Page 240 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

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Callie held Nate’s hand as they walked toward the kennels at the Carter Island Animal Clinic. They stepped into the back room, and her heart immediately sank as she stared at the short row of large cages holding dogs and cats waiting for adoption. “Oh, Nate, look at them. There are so many.”

“Five’s not a horrible number. There have been more.” He stuck his fingers beyond the metal bars, petting an orange tabby kitten curled up with his dark gray littermate. “Michelle has a great spay and neuter program here on the island. For the most part, Sanderson has pretty responsible pet owners. Most of these guys are here from the summer months. People come on vacation and think it’s a good time to dump off one of their family members before they leave.”

She studied two of the dogs barking—one of them wagging its tail in excitement—and Callie pressed her hand to her chest. “How are we going to decide? I want to bring them all home with us.”

Nate winced. “I was kind of thinking of starting with one.”

She nodded and kept walking, knowing Michelle mentioned having three dogs the clinic crew was currently looking after. “How does no one want them?”

“Michelle will find them homes. It takes a little time but she always does. While they’re here, she and her staff take good care of them.”

Callie moved toward the last kennel and froze as she stared at the golden Lab mix sitting on his bed in the corner, hanging his head as he leaned against the concrete wall. Tears welled in her eyes as her gaze wandered to the brand new, untouched red rubber ball lying in the opposite corner. “He’s so sad. Look at him, Nate.” She opened the kennel door and stepped inside. “Hey, buddy.”

The dog hung his head lower.

“Oh my goodness, you’re breaking my heart,” she said softly as she crouched in front of him and held out her hand.

The Lab didn’t bother to sniff her.

“Can I pet you?” She cautiously touched the top of his head.

The Lab looked up with hopeless brown eyes.

She smiled. “Hi.” Callie gave her attention to Nate. “What do you think of this handsome guy?”

Nate stepped into the small space, crouching down next to her.

The dog sniffed at him.

“Hey, boy.” Nate slid his big hand down the Lab’s back. “He’s pretty chill.”

“He needs a family.” She met the dog’s sad eyes again. “He needs us.”

“You’re sure about this?”

She nodded decisively. “I’m positive. I know what he feels like—wondering what he did to be left all alone.”

Nate’s gaze flew to hers and he leaned closer, pressing a kiss to her temple. “Sounds like this guy’s going to need a name. He doesn’t look like a Spike to me.”

She frowned.

“The name tag.” He gestured to the small piece of paper by the kennel door.

“Spike’s not going to work,” she agreed as she studied the pretty dog carefully, taking in every inch of him. “Beneath all of the sadness, he seems dignified—like he’s very smart.”

Nate raised his brow. “You’ve picked up on all of that already?”

She grinned, giving his shoulder a gentle push with her own. “Sometimes you just know.”

“So what should our currently sad yet smart and dignified dog be called?”

She narrowed her eyes, struggling to come up with something that seemed just right. “Winston.”

Nate pursed his lips and nodded. “That’s a fancy name to fill there, buddy. Do you think you’re up to it?” He gave the dog a good scratch behind his ears. “You know, I can actually picture him in a pair of horn rims and a smoking jacket.”

Callie laughed.