Page 17 of Sweet Yuletide (Indigo Bay Christmas Romances #4)

Michael hesitated. He’d already been out and about more than he planned.

A few people had recognized him, not as the mysterious blurry lottery winner from the convenience store but as Von Ryan’s future brother-in-law.

His attorney had forwarded a recent article questioning the ethics of outing a winner entitled to remain anonymous.

Not that people had stopped, but that was in Charleston, not Indigo Bay.

Another trip out shouldn’t be an issue. “Mind if I tag along?”

Her face lit up—the result breathtaking. “I’d love the company.”

“It’s a date.” He cringed. “I mean…”

She touched his arm. “Don’t worry about it. I know what you mean.”

Did she ? Because he wasn’t sure why part of him wished it could be more. “Let me put on some shoes, and then we can go.”

* * *

The Indigo Bay Animal Rescue’s Adoption and Christmas Fair was held at the community center.

Whereas the Barks and Bows Gala had been fancy, this event was down-home with hand-cut snowflakes hanging from the ceiling, tables sponsored by various civic groups, crafters, and shops, and animals—lots and lots of them.

Dogs, cats, and an iguana waited with their families to have a photo with a jolly Santa Claus.

A few dogs wore “Adopt Me” vests. Their wagging tails and happy faces suggested they enjoyed being there. Some cats, however, meowed in their crates. Others pawed between the grating to get the attention of people passing by.

But the best thing in the place was Sheridan’s smile.

“This is wonderful.” She pulled out her phone and took photos. “Look at the crowd. They should be able to adopt out some animals and raise more money.”

“Where do you want to start?” he asked.

“I have no idea.”

“You should buy an ornament for the community tree. They’re non-breakable and perfect for making wishes on and hanging outdoors.

Plus, the money goes to a good cause.” An older woman with perfectly coiffed hair, false eyelashes, and heavy makeup stood in front of them.

Her forest-green dress had candy cane buttons.

A small white dog, wearing a collar that matched the woman’s green heels, pranced at her feet.

“The gala was a success, but it didn’t raise enough to cover the expansion.

It’ll be up to this little event to make up the difference. ”

“Thanks for telling us.” Sheridan extended her hand. “I’m Sheridan DeMarco.”

“Lucille Sanderson.” She shook hands but then eyed Sheridan warily. “You’re not from around here.”

“Washington State.”

Lucille rolled her eyes. “One of those tree hugger granola types. Well, your money is as good as anyone else’s.”

Michael bit back a laugh. He’d heard stories about this woman from Von and Marley but thought they were urban legends.

“And who are you?” Lucille’s gaze narrowed. “You look vaguely familiar.”

“I’m Michael Patterson. Von Ryan is engaged to my sister, ma’am.”

“Let’s hope you’re not as flakey as your sister. She broke poor Von’s heart.” Lucille glanced at her dog. “Remember when that happened, Princess? You needed to cheer him up.”

The woman was too much. Michael couldn’t wait to tell Marley about this. “I’m sure Princess was a big help. And thankfully, my sister realized her mistake.”

“A good thing, because a man like Von wouldn’t have been on the market long.” Lucille clucked her tongue. “It’s been nice meeting you. Princess needs her photo taken with Santa, and I want a photo with that handsome actor Eric Slade, so I’ll leave you to spend your money.”

“How much does the rescue still need to raise?” Sheridan asked.

“Twenty-three thousand dollars,” Lucille answered. “But Christmas is a time for miracles. Goodbye.”

With that, the woman hurried away, leaving a trail of perfume in her wake.

Sheridan stared after her. “Ms. Sanderson is…”

“A well-known busybody in Indigo Bay.”

“At least she’s here to support a good cause.” Sheridan surveyed the fair. “We never talked about going to the community tree lighting on Christmas Eve. We could buy the ornaments she mentioned to use.”

“That sounds like a plan. Who knows what else we’ll find?”

“I want to help the rescue reach its goal.” Emotion filled Sheridan’s voice. “Vet bills are never-ending but then to expand a building… That’s a huge undertaking. So many rescues run in the red, and others end up bankrupt. Sometimes, the founders use their own money to keep things going.”

“Is that what your mom does?”

“She has in the past, which was an issue with my dad. He claims the rescue was the reason for their divorce.” Sheridan smiled at a medium-sized dog who walked with his head held high as if proud to be wearing the adoption vest. “Animal rescue is a passion for those involved, including the volunteers. There are heartaches, tears, and happy endings, but most can’t imagine doing anything else.

My mom doesn’t have an event like this, but she runs a Home for the Holidays program where people temporarily foster an animal.

Not everyone adopts, a handful do, but the animals are in a home over Christmas. ”

“You love animals.”

She nodded. “My father was all about art. My mom threw herself into animal rescue. Both mean a lot to me.”

“Do you have any pets?”

“No, I lived in an apartment and worked during the day. My mom has so many she doesn’t need me bringing more there. Someday, I’ll have one.”

“You have plenty of time.”

“That’s what I keep telling myself.”

Michael fought the urge to wrap his arms around Sheridan and tell her he’d make sure she would be okay. The uncertainty in her life must suck. But he could do something.

Two things, actually.

“What’s your mom’s rescue called?” he asked.

“Berry Lake Animal Rescue,” Sheridan answered without a second thought. “She considered making it more cutesy like Whiskers and Wags or Purrs and Paws, but the name she picked gets the job done.”

“Let’s find the ornaments, and then we can see what else they have.”

As they stood in line, Michael made a note of her mom’s rescue and the Indigo Bay one. Then, he sent a text to his attorney.

Me: I want to donate to two animal rescues. $25K each. Can you make that happen?

JD$: If you had the money.

Me: Haha, but I’m serious. Is there any way?

JD$: A pledge with a payable or funding date in January. It would have to be anonymous.

Me: Do it.

JD$: Are you sure?

Me: Positive.

JD$: Send me the exact names and locations, and I’ll take care of it.

Me: Thanks.

JD$: Must admit, you’ve surprised me with this one.

Me: Thought I’d want a fast car and a beautiful woman first?

JD$: Yes.

Michael nearly laughed. Me, too . But he’d made the right choice.

Me: I finally understand what you guys have been trying to explain about the money and how it’s not only about living comfortably and helping my family and friends. I can make a big difference in other places, too.

JD$: Yes, and this is an excellent start. I’ll be in touch.

Sheridan would never know who made the donation or that he’d done this for her. And funnily enough, that was the best feeling in the world, and he wanted to do it more.

For her and others.