“Yeah, I have to admit, this one kind of kicks me in the gut, you know,” Zep admitted. “She was supposed to be some fancy family’s beloved pet, but no one wants a dog who starts life with problems. She’ll likely always need expensive meds. I need to get her started on them or she won’t last long. But ye old city budget doesn’t allow for me to spend that much on one dog. You should talk to your wife about that. She’s stingy with the cash, if you know what I mean.”
She had to work with what she had.
He stared at the dog, who stared right back at him. She was a beautiful girl, and it struck him that he had a lot in common with the dog. She’d had a path laid out for her, one that should have meant an easy life. All of her brothers and sisters had likely gone on to that promise, but she’d been dumped because she hadn’t quite made the cut. She’d been dumped because she couldn’t give her owners what they wanted. They’d literally bred her and then tossed her out like trash.
She stared up at him like he could save her.
Did he stare at Sylvie like this?
Zep was going on about tax deductions and how saving animals could save souls, and other stuff he didn’t quite get.
He’d never had a dog because his father said he shouldn’t get too attached to an animal. They died too often, and he needed to think about his studies rather than playing with a dog. But Sylvie’s family always had one. They would love and care for that dog, and cry when they lost their friend. Then they would find another who needed some love and welcome that puppy into their family for however long they were blessed.
She’d said they should start with a dog.
“I’ll take her.”
“You will?” Zep frowned. “I was only asking for cash. You don’t have to take the dog. I kind of like her. I was thinking she could be the shelter’s mascot.”
The dog licked the side of Rene’s face and he was done for. “No. She’s perfect. Send me a list of the medications she needs and I’ll take care of her. I’ll need the name of a vet, too.”
She was such a sweet bundle, and maybe it was time to find his way. He’d been running the house and the company—his whole life, really—the same way his father had. He could make time for something other than this damn company.
“You want to go for a ride, sweetheart?” He would drop the bid off and then take care of his dog. It was an impulse, and he almost never followed those.
But he could see Sylvie holding this dog, petting her and cuddling her close.
Zep stood there and frowned. “This is not how I thought this would go.”
It was good to know Rene could still surprise someone. He hoped this was a surprise his wife would like.
* * *
* * *
Sylvie caught sight of her hair in the mirror as she passed through the lobby of city hall and sighed again in relief. Her mother could work miracles.
She bit back a yawn as she started toward the elevator. Along with her well-done hair, she’d gotten another lecture from her mother about being absolutely sure she wanted to take this risk with Rene.
She wasn’t sure she had a choice. Her heart was already involved, and she couldn’t seem to help it. She only knew if she didn’t take the chance, she would always regret it.
She’d spent the morning wondering about what would happen tonight. Would Rene expect her to move into his room? Would it feel like playing house, or was it the next step? It wasn’t like they’d met last week. They’d known each other all their lives. But they’d never dated.
Did they have to do that? Did everyone’s love story have to play out in exactly the same way? Or could she consider the years before, the years when they’d circled each other and been friends, as their courtship?
It would be good to spend the rest of the afternoon going over reports. She could do with some quiet contemplation.
“Madam Mayor, I was hoping to run into you.”
Sylvie turned and realized quiet contemplation was going to have to wait.
Charles Darois was standing a few feet past security. Security was basically one sleepy guard who sometimes checked through bags but mostly yawned and drank coffee. She would have to have a talk with him because he obviously didn’t recognize a dangerous man when he saw one.
Rene had told her that Charles would show up. She hadn’t imagined it would be this soon.
“My husband would prefer I didn’t talk to you, so unless this is about parish business, I have to decline this meeting. And honestly, even if it is about parish business, you should make an appointment. I’ve had a long day and I would like to finish up and get home.”