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B efore they knew it, it was time to head to the town meeting. The Welcome Center was already filled with people when they arrived. Familiar faces from around Sapphire Bay turned to greet them as they looked for somewhere to sit.

Kathleen waved from the front row, pointing to some seats for them. Isabel and Frank sat nearby, Tommy fidgeting between them with a notebook open on his lap.

“He’s taking notes for his school report,” Isabel explained as they passed. “He’s decided he wants to be a ‘wolf expert’ when he grows up.”

Lynda smiled at Tommy. “I’ll need assistants at the new center. Maybe you could volunteer once we’re open?”

Tommy’s face lit up. “Really? I could help with the puppies?”

“Under supervision,” Matt said quickly. “They’re still part-wild, remember.”

Mayor Wilson called the meeting to order, moving efficiently through routine town business before introducing their proposal. “Now, for what I suspect most of you came to hear about tonight—the exciting changes planned for our animal shelter.”

As Matt explained the vision for “Paws of Hope,” Lynda studied the faces in the crowd, looking for signs of hesitation or skepticism. Instead, she found nothing but interest and support, heads nodding as Matt outlined the benefits to the community.

When it was her turn to speak, Lynda’s initial nervousness melted away.

She wasn’t talking to strangers but to neighbors who cared about the same things she did.

She explained the specialized needs of wildlife rehabilitation, the importance of proper facilities, and the educational opportunities the center would provide.

“The wolfdog puppies will be our first permanent residents,” she told everyone. “Their mixed heritage makes them unsuitable as pets, but as educational ambassadors, they can help visitors understand the complex issues surrounding wolf conservation and the problems with breeding wolf hybrids.”

The questions that followed were thoughtful and practical. How many animals could they handle at once? What types of wildlife would they treat? Would there be volunteer opportunities for high school students interested in veterinary careers?

Councillor Grayson finally intervened. “Before we go any further, I’d like to open the floor for community support. Those wishing to make pledges or volunteer services for the new ‘Paws of Hope’ center, please come forward.”

What happened next left Lynda speechless.

One by one, people approached the microphone, offering donations, skills, and materials to build the center.

Andrea from The Starlight Café offered to provide meals during the construction phase.

Mabel and Allan Terry from the general store promised discounted building supplies, and Patrick Devlin said he could provide a construction crew to help with the building work.

Even Mrs. Pemberton, the older woman with the orange cat named Rusty, came forward with a substantial check.

“In honor of Dr. Reynolds’ years of caring for Sapphire Bay’s animals,” she told everyone.

By the time the last pledge was made, Lynda and Matt had received commitments covering nearly fifty percent of their projected budget. Tears prickled Lynda’s eyes as she thanked the community for their overwhelming support.

“I’ve never seen anything like this,” she whispered to Matt as they made their way through the crowd afterward, accepting handshakes and congratulations.

“It’s what makes Sapphire Bay special,” Matt replied. “When people believe in something, they don’t just talk about it—they make it happen.”

Later that evening, they stood on Matt’s deck overlooking the lake, mugs of coffee warming their hands against the cool night air. The water reflected the moon’s silvery light, creating a pathway that seemed to lead directly to them.

“So,” Matt said, leaning against the railing beside her, “do you still have doubts about your decision to move here permanently?”

Lynda shook her head, a sense of certainty settling deep in her bones. “Not after the meeting.” She gestured toward the twinkling lights of Sapphire Bay in the distance. “I’ve found my place, Matt. I belong here.”

“I’ll second that,” he agreed, slipping an arm around her waist.

As they stood together in comfortable silence, Lynda marveled at how her life had changed.

In just a few months, she’d gone from a Denver veterinarian visiting old friends to creating a much-needed wildlife rehabilitation center.

Before she’d arrived in Sapphire Bay, she was defined by her past. But now, she was someone who embraced new possibilities and had found a wonderful friendship with Matt.

In her carefully ordered life in Denver, she’d protected herself from disappointment by keeping her expectations low and her heart guarded. But standing here now, with Matt beside her, she knew she’d made the right choice in opening herself to change, to risk, and to love.