Love Inspired: July 2022 Box Set 1 of 2 by Leigh Bale

Author:Leigh Bale
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-11-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWELVE

The shelter was a little hectic today. Adoption day was officially underway. Though Jalissa had some of the SAFE teens assisting her, she still felt the walls closing in. She unlocked her office door, waited for Flo to follow her through, then locked it back up. Sinking to the floor, she concentrated on her breathing. Flo placed her paws in Jalissa’s lap, her nose nuzzling Jalissa’s face.

“I know, girl.” She was trying to take deep breaths but just couldn’t seem to get her heart rate to slow or her breaths to even out.

She slid her hands up and down Flo’s body. The steady movements and the warmth from Flo began to penetrate the panic. Bit by bit, the repetitive motion cleared the haze of anxiety. Jalissa inhaled as she told her brain she had enough air. When she exhaled, she assured herself that everything was fine. The adoption event would go well, and the teens there to assist would get good work experience out of it.

As she went through her mental exercises and focused on Flo’s comfort, the attack slowly ebbed. Later, when her shift was over and Jalissa was in the comfort of her own home, she’d probably crash from the drop in adrenaline. For now, she needed to pull herself together and get the adoptions underway.

As she shifted onto her feet, Flo rose on all fours. Jalissa peeked at the small mirror hanging near her door. Her hair was in place, and her face didn’t appear flushed. She looked as fine as she was going to get.

Flo’s nails clicked against the concrete as they headed outside toward the front, where all the kennels had been set up. Jalissa had posted flyers last week and run an ad in the local paper—online and in print. She’d been sure to mention donations were welcome on top of adoption fees. Hopefully that would encourage the town’s folk to help the shelter.

“Hi, Ms. Jalissa.”

She stopped at the greeting, turning to find the person that matched the voice. As Sean and Rider walked toward her, she forced her lips to curve upward. “Hey, guys. Glad you could make it.”

Though her words and tone were cordial, her body coiled, tensing at the thought of seeing Rider once more. She’d hoped baring her soul to him would bring an end to anything outside of fund-raising. Of course today fell into that purview, so she couldn’t escape him.

“I’ve been asking my mom for a dog. She doesn’t think I’m responsible enough, so I hoped volunteering would show her.” Despite the conviction in his voice, uncertainty filled Sean’s dark brown eyes.

“I’ll be sure to let her know how much you helped,” Jalissa replied.

“Thanks!” His cheeks bunched, looking like round apples with the baby fat that was still clinging to his frame.

“Here’s what you can do.” She pointed to the open kennel that had the pups. “If someone wants to see one of these guys, you make sure they sanitize their hands before you let them hold a pup.

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