inside the vehicle. Peering into the back, she saw a little dog barking ferociously.

Liza was about to run inside for backup when she noticed writing on the black collar. In white font, she read “Randall.”

Randall!?

Liza hurried to the side door and slowly opened it. “Randall!”

The barking ceased immediately. Perching his paws on the back of the seats, Randall peered over at her.

“Hi bestie!” She reached out and pulled him onto her lap. “What are you doing here?”

Liza felt her cheek muscles straining from smiling so big as he licked her face. Something jingled against his collar. She gently maneuvered the strap around until she saw a silver tag with pink jewels. The inscription said, “What would Elle Woods do?” Liza laughed and then immediately glanced around.

Standing outside her door was Miller.

Her mouth dropped open.

As the door swung out, he stepped toward her. “Hi.”

Liza’s ribs vibrated with the intense beating of her heart. “Hi,” she finally blurted. “Wha… How?”

“I heard you might need a fashion school tutor.”

Still holding Randall, Liza jumped out of the car and into Miller’s chest—being careful not to squish the pup. “I can’t believe you’re here.” Standing on her tiptoes, she pressed her lips against his. She heard him chuckle.

“I’ve been craving a Miller Brooks kiss,” she said, slightly pulling away.

“Snowdrop licks my face a lot, so I haven’t missed kissing you at all,” Miller teased. Liza swatted his arm.

She gently set Randall on the ground while taking hold of the leash.

As she stood again, Miller wrapped his arms around her waist. “Obviously that’s not true because I flew all the way here to see you.”

Liza gave him another peck. “Where is Snowdrop? And what’s going on with the rescue? I saw your video.”

“Captain Tate and Simone are babysitting Snowdrop. I thought I spoiled him, but they take it to another level.” Miller smiled with his eyes and then let out an exhale. “As far as the rescue goes, Captain Tate and I met with the mayor. She’s going to propose opening a city-run animal shelter in Oakville.”

---