Wandering Souls by Rose Middleton

Author:Rose Middleton
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rose Middleton
Published: 2022-09-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Under the shade of a spreading eucalyptus, Ray laid out the picnic rug and set the basket in the center. Moisture hung heavy in the air as thick, dark clouds gathered over the town. It had been threatening to rain for a day now but so far, not a drop had fallen.

Winter held on with her white knuckles exposed for all to see, dueling with spring for supremacy. Signs that spring had started to win the battle were everywhere. Blossoms bloomed, bees buzzed hungrily for pollen, and young green shoots had begun to sprout, but the biggest sign had yet to arrive.

The rains.

And they needed them to hurry along. Though the previous winter had seen heavy snowfall, native Australian forest dried quickly. Worse still, the prolonged snow season had encouraged rampant growth in the underbrush. The fuel load would feed a burgeoning flame until it roared out of control. Wills Crossing hadn’t seen wildfire for some time, or so Nev had told him, but for the next hour, Ray prayed the rains held off—even if every breath he took was filled with the scent.

On the corner of the rug, Bruce sat up. Something, or perhaps someone had his attention. Ray turned, napkins in hand, to see Abigail step down from her Jeep. Dressed in faded blue jeans that clung nicely to her curves, and a cream turtleneck sweater, she presented his dream girl. Long blond hair flowed in the breeze and pale blue eyes met his from across the park. A smile curved her lips and she shut the vehicle door.

On the rug, Bruce let out a small chuff. His front paws danced in excitement and the entire back end of the dog wagged in sync with his tail. He glanced at Ray, as if debating whether breaking the rules to run to her was worth the trouble it would earn him. Ray chuckled and decided to give the dog a break.

“Go.”

Without hesitation, Bruce leapt to his feet and bounded across the grassy expanse of the park. For an instant, Ray feared the Shepherd would knock her over but true to form, the dog skidded to a halt in time and planted his ass on the ground. Bending on one knee, Abi greeted Bruce with so much affection he felt a pang of jealousy. It didn’t last long. How could it, when seeing the bond between dog and woman develop with such strength gave him joy?

Abi’s laughter rang out as she stood and followed Bruce to him. Looking proud as punch that he’d retrieved her, Bruce found his place at the corner of the picnic rug, made three circles and then sat.

“He really is well trained,” she noted, as she stopped at the edge of the rug and toed off her sneakers.

“You don’t have to do that.” Ray didn’t care if she tread dirt everywhere, so long as she came near enough to touch.

“My choice.” She dropped her car keys and purse by her shoes. “Besides, I don’t plan on going anywhere for a while.

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