Epilogue—Ella
epilogue—ella
ONE YEAR LATER
I stood at the railing, looking down at the scene below. Over the past year, the shelter—now licensed as Paw Haven at Cecilton—had undergone major renovations, thanks to generous donations and tons of community support.
“These are our socialization zones,” I said to the couple touring the facility. “We designate different areas of outdoor play based on the temperament of the dogs who stay with us.”
Their eyes roamed over the space, taking in the splash pads and wading pools for warm weather. The agility course, with tunnels, ramps, weave poles and hurdles. A canine-friendly jungle gym with multiple levels to keep even the highest energy pups engaged.
“Beneath this deck are the resting cabanas with comfy beds and water stations for chill time.”
“This is a doggy paradise,” the woman said in awe.
She wasn’t wrong. The once-dilapidated motel blocks had been repurposed for various aspects of the ever-expanding offerings. Now, in addition to housing animals available for adoption (Second-Chance Canine Lodge) and providing veterinary care (Healing Hounds), we also had a boarding kennel (Bark & Stay), a doggy day care program (Four Paws Retreat), a grooming and spa area (The Pampered Pooch), and training classes (The Good Dog) that provided enough income to keep us solidly in the black.
One of those old motel units was now my new home. Well, mine and Dom’s. I had moved out of my little studio in the former old wing, and Dom had joined me shortly after. The place was still a work in progress, but we were doing much of the work ourselves and loving every minute of it. Dom especially liked taking a sledgehammer to nonstructural walls. I enjoyed it too—mainly because he usually did so shirtless, and I got to watch.
Even better, the place was one hundred percent us . Comfortable and cozy with plenty of private space for us and big, open areas to hang out with family and friends, which were many.
And of course, our fur babies. We had officially adopted Oreo and Daisy, who had become the online faces of Paw Haven, thanks to Gina. Oreo had quadrupled in size but was still as playful as ever, and Daisy was a natural as a mentor dog, especially when it came to new rescues. The two were inseparable.
As were Dom and I. The man had seamlessly become my other half. All those dreams I’d given up on were now my reality, and I couldn’t be happier. Oh, there were still moments my darker side reminded me of the if it’s too good to be true, then it probably is philosophy, but that voice was pretty faint these days. I credit Dom with that. Whenever doubts started to arise, he was right there, banishing my demons and finding heartfelt and creative ways to reassure me.
Dom was still with the fire department. He loved what he did, and I supported him one hundred percent. Admittedly, I worried when I heard those sirens go off, but knowing the risks made me appreciate everything we had that much more. He assured me that he didn’t take unnecessary chances. Getting to know the crew helped too. They were a great bunch of guys who knew their stuff. Dom was in good hands when he wasn’t in mine.
As for me, I was still very much involved with the shelter. In fact, I was the director now. I had even learned how to delegate, though that, like the renovation, was a work in progress. Sometimes, I still found myself over there when Dom was working those twelve-hour night shifts, but at least now, we could afford to pay round-the-clock staff.
Which also meant we could do crazy things, like take advantage of those three-day-off blocks of his. Most of the time, we filled those with quality time together and working on our new home, but sometimes, we took some overnight trips too. For a woman who’d grown up in a strict ‘Ndrangheta household in a big city, I had adjusted well to mountains, valleys, and cabins on lakes. Needless to say, I wasn’t a big fan of the water, but we were working on that.
That vision I’d had of Dom and me on a beach with Pia and Tullio hadn’t yet come to pass, but it would soon. With help from Uncle Bruno’s friends up north, Pia and Tullio had new identities as well and had relocated. I didn’t know exactly where, but Dom and I were planning to meet Jennifer and Jim Carpenter at an all-inclusive resort on a tropical island this winter.
I finished up the tour and left the smiling couple with plenty of information, knowing we’d be seeing them again soon. I popped my head into the clinic, where Ben was giving a tour of his own to some vet school students doing internships over the summer. He was looking relaxed and happy these days. I thought much of that was largely due to our new vet tech, Justina, who had a knack with animals—and our workaholic veterinarian.
My phone buzzed, which I could now hear as well as feel, thanks to the amazing hearing aid Sofia had hooked me up with. Excusing myself, I stepped into the sunny, brightly lit corridor and checked the text that had just come in.
Lucia : Dinner at Mama C’s tonight. Gina and Gray are back!
I was excited to see Gina again. We’d been collaborating remotely, but it wasn’t the same as being face-to-face.
Me : Sounds great. Dom’s shift goes until seven.
Lucia : Come early and hang with us. Dom won’t mind. He can come when he’s done.
My heart warmed. It was still hard for me to accept that Dom’s family treated me like family too, not just Dom’s girlfriend. We could spend time together and have a good time, even when Dom wasn’t around. That made Dom happy too. He often encouraged me to accept invitations to girl-only things with Lucia, Gina, and Sofia. What had felt awkward for me at first now felt comfortable.
Me : I’d like that. Six?
Lucia : How about now? We’re doing an impromptu trip to the spa. Sofe’s in too. You know what? Forget I asked. You’re coming. Be there in fifteen.
I laughed. Lucia’s energy was contagious, and an afternoon with the girls sounded perfect.
Me : Fine. See you soon.