Chapter 41
forty-one
CALLA
The town square is electric with excitement as we prepare for the pet adoption fair. The grassy center of the square is crowned by its iconic gazebo, aka our wedding site. It’s already dotted with colorful tents and tables.
My husband and I are both in our element here. We work seamlessly together as we unload boxes from the back of his SUV. I steal a glance at him.
My husband . It still feels unreal. A giddy feeling rushes through me. Married life really does suit us. It always did.
"Don't squish the cupcakes," I remind him. “That’s delicate cargo.” I eye the box in his hands. Each cupcake is decorated with little fondant paw prints for the animal adoption event. A true labor of love from my bakery.
"Would I ever?" Jay feigns hurt. "These are practically your children."
"They are." I cross my arms and give him a playful glare. "You better handle them with the same care."
"Like I handle you?" He waggles his eyebrows.
“Are you kidding? You’re forever trying to get me dirty.” I smirk. “Let’s hope you’re not going to do the same thing to the cupcakes.”
Jay grins. His tall, dark, and gorgeous self towers over me. "When have I ever squished a cupcake?"
I raise an eyebrow. "Do you want the list alphabetically or chronologically?"
He laughs and sets the box down gently on the table. "Touché, Lily."
Ellie Haart, Ryan's younger sister and the event's organizer, waves at us from across the square. She is wearing her usual animal print scrubs. The bright pattern looks wild in the sea of casual jeans and T-shirts the volunteers wear.
"Calla, Jay!" she shouts, cupping her hands around her mouth. “Thanks for coming!”
"We wouldn't miss it." I wave back enthusiastically.
Ellie is a whirlwind of energy. She bustles from one table to the next. I have to say, I admire her commitment. As a veterinarian, she’s already stretched thin. And yet, she still finds time to organize events like this. I don’t know her that well yet, but I’m already in awe,
I glance over at Ryan. He’s tying down a tent with Wren, or at least trying to. They seem to be having a serious disagreement over it. Frowning, I move closer.
“You’re doing it wrong,” I hear Ryan say. He looks at her with a taunting expression. “Do you need help? Just tell me you need me?—”
Wren suddenly shoves the entire tent at Ryan and leaves him staggering, his arms full of poles and canvas. She stalks away and de notices my curious gaze. He smiles.
“She’s so temperamental, you know.”
I narrow my gaze. “Be nice to Wren. She’s my family now. You? Not so much. ”
Ryan grins. “Aye aye, boss.” He gives me a faux salute and returns to setting up the tent.
Jay lopes up to me, missing the entire interaction completely. "Ellie really outdid herself this time." He nods toward a table laden with animal-themed crafts and another with a towering stack of pet food donations.
"She did!” I glance at the table. "It's going to be a great turnout."
Jay pulls out his phone and starts a live stream. "Hey guys, we’re here at the Greater Town Square Pet Adoption Fair. Come on down and meet some adorable animals. Calla and I will be here all day." He turns the camera toward me.
I give a little wave. "And we’re giving away a free cupcake to everyone who visits." I smile, knowing that the lure of sweets will draw a crowd.
Jay ends the stream. He tucks his phone away. "Think we’ll survive the sugar rush?"
“We can only try,” I announce, faux-dramatically. Jay grins.
Ellie wheels over a large cart filled with animal enclosures. The sight of wiggling puppies, curious kittens, and a few more exotic creatures makes my heart melt on the spot. Jay makes sure they are safe in their enclosures and out of the sun.
"These are the stars of the show." Ellie’s enthusiasm is infectious. "Take a look."
We crowd around the cart and peer in like kids on Christmas morning. Jay’s face softens as he gazes at a tiny tabby kitten. Its big eyes and wobbly head are too much to resist.
I feel a pang of something maternal.
I turn my head and spot a three-legged Great Pyrenees with a grumpy expression. It’s like he’s the canine version of a grumpy old man. "What’s his story
Ellie sighs. Her usual upbeat demeanor dips for a moment. "That’s Gonzo. He lost his leg in an accident and has been in and out of shelters. He’s a sweetheart. Just needs the right home."
I kneel down to Gonzo’s level and extend a hand slowly. He sniffs it cautiously. His big, soulful eyes take me in. Then he rests his heavy head on my palm. The warmth of his fur and the trust in his eyes are almost too much to bear. "He seems like a real sweetheart."
Jay leans in over my shoulder. His hand gently strokes my back. “What? Did you already fall in love?”
I look back at Gonzo. He has settled into a resigned, sleepy posture. It's like he knows his fate and has made peace with it. That just kills me.
"Maybe we could—" I start, but Jay cuts me off.
"Calla." His tone is cautious. "We have a lot on our plates right now.”
I know he’s right. The bakery, his brand, and our new marriage all take time and energy. But looking at Gonzo, I just can’t shake the thought that we could make it work somehow.
"We could foster him." I try to keep my tone light. "Just until he finds a permanent home.”
Jay rubs his chin. He considers it. He’s never one to make a quick decision, especially when it involves a commitment like this. Except when he married me.
"Fostering is a big maybe. Let’s see how today goes first."
I nod. I know this is the best compromise I’m going to get right now. "Okay, but just look at him. How could anyone resist that face?"
Jay bends down and studies Gonzo. I can see the struggle in his eyes. He wants to say no. He knows that if we take Gonzo in, even as a foster, he’ll become part of our family.
Ellie claps her hands together and brings us back to the present. "Whatever you decide, just let me know. I appreciate you even considering it."
We move away from the cart. I steal one last glance at Gonzo. The fair is in full swing now. Families and couples are moving from tent to tent. Children squeal with delight as they pet the animals.
Jay takes my hand. We walk back to the table where the cupcakes are stacked in colorful tiers. Each one is a miniature work of art, with fondant paw prints and bones. I’m proud of how far the bakery has come. It’s become a staple in the community.
The fair kicks into high gear as more townspeople arrive. Kids rush to the animal enclosures. Adults peruse the tables filled with pet supplies. A line forms at our booth for cupcakes. The excitement is palpable. People eagerly pet and play with the animals. Many are already discussing adoptions. Jay and I take turns handing out cupcakes and making small talk with our neighbors.
"Calla, these are amazing." One woman licks frosting from her finger. "Are you going to start making pet-friendly treats?"
I laugh. "Maybe. We'll see how today goes."
Jay leans in close and whispers. "You should. They’d sell like hotcakes."
"Or cupcakes," I whisper back.
I see a few people lining up to pet Gonzo. One family, two moms and a little boy, seems particularly interested. My heart squeezes and when Ellie walks by, I snag her.
“What’s going on with Gonzo? ”
She turns and looks, then smiles. “I think they want to adopt him. They have a few acres on the other side of Greater. They already have a few rescues. A duck, a couple cats, and a blind Chihuahua. It would be a perfect environment for a big dog. But… They are talking about how expensive it would be to take Gonzo on.”
My heart hurts. But even as I ache, I see Gonzo licking the little boy’s hand. Out of nowhere, I blurt out, “What if I agreed to take care of his food and vet bills for a year?”
Ellie’s eyes widen. “I thought you wanted to take him home!”
“I do. But… I mean, look at him. He’s obviously meant to be their dog.”
We look at Gonzo, who is standing up now and showcasing his missing front leg. He’s leaning against one of the women. Ellie beams at the scene. “I think if I told them right now, they would say yes.”
“Well, go! Get Gonzo a good home. Trust me, I will live to fight another day.”
Ellie touches my hand briefly. “Thanks, Calla. Ryan said you were good people. It seems like he was right.”
I work the cupcake stand for another hour, sometimes posing for photos. Inside, I’m still sad about Gonzo. When I see that his pen is empty, it hurts a tiny bit.
God, if I’m like this after just meeting a dog for twenty minutes, what will I be like as a mom? The dial on my mothering instincts is turned up to an eleven right now.
"Calla." Jay pulls me aside just as I’m about to hand out another cupcake. "I have a surprise for you."
"Oh?" I tilt my head, curious and slightly wary. With Jay, surprises can go in any direction.
After I hand off the cupcake I’m holding, he takes my hand and leads me to the back of Ellie’s cart. He checks over his shoulder, then opens a small carrier carefully. Inside is a half-Siamese kitten with striking blue eyes and a delicate frame. Her tiny paws knead a soft blanket.
Oh. My. God. “It’s so cute!!”
"Her name is Pocket." His voice is almost reverent. "I thought she’d be perfect for us. Lower maintenance than Gonzo, but still very much a pet we could take home."
The kitten is absolutely adorable. I can already picture her curled up in Jay’s lap, purring contentedly while he works. My heart tugs at the vision.
"She’s beautiful." I mean it, too. "About Gonzo… he’s found his forever home on a farm with a great family. Aaaand I offered to pay for his expenses for a year."
“Oh god. That could be a lot of money.” He smiles as he shakes his head.
I grab his hand and flutter my eyelashes. “It’s a good thing the bakery is doing well.”
“And your husband is a very successful businessman.” He cups my cheek, kisses me gently, then draws my attention back to the kitten. “So? What do you say?”
“I say YES!” I announce. I squeal and throw my arms around his neck. “Let’s do it, Bird.”
“You got it, Lily.” He picks me up and twirls me around.
“Gah, get a room, you two,” Wren mutters as she walks by. “You’re embarrassing the family.”
I crack up as Jay picks up the carrier with sweet, baby Pocket. We walk over to Ellie, announcing our new family member.
“Look who’s coming home with us!” Jay says.
Pocket stretches her paw out, batting at my hand through the carrier door. I open the door and pull her out, laying her against my chest. She looks at me with eyes that are so big they should be illegal .
“Miaow?” she trills.
“I can see who has all the power in this relationship from the start,” I coo. “Isn’t that right, my little Hot Pocket?”
Pocket settles against me and starts purring. Jay puts his arm around my waist and nuzzles my cheek. I realize that I’ve never felt quite so content as I do in this moment, right here on the sidewalk in the middle of the town square.