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“And it’s a good lesson to learn: trust has to be earned. We should take the lead of most animals in this world. They get the lay of the land and sniff butts before they accept someone into their space.”

“Animals are better than most people.” Lori chuckled. “I’m not about to open negotiations by sniffing Gabe’s butt, but I get what you mean.” She’d been dreaming about doing other things to Gabe’s butt and the rest of her, but in her waking hours, she could be far more civilized and detached. “Now I know that rust bucket could actually be valuable, I won’t let anyone take advantage of me.”

“That’s my girl. Once bitten, twice shy.”

Lori instinctively rubbed her forearm and shivered.

“Are you thinking about that giant centipede?” her mom asked.

“Yep. I still remember how much that hurt.”

“It could’ve been worse, sweetheart. The Indo-Chinese spitting cobra could’ve paid you a visit instead,” her mom said and winked.

Lori rolled her eyes but smiled at the memory. “That made me hate the place even more than I thought possible.”

“That didn’t last long once you met the baby elephants though, did it?”

Lori shook her head. That was the first time she’d fallen in love with something other than a Barbie doll. The grandfather clock chimed, and she looked across at it. “How is it noon already?”

“Tempus fugit, sweetheart, especially when we’re chatting. Do you have somewhere to be?”

“I’m meeting Gabe at two for lunch in Chicago,” Lori said, “to talk about how the restoration project might work and how long it could take. Logistics and things.” With those things meaning the chance to get to know her better and work on that friendship she’d offered.

Her mom raised both eyebrows. “Chicago?”

“I thought it might be nice to drive to see her, since she’s offering to do all the work.”

“And that’s a good idea, but that isn’t what surprised me. You haven’t been into Chicago for over a year, have you?”

“Not since the divorce, no.” Lori knew what her mom was driving at. She’d become a relative recluse since the lawyer had abandoned her, only venturing away from the Sanctuary for emergencies.

“That’s wonderful news. I’m so proud of you.”

Her mom had never been one to interfere in her life, but she’d always been her number one fan, and Lori could see the relief in her eyes. “I’ve got an hour before I have to leave.” She gestured to her face. “I’ve already gotten ready and put my mask on.”

Her mom tilted her head slightly, the way she did when she registered Lori’s subtext. “That’s good, sweetheart.”

“So you said you thought a couple of things about my plans,” Lori said. “We’ve covered the car, and if the lunch goes well and the restoration project looks viable, I’ll call Bruce to draw up a contract. What do you think about turning the building into a veterinary clinic?”

“I think it’s a lovely idea, and it’s so you to come to Ellery’s rescue. You’re like your father, that way.”

Lori frowned. “You’ve both dedicated your lives to rescuing animals, which has often involved rescuing the people around them too. I think I get that from both of you.”

“Correct, but I was also about to say that I love that you were able to put your emotions aside to think about the business benefits to the Sanctuary, and you definitely don’t get that from your father.”

Lori loved that her father could cry enough tears to provide a safe habitat for a clownfish after hearing a sob story. “Which is why I called to talk to you about this and not him.”

Her mom smiled. “Exactly.”

“So you think it’s a good idea?”

“I think it’s a great idea, but I wish you’d talked to me about figures before you made the offer. You’ve pitched yourself a little low.”

Lori shrugged. “Which is where Dad comes back into it. Ellery has been with me since the beginning, and she’s always gone the extra mile for me when I’ve needed it and more importantly, when I haven’t known that I needed it. I know that I could make more income if I rented it to a commercial enterprise, but that could also be a huge headache with potential noise, and light pollution, and God knows what else.

Her mom smiled widely.

“What?”