19. Kara
19
Kara
T wisting her chestnut hair into a loose bun, Kara stepped out of her bedroom, swapping the dress for her favorite worn jeans, a band t-shirt, and a pair of scuffed once-white sneakers. But as she moved around her tiny home, searching for the rescue’s keys to do her nightly check, she couldn’t help but think about the evening she’d had with Ethan, and how happy it had made her feel.
Her mind wandered to their almost-kiss. A small part of her was relieved it didn’t happen, though she couldn’t quite figure out why. They’d been here before, all those years ago. The pain of what came after still lingered in her chest, a reminder that some things were better left in the past. However, as his lips had parted ever so slightly, his breath warm against her skin, all she could think about was how much she missed him. How much she wanted to forget the past and just—feel.
Yet, despite the emotions swirling inside her, there was something new—a sense of calm, of comfort. Maybe it was the way Ethan had offered more than memories—a future for her rescue, for her.
Kara smiled, appreciating how thoughtful Ethan had been in helping her draw up a plan for the rescue. Even if it didn’t work out exactly as they hoped, his willingness to put in the effort meant the world to her. And with the rescue’s future on the line, any plan seemed worth exploring.
After finding her keys buried beneath newspapers on the kitchen table, Kara walked over to the door, smirking as she remembered something funny that Ethan had said.
“Mom!” Charlotte called, bursting through the door.
Kara jumped. “Geez, Charlotte!” She laughed, jingling her keys. “I was just heading out to check on the—”
Charlotte raised a hand. “Whoa there, Super Mom. You don’t need to go over there.”
“I don’t?”
“Already took care of it,” Charlotte said with a proud grin. “Checks done, dogs had their last potty break. Everything’s sorted. You can chill tonight.”
“Wow, really?” Kara’s face softened into a grateful smile as she tossed her keys onto the counter. “Thanks, honey. You’re a lifesaver.”
Charlotte beamed, then chuckled. “Oh, I know. But get this—Pepper went to town on his new blanket. Chewed a massive hole right in the middle and stuck his head through it. You should’ve seen him.”
“Oh no, not the brand new one? Are you serious?”
“Yeah, but don’t freak out. I got a picture. You’ve gotta see this—it’s too cute.”
Charlotte pulled out her phone and showed Kara the photo. They both leaned in, looking at the image of Pepper, the Jack Russel terrier mix’s furry face framed by the ragged hole in the blanket, tongue lolling out in a doggy grin.
Kara’s hand drifted to her chest. “Oh my heart, he’s adorable. Did you get him another blanket?”
Charlotte gasped. “Mom! What do you take me for? Of course, our little destroyer gets all the blankets he wants.”
Kara chuckled, then sighed. “We’re gonna go broke replacing blankets at this rate.” She turned and grabbed the kettle from the stove, filling it up at the sink. “Did you want some tea?”
“I’m good, thanks,” Charlotte said, flopping onto the nearby couch. She leaned forward. “So, spill. How was the big date?”
“It wasn’t a date. Just dinner.” Kara focused on pulling out a mug and getting a tea bag ready.
“Oh, come on, Mom. You can tell me about your date. I’m not a kid anymore.”
“And I’m telling you, it wasn’t a date.”
“Uh-huh, sure, whatever you say.” Charlotte snickered, reaching for her phone. “Anyway, I’m heading out. Friends are doing a beach thing.”
“This late? Thought you were staying in tonight.”
Charlotte stood, snatching up her purse. “Mom, it’s only ten. And yeah, I was, but plans change. There’s a bonfire happening, and I’m not missing it.”
“Be careful, all right? If there’s drinking involved, promise you’ll call me. I don’t want you getting into any—”
“Mom,” Charlotte cut in. She gave Kara a quick hug and peck on the cheek. “We’re not drinking, and even if we were, Uber exists, you know. I’ll be fine. Don’t wait up, okay? I might not be back till after midnight.”
“Okay, okay. But if you need anything—anything at all—call, all right?”
Charlotte was already halfway out the door. “Mom, I’m twenty-one, remember? I’ve got this.” She glanced at her phone. “My ride’s here. I really gotta go.” She paused, tossing a smile over her shoulder. “Love you!”
“Love you too. Have fun!”
Not too much fun.
Kara stood by the kitchen window, watching as Charlotte darted across the yard and slid into a friend’s car. The taillights disappeared into the night, leaving her staring at the empty street, lost in thought. For a moment, she imagined Ethan’s truck pulling up instead, stirring memories that left her heart heavier than expected. The kettle’s sharp whistle snapped her back to reality.
After pouring her tea, she curled up on the couch, tucking her feet beneath her, the warmth of the mug seeping into her hands. With a quiet sigh, she pulled out her phone and started typing a message to Emma.
Kara: Em, you up? Had the BEST time with Ethan tonight. But now I’m thinking ... maybe it’s time to tell him about Charlotte?
She took a sip of tea, watching the dots dance as Emma typed.
Emma: OMG, details please! So happy for you. Also, if you feel ready to tell him, I say go for it. But no pressure, okay? I’m in your corner no matter what.
Kara: What would I do without you? Seriously. Love you.
Emma: Love you MORE! Now get some sleep, missy.
A smile played on Kara’s lips as she set her phone down. Emma had always been her constant—a friend who stood by her side through it all. From last-minute adoption events that seemed impossible to pull off to impromptu wine nights and endless Gilmore Girls binges when life felt overwhelming, Emma was there. Everyone needed an Emma in their life, and Kara knew how lucky she was to have hers.
Draining the last of her now-lukewarm tea, Kara ambled to the kitchen and placed her mug in the sink. As she turned toward her bedroom, ready to call it a night, her phone blared to life.
She glanced at the screen and frowned.
What now?
She swiped to silence the call, then slipped the phone into her pocket and continued to her bedroom. She’d call her dad back in the morning.
PING.
Why is he texting so late? Can’t this wait until tomorrow?
Letting out a groan, she opened the message and read.
Dad: Kara, Ada mentioned seeing you and Ethan at the diner. Are you sure you want to go down this path again? I remember how he left—no call, no explanation. Do you? And now he’s back like nothing happened? He wasn’t around when you needed him most. I know you might think he’s different, but people don’t change. I’m worried about you going through that again. And have you thought about Charlotte? This could turn her world upside down, and she doesn’t need that right now. Just be careful.
Kara placed her phone face down on the nightstand and collapsed onto her bed.
Why does he always have to make everything so difficult?