Chapter 8

chapter

eight

Jack

After breakfast, I drive us out to Great Dane’s Dog Sanctuary. It’s as good a time as any to see my buddy and what he’s got going on out here. Plus I kind of want to show Lucy off. Sitting with her in the diner was one thing, but I don’t really know those people yet.

I’ve gotten to know Jared and Audrey some because they own the hardware store, and I’ve been in and out of their store over the last few days

The drive out to Dane’s is beautiful. Even with most of the landscape browned out from winter, the rolling hills dotted with cattle ranches are pretty. But nothing is prettier than the view I get when I look over to the passenger seat.

I pick up her hand and bring it to my lips for a kiss.

She looks over and gives me a bright smile.

“You’re like a hit of sunshine when you look at me like that,” I tell her.

Her smile turns wistful. “My Nana called me ‘Sunshine.’”

“Makes sense.”

We drive through the arched metal signing to Great Dane’s, then drive down the dirty road. Fencing lines the property out the Lucy’s window. Then the dogs appear. There’s got to be at least forty of them all running together towards the fence.

“Look at all the puppies,” Lucy squeals. “I totally forgot I’d heard about the dog sanctuary. This is really cool.”

I pull up to the large gate and park my truck, then we both climb out. The barking is loud, but still makes me smile. Those are some happy dogs.

“Yeah, he told me that some of the guys from his last unit are relocating here to work it with him. I guess it was originally started by their unit leader, but he couldn’t keep the dogs on his land anymore. So Dane opened up his property for it,” I explain.

“I think it’s amazing what they’re doing.”

It’s on my tongue to tell her I think she’s amazing, but then I catch movement by the gate.

“Jack,” Dane says. He comes through the first gate and closes it behind him and the blonde woman walking behind him. “Good to see you, man.”

“You too,” I say as we exchange a hug. Once you’ve lost enough friends in service, you stop doing those one-armed hugs and just go in for the full thing. I reach behind me and pull Lucy close with my arm around her shoulder.

Dane’s eyes follow my movement. He looks at my girl and nods, but doesn’t say anything. “This is my wife, Shelby,” he says, grabbing the blonde woman’s hand.

“I’ve heard a lot about you, Jack,” she says.

“Well, that’s never good,” I reply. “I think you probably already know Lucy Watson.”

I glance over at Lucy and her face has gone ashen, she’s so pale.

“Pocket? What’s the matter.”

She’s looking at Dane’s wife. “Sugar Coleman.” She says quietly. “I didn’t know, or I would never have come here. I meant no disrespect, truly.”

Shelby’s lips part as recognition fills her features. She shakes her head. “It’s perfectly?—”

But Lucy has already pulled herself out from under my arm and is headed towards my truck.

“What’s going on, Shelby?” Dane asks.

“It was her dad,” Shelby says, as if that explains everything, then she passes me on her way to Lucy. “Please wait, Lucy.”

Lucy stops and when she turns I can see that she’s crying.

I make a move to head towards the, but Dane stops me.

“What the fuck is happening right now?” I ask.

“Shelby’s parents were killed in a drunk driving accident. Lucy’s dad was the driver,” Dane says.

“Damn.”

“Exactly.”

We’re both on edge watching our women talk quietly, and then they’re embracing.

Relief pours over me, nearly making me weak kneed. Then Lucy climbs up into my truck and closes the door. Shelby walks back to us.

“She thought I hated her.” She wipes her hands on thighs, then looks at me. “She’s pretty shaken up. Maybe we could reschedule this reunion for another day. When we’re not ambushed by unpleasant memories.” Shelby reaches out and grabs my hand. “In case she didn’t believe me, I, nor any of my siblings have ever blamed Lucy for what happened. She was a kid. I think she’s somehow been punishing herself all these years. Probably why people rarely see her.”

And why she hides herself underneath an oversized hoodie when she does go into the diner.

“Thanks,” tell her. “I’m gonna take her home, but we’ll reconnect.”

“Yes,” Dane says. “Soon.”

“This place looks awesome, by the way,” I tell him as I run back to my truck. “Can’t wait to get the full tour.”

With that I climb back into my truck and throw it into reverse. We make it off of the dirt road that leads to Dane’s, and then I pull over.

“I didn’t know she’d be there,” Lucy says.

“Come’re baby.” I pull her into my lap.

“No one blames you for that.”

“Sure they do. Sins of the father and all. Plus, it’s why Nana pulled me from public schools. She said people would be too mean to me.”

“I’m sure she was just trying to protect you. You were a child, Pocket, no one would blame a child for something their parents did.”

She buries her face into my neck. “I’m sorry you couldn’t stay with your friend.”

“I’m not. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”