Chapter 15
J osh pulled into the employee parking lot of Forever Friends at six the morning after New Year’s Day. As he’d expected, Frank Haynes was already there.
Josh let himself in through the employee entrance. The morning crew, busy feeding and exercising the dogs and cats, offered waves and warm greetings as he passed. The occasional happy bark drifted out from the wing that housed the kennels.
Josh’s usual routine involved walking those corridors, greeting familiar animals, and learning the names of new ones.
He loved those few minutes spent scratching muzzles through the cages and offering encouragement to the souls still waiting for their forever homes.
Today, he continued on to the short hallway where the administrative offices were located. He was on a mission.
Except for Frank’s, all the office doors were closed. Josh’s new boss sat with his back to the door, focused intently on a spreadsheet open on his desktop monitor.
Josh knocked on the doorframe. “Morning, Frank,” he said.
Frank spun around in his chair. “Josh! Good morning. I thought you were working at the college this week.”
“I am,” Josh said, stepping inside. “We’re posting the notice for my replacement as Maggie’s administrative assistant today. I promised to help her sort through the applicants. There are also a few projects I’d like to finish before I train my replacement.”
Frank nodded. “Good. I don’t want to leave her in the lurch—Maggie’s been too good to me. I can keep the plates spinning here for a few more weeks.” He raised his eyebrows. “So, why are you here?”
“You know I got engaged before Christmas.”
“Yes!” Frank’s face lit up. “Loretta and I are thrilled for you. She knows Sunday from her book club and says she’s terrific. Loretta thinks you two make the perfect couple.”
Josh’s cheeks turned crimson. “Thank you. I’m really glad to hear that. I came by because I wanted you to know we’ve decided to get married on the last Saturday of March.”
“Excellent,” Frank said. “I’m sure you’ll want time off—both before and after the wedding. That’s fine. Have you decided where you’re going for your honeymoon?”
“We haven’t gotten that far yet,” Josh admitted. “In all honesty, Sunday is completely swamped with wedding planning. We reserved the Highpointe College chapel for the ceremony, and the reception will be in the surrounding garden.”
“I’ve lived here my entire life and have never been in that chapel,” Frank said. “I hear it’s beautiful.” He glanced back at his spreadsheet, then looked up again. “Thank you for letting me know. Take as much time as you need.”
“Thanks,” Josh said, stepping fully into the office. “There’s something else I’d like to ask you.”
“Please,” Frank said, gesturing to the chair across from his desk. “Is anything wrong with your new role here?”
“No, nothing like that. I’m incredibly excited to be managing Forever Friends and overseeing the educational side of Forever Guides.
” He took a deep breath before continuing.
“This is personal. I know we haven’t known each other that long, but I feel like we’re on the same wavelength.
I admire how you run your businesses—and the way you’ve taken David under your wing.
You’re a good family man, Frank. I respect that. ”
Frank’s complexion deepened with each word Josh spoke. “You evidently don’t know much about me.” His voice was hoarse. “My backstory isn’t one to be proud of.” The shame he carried clung to his words like a shroud.
Josh held his gaze. “Iknow about your past, Frank. The man sitting across from me today isn’t that guy.”
“You’re not ashamed to be associated with me?” Frank asked quietly.
“Of course not,” Josh said. “In fact, I came here to ask if you’d stand up with me at my wedding.”
Frank rocked back in his chair, stunned.
“We’re having a small ceremony,” Josh continued. “Susan Scanlon is Sunday’s matron of honor. And, if you’re willing, I’d like you to be my best man.”
Frank remained motionless, as if flooded by a surge of emotion. Then, his expression cracked, and he stood, coming around the desk and extending his hand.
“I would be honored,” he said, his voice thick. “I’ve never been anybody’s best man before.”
“Thank you,” Josh said, taking Frank’s hand and pulling him into a one-armed hug. “Sunday will be excited to hear this. She said to tell you we don’t know what anyone’s wearing yet. I’ll let you know as soon as we decide.”
“I’m fine with anything you want,” Frank said, still visibly moved.
“Great,” Josh replied. “Mark that Saturday off on your calendar—and be sure to tell Loretta.”
“Will do,” Frank said with a smile.
Josh moved toward the door. “I’d better get to Highpointe. Maggie and I have a big day ahead of us. And I think you’ve got a spreadsheet calling your name.”
Frank nodded. “You’ve made my day, Josh,” he said, watching as the younger man disappeared down the hall.