Finding Joy (Love's Compass Book 5) by Melanie D. Snitker

Author:Melanie D. Snitker [Snitker, Melanie D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dallionz Media LLC
Published: 2017-02-14T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

Parker had kept busy out at one of the stock ponds, beginning repairs to the small dock that ran along one side. He had many memories of jumping off that dock and going swimming when he was a kid. He and Kara had fun swinging from the rope that hung from a tree along the bank. The rope was still there, although it was tattered from years of sun and bad weather.

Parker took Happy to the stock pond frequently. In March, it was still too cold for even the dog to go swimming, but it was one of Parker’s favorite places to walk.

The other day, as he’d stepped onto the dock, one board had collapsed right under him. He’d managed to catch himself before twisting an ankle, but he hadn’t realized the dock had fallen into such disrepair. Upon further inspection, he discovered most of the boards desperately needed to be replaced.

Normally, a project like this was something he welcomed. It meant he could stay busy on the ranch, in close range if needed, but manage to avoid contact with anyone else if that’s what he wanted.

And usually, that was exactly what he would’ve chosen to do.

Now it was Friday morning and he was back at the stock pond again, laying out the next planks to hammer into place. Instead of the usual peace he enjoyed, his mind kept wandering to Chelsea.

He didn’t see her at all yesterday. Had no real reason to run into her today, either. She had plenty of things to do and if, for some reason she needed to contact him, she had his cell phone number.

Then why did he keep seeing her face when he stared at the water? He let his gaze wander the bank of the pond, pausing at one of the large trees. The image of Chelsea sitting beneath a tree, black kitten in her lap, was so vivid it was as though he had taken a mental photograph.

Parker looked at his watch. It was nearly lunchtime. Would she be there again?

Did it matter?

As if to answer his own question, he picked up his hammer and slammed a nail into the board with way more force than was necessary. Happy trotted over, sat on the same board, and stared at Parker expectantly.

“You’d better move, buddy. We still have several hours of work to go.”

Happy stared at him, not a muscle twitching.

Parker sat back and shook his head. “What’s your deal?”

Happy laid down then, resting his chin on his paws.

Apparently, the dog knew it was time to eat and would not take no for an answer.

“Fine. Let’s go.” Parker stood and made a wide motion toward the truck. Happy got there before he did. Normally, Parker would sit on the tailgate and eat the sandwich he’d brought. But again, all he could picture was Chelsea eating lunch alone under one of his favorite trees.

In direct contrast to his good sense, he opened the cab of the truck and Happy hopped inside. Parker got his bowl of dog food and set it on the floorboard.

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