Harlequin Special Edition January 2019, Box Set 1 of 2 by Michelle Major

Author:Michelle Major
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2018-11-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT

Claire held Gwyneth Cardle’s application for Dempsey and read each line carefully. The woman lived in a single-family home, but there was no fenced yard.

“Since you don’t have a fenced yard, are you prepared to walk Dempsey at least three times a day, for taking care of business and exercise?”

“Three times?” Gwyneth said, her eyes popping. “I’m figuring on walking her right before I leave for work at eight thirtyish, and then when I get home at five thirty.”

Claire stared at her. “You realize that’s nine hours.”

“She’s a big dog, though. I read that big dogs can hold it longer.”

Claire marked an X next to Residence Information.

“So, Dempsey will be alone for nine hours each weekday?” Claire asked. “No contact with people or dogs and no potty break or exercise?”

“I work,” the woman snapped. “So sue me.”

“You could hire a dog walker to come at noon,” Claire said. “I work and that’s what I do.”

“Not everyone can afford that,” Gwyneth muttered. “She’ll have to hold it in.”

Claire marked an X next to Understands Dogs’ Needs and went over the rest of her application, which was as dismal. Under the area that asked what provisions she would make for the dog if she went on vacation, Gwyneth had written: “I really don’t know.”

Next.

If there would be a next. Looks like you’re mine a bit longer, Dempsey, she thought, a feeling she recognized all too well as relief washing over her.

“Thanks so much for filling out the application and for your interest in Dempsey,” she said to Gwyneth. “I’ll pass the application to one of the shelter owners, and we’ll be in touch by the end of the day.”

“Could you not call before five?” she asked, putting on her jacket. “I’m planning on watching five episodes of my show today, so…”

Claire mentally rolled her eyes. “Well, one of the Whitaker sisters will contact you via email. So, no worries.”

As Claire watched the woman walk away and stick her finger in an adoptable kitten’s kennel in the lobby, despite the big sign that read: Please Do Not Put Fingers in Kennels, she thought about how satisfying it would be to stamp the application with Not Recommended.

On her way to the desk to do just that, Claire’s phone pinged with a text. Jasmine, one of her teacher friends from the middle school.

Help! Babysitter canceled and tonight’s my brother-in-law’s wedding. Can you take Tyler? Six to midnightish.

Ooh. Tyler was a precious, adorable, baby-shampoo-scented seven-month-old with huge brown eyes and a gummy smile.

She texted back, Of course! I’ll come pick him up so you don’t get baby spit-up on the gorgeous dress I’m sure you’re wearing.

Thank you!!! I owe you BIG.

Clare smiled. Au contraire. She loved babysitting, especially babies.

And what better way to try to get Matt out of her system than to focus on what she wanted for herself: a child.

* * *

That night, as Matt took Sparkle and Hank into the yard, he could have sworn he saw Claire walking back and forth in her living room with a baby in her arms.

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