Chasing Bailey, page 19
part #3 of Lake Harriet Series
Avery had also heard from his agent that the publisher had loved his book and wanted to sign him to a new three-book contract. He was back on track again, and the ideas were flowing. Avery was excited about the new book hitting the shelves—in a year—and how his readers would react to it. He’d used his life as the basis for it, so it meant more to him than any book he’d ever written. Most of all, he hoped that Lisa would like it. All of his heart had gone into it because of her.
A light snow was falling that Wednesday afternoon as he stood in his kitchen, cutting up veggies. He’d volunteered to bring the vegetable plate and dip—the only thing he could actually make and not ruin. He knew that Lisa was already home from work, doing all the prep work it took to make such a large dinner. Kristen had volunteered to make the pies—pumpkin and apple. Avery’s mouth watered at the thought of tomorrow’s dinner. Like a little child at Christmas, he could hardly wait.
As he was finishing up the vegetables and storing them in the refrigerator, his phone rang. He looked at the screen and frowned. Animal Rescue. It had to be a wrong number. Still, he answered it. “Hello.”
“Hello?” a woman’s voice said on the other end of the line. “Is this Avery McKinnon?”
“Yes.”
“I’m Jenna Hall. I work at the Animal Rescue in White Bear Lake.”
Avery’s interest piqued. “What can I do for you?”
“A dog was brought in on Monday, and today, when the veterinarian was doing a routine check-up on her, he happened to scan her for a chip. Your name came up as the owner. We were a little concerned, considering the person who dropped her off was named Ross Gunderson. Are you missing a dog?”
Avery’s heart leapt. “Is she an Irish Setter named Maddie?” he asked, hopefully.
“Well, she’s an Irish Setter, but he wrote her name as Red.”
“If she’s registered under my name, it’s Maddie,” Avery said, hardly able to contain his excitement. “My ex-wife took the dog and Ross Gunderson is her boyfriend. They must have dropped her off there.”
“Oh, I see,” the woman said. “Unfortunately, that isn’t as uncommon as you’d think. Under the circumstances, we’d be happy to give your dog back if you want her.”
“Yes! I want her. I can come right now,” he said excitedly. He couldn’t believe it. He was getting Maddie back. He didn’t even care that Melissa had tried to get rid of Maddie instead of just giving her back to him. It only mattered that he knew where Maddie was, and he could have her.
After hanging up, he grabbed his coat and slipped on his shoes, then hurried across the street to Lisa’s house. When she answered the door, he pulled her into a hug.
Lisa laughed. “What’s this all about?”
“I’m going to get Maddie back! I have to drive to White Bear Lake. Do you want to come with?”
“You’re getting Maddie back? That’s wonderful! How did it happen?” Lisa asked.
“I’ll explain on the way,” he said excitedly.”
Lisa called Kristen, who said she’d be happy to watch Abby for a while. After dropping Abby off next door, Avery and Lisa hopped into his car and took highway 35W to White Bear Lake. On a normal day, it would have only been a half-hour drive, but today, at rush hour and with the snow coming down, it was taking much longer.
“I can’t believe that Melissa would surrender your dog to a humane society instead of just giving her back to you,” Lisa said after Avery had told her what had happened. “That’s just cruel.”
“That’s Melissa,” he said. “Cruella De Vil. But I don’t even care now. I just want Maddie back.”
“Thank goodness they scanned her for a chip.”
“Right? Melissa hadn’t counted on that. She never took an interest in Maddie, so she didn’t know I’d had one put in her. Now, I’m so glad I did.”
Finally, they reached the address the woman had given him. It was Jenna’s private home, since most of the animals lived in foster homes. He could hardly contain his excitement as they walked up to the door. Lisa smiled up at him and slid her arm through his as they waited for the door to open.
A small woman with straight dark hair pulled back into a ponytail answered. “Hi. Are you Avery?” she asked.
“I am,” he said, looking past her for some sign of Maddie.
“Come in. There’s someone here who I’m sure would love to see you.” She opened the door wider and there, lying in the living room next to a young boy, was a beautiful Irish Setter.
“Maddie?” Avery said, walking inside.
The dog’s ears perked up and her eyes grew bright. She was up in a flash and ran into Avery’s waiting arms.
Avery knelt and buried his face in Maddie’s silky fur. It had been far too long since he’d seen his beloved pet. Tears filled his eyes and he didn’t care who saw them. He had his Maddie back, and that was all he cared about in that instant.
Lisa knelt beside him and placed a hand on his back. “Hi, Maddie,” she said softly. “I’ve heard a lot about you, girl.”
The dog snuggled the hand she offered and then was back in Avery’s arms.
“I guess that’s all the convincing I need that this is your dog,” Jenny said, smiling warmly at them. “Nothing makes me happier than reuniting a pet with its owner.”
Avery wiped his eyes and stood, one hand still on Maddie. “Thank you so much for taking care of her. I’ll be happy to pay any fee there is to cover her expenses.”
“No fee is necessary,” Jenny said. “The person who surrendered her paid a fee to do so, and since Maddie is your dog, and shouldn’t have been brought to the shelter to begin with, we won’t charge you.” She grinned. “But donations are always welcome.”
Avery reached in his pocket and pulled out two-hundred dollars. “I’m happy to make a donation,” he said. “And I’ll keep you on my list of places to donate in the future as well.”
Jenny’s face brightened. “Thank you. We greatly appreciate it.”
She gave Avery the dog’s harness and leash so they could take her to the car. “If you decide to press charges against the man who brought Maddie in, please don’t hesitate to ask us for documentation. We’ll be happy to supply it.”
“Thank you,” Avery said. “But I doubt that will be necessary. I’m just thankful to have her back.”
They walked out to the car and Avery placed Maddie in the backseat and they got in the front. All the way home, Avery kept looking in his rearview mirror at Maddie, unable to believe he finally had her back after a year of worrying about her.
“She’s not going anywhere now,” Lisa teased him as he stared into the mirror for the hundredth time. “She’s yours for good.”
“I know,” he said, smiling over at her. “I just can’t believe it, though. This has made me so happy. It’s the best Thanksgiving ever!”
She held his free hand and smiled over at him. “Mine, too,” she said. Her words warmed his heart.
Once they were home, Lisa went to get Abby, and Avery brought Maddie into her house to meet Bailey. The two dogs circled each other a couple of times, then they must have decided they liked what they saw because they both laid down by the fireplace and enjoyed the warmth.
“Are they friends?” Lisa asked when she came in carrying Abby.
“It looks like it,” Avery said.
“Puppy!” Abby said excitedly.
Avery laughed. Maddie was tall and at least fifty-five pounds, definitely not a puppy, but he found it cute that Abby called her that.
“This is Maddie,” he said, taking Abby in his arms and bringing her over to meet his dog. “Look. She has pretty red hair like yours.”
“Pretty puppy,” Abby said, as Avery set her down by Maddie. He knew she was good with children and felt safe having Abby beside her. Abby reached out and ran her fingers through Maddie’s soft fur. She giggled.
“Now you have two dogs to look out for you,” Avery said. Abby continued to pet Maddie and also Bailey. She was in puppy heaven.
“She’s a lucky little girl,” Lisa said, coming to stand beside Avery.
He wrapped an arm around her. “I think we’re all lucky.” He winked at her and she smiled back. He loved her smile.
The next day everyone gathered at Lisa’s house, Sam, Bailey, and Maddie included. The dogs, luckily, all got along well. The smell of turkey cooking in the oven and freshly baked pies was delicious. Avery inhaled deeply. This was a day he never wanted to forget. Moments like this were precious. They were memories that lasted a lifetime, and he wanted to absorb every second.
Before they ate, he took Lisa aside and handed her something.
“What’s this?” she asked. When she turned it over in her hand, she saw it was his manuscript, Saving Jenkins. Her eyes widened. “Is this your new book?”
“Yes. Fresh off my printer. You get to read a copy long before it’s published. I wanted you to have it because you’re the one who inspired this story.”
“I can’t wait to read it.” She grinned mischievously at him. “Are you Jenkins?”
“Read the book and find out,” he said.
“Does this mean your publisher liked it?” she asked.
“Yes. They loved it. They offered me a three-book contract, which I’ve taken. I finally don’t have to worry about money again. Melissa will never get her hands on these royalties.”
“That’s wonderful.” Lisa wrapped her arms around him and kissed him warmly. Pulling away, her smiled faded. “Does this mean you’re going to move back into your former house?”
Avery saw she looked unhappy at the prospect of his moving even a few blocks away. He had thought briefly about it but decided against it. “No. I’m staying put. I love this neighborhood and my neighbors.” He pulled her closer. “Especially one neighbor in particular. A pretty blond woman who is sometimes harried and stressed, but always kind and beautiful, who has a sweet little red-headed baby girl and a Border Collie that pulls a Houdini every now and again.”
Her smile lit up her face. “I’m glad you’re staying. You’ll never find someone like that again, anywhere.”
He laughed. “No. I hope not. I’ve found everything I want, right here.” He kissed her then, as Kristen and Ryan grinned knowingly from the kitchen, and Abby and Marie giggled, and the dogs ran circles around them.
-END-
If you enjoyed Chasing Bailey, you might also enjoy these novels
by Deanna Lynn Sletten:
Walking Sam
As the Snow Fell
Summer of the Loon
Destination Wedding
About the Author
Deanna Lynn Sletten is the author of MISS ETTA, MAGGIE’S TURN, FINDING LIBBIE, ONE WRONG TURN, and several other titles. She writes heartwarming women’s fiction, historical fiction, and romance novels with unforgettable characters. She has also written one middle-grade novel that takes you on the adventure of a lifetime. Deanna believes in fate, destiny, love at first sight, soul mates, second chances, and happily ever after, and her novels reflect that.
Deanna is married and has two grown children. When not writing, she enjoys walking the wooded trails around her home with her beautiful Australian Shepherd, traveling, and relaxing on the lake.
Deanna loves hearing from her readers. Connect with her at:
Her website: http://www.deannalsletten.com
Blog: http://www.deannalynnsletten.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/deannalynnsletten
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/deannalsletten
Visit Deanna’s Amazon Author Page to see more of her books.
Deanna Lynn Sletten, Chasing Bailey
