Page 31 of Yorkie to My Heart (Friends of Gaynor Beach Animal Rescue #6)

Apparently, in the short time he’d been with Phillip, walk had become his second favorite pastime. Right after food and just before playing with the kids.

I eyed him as I secured his leash. “How would you feel being around the kids all day long?”

His tongue lolled.

“Yeah, that’s what I thought.” I shoved my feet into my shoes, grabbed a hat and sunglasses, then headed into the brilliant noonday sunshine.

Although Wally was trimmed, he had enough fur to cover his skin so he wouldn’t burn.

And despite the hot temperatures, the asphalt wasn’t too horrendous, so he was able to walk a few feet down the driveway.

We hit the sidewalk at a nice pace. Instead of the park, though, I headed us toward the boardwalk.

Half-an-hour later, I sat on a bench facing the brilliant-blue ocean with the sparkling sunlight nearly dazzling my sunglasses-covered eyes. I munched on an order of poutine with the cheese curds just the perfect consistency.

Wally, wonderful dog, sat in the shade beneath the bench, munching on an organic dog cookie. A reward for the walk down and the walk we’d do on the way back. “You’re a good man, Charlie Brown.”

Woof.

I arched an eyebrow. That hadn’t been a Wally woof . Funny how, after such a short period of time, I knew that.

Movement caught my attention.

A certain French bulldog was barreling toward us.

“Widget!” Colin growled. “Damn dog.”

After ensuring I had a good grip on Wally’s leash, I gently encouraged him out from his little spot. He’d finished his cookie, so I didn’t need to worry about territorialism. He strained on his leash to get closer to the snuffling creature headed our way.

Said creature stopped abruptly, and they started sniffing each other in the time-honored tradition of all dogs.

“May I…” Colin gestured to the bench next to me.

“Absolutely.” I shoveled in the last forkful of poutine before putting the container in the recycling bin and the wood fork into the composting bin.

Colin dropped and let out a long sigh.

“You okay?”

“What? Oh yeah, I’m fine. Have been for a while.” He petted his stomach. “Liver’s working great. I just didn’t plan to walk quite this far today.” He pointed to Widget, who now was sniffing Wally’s butt. “She just wanted to keep going.”

“And you don’t know how to say no ?” I laughed.

“Yep.” He used his T-shirt to mop his brow.

I caught sight of the incision scar.

Another sigh escaped his lips. “And James is texting me from San Clemente, asking me all these questions.”

“Oh? He and Phillip having a problem?” I tried to keep my voice casual.

Colin’s gaze shot to me sharply. “No, nothing like that. He found a fantastic play set on sale and he wanted to know if I’d mind if he bought it.

Of course I don’t mind. We’ve even got a spot for it in the backyard.

Even if…” His breath caught. “Even if we don’t get to foster younger kids, James has enough nieces and nephews to wear the thing out.

The twins are just six months old. Oh, and the other twins are just two months. ”

I raised my hand. “Two sets of twins?” I squinted, despite my sunglasses. “How does that work?”

“His older twin sisters Felicia and Leticia both got pregnant with twins within a couple months of each other, and they already had three older kids each. His older brother has two. Plus, Danny has two kids with his husband, which gives James seven nieces and seven nephews. Even if we never get to foster, that playset will get used.”

“Sounds like it.”

“And probably more to come. Gracie, my dear husband’s beloved sister, is dating my old nephrologist—and the two women swear they’re not having kids, but I’m not taking bets.

The whole family would be behind them. Man, this family I married into?

Fierce.” He tapped his wedding ring. “Taking their name was a blessing I’ll never take for granted.

” He chuckled. “If my family could see me now.”

“Uh…”

“Bigoted homophobic bastards.”

“Oh, right. Then you’re better off without them.” At least I assumed that was what he meant. “I’m so damn lucky.”

“You are. I’ve met your parents, your sister, her husband, your…” He scrunched his nose. “Nibblets.”

I patted him on the shoulder. “Thank you for that. Raphael can be adamant.”

“Kid has a right to be. They should be accepted for whomever they choose to be. I sorely wish I’d had the courage to come out earlier.

But if I had, I wouldn’t have gone through everything I did to wind up here, and since I’m the happiest I’ve ever been, I just say hallelujah and move on.

No dwelling. That’s what I tried to convey to Phillip.

He was in a bad place before. I could relate to that.

But I told him Gaynor Beach could be a fresh start for him—like the place was for me. That he could begin anew. Clean slate.”

“Yeah.” I held myself still. Waiting to see if more was forthcoming.

“That guy has had it so rough for so long.” Colin scratched his golden-red stubbled chin.

“And I just wanted to wrap him up. I mean, I gave him a hug to try to assure him that he wasn’t alone.

” He blew out a breath. “And then, after I thought maybe we’d made a bit of progress—of him trusting me—we came home to the fire. ”

“Yeah. That was bad.”

“Yep. But he and Wally could’ve been there, which would’ve been way worse.

So, like, everything happens for a reason.

James contacted a builder to see what our options are.

He really likes the idea of continuing to rent below market rate to people who need help to get back on their feet.

Now he’s putting together plans to rebuild bigger, and the lot size works.

Which means he could help larger families. ”

I blinked. Good to know that I’d continue to have neighbors who could use a hand. I didn’t mind that at all. “I’m so glad Phillip and Wally weren’t there.”

“Right. And they totally could’ve come home with us the night of the fire. We’ve got that awesome basement suite and everything.”

“Yeah…”

“But he chose you.” Colin pointed. “Over and over again, it’s you he’s drawn to. When we were in LA, picking up his stuff? He talked about you. This morning? When he and James were getting ready for the drive to San Clemente? You.” He scratched Widget behind the ears. “Good girl.”

I did the same for Wally, who was gently licking Widget’s face. Uh…ick…?

Neither dog appeared the least bit perturbed.

“And I ask myself, what is it about you?”

I held myself still.

Colin cocked his head. “I don’t know you all that well. But you’re the kind next-door neighbor always willing to help.”

“Right…” I drew the word out.

“And, I don’t know, I feel sort of protective of Phillip. God knows, he doesn’t need my protection except…”

He’s going to kill me with this drawn-out shit. “Just say it, Colin. Whatever you’re thinking, just say it.”

“Okay, I will. I think you’d be good together. I don’t know what obstacles you’d face, but I can see how much he cares about you. And how you clearly feel the same. Unless I’m wrong?—”

“You’re not.”

“Yeah, I figured that.” He scratched his nose.

“The guy has no one in the world, Jeremy. You probably know that, but he confided in me, and maybe I shouldn’t be telling you.

But I feel like I made a connection and now, between the LA trip and the fire…

I’d love to be, I don’t know, the big brother he never had.

The one who watches out for him. But he hasn’t asked me to do that.

Might even reject me if I made the offer. ”

“He’d think he wasn’t worthy of it.” I hated to say that, but in my heart I saw the truth of it.

Slowly, he nodded. “Yeah, he’s got so many self-esteem issues.”

“I’m trying to help.” I considered. “He’s getting help.”

“He told me he’s seeing Dr. Martin.”

“Yeah.” Phew . I didn’t like talking about Phillip behind his back.

But I also understood what Colin was doing.

“We’re taking it slow. One step at a time.

I’m not going to hurt him, Colin. At least not intentionally.

Hell, maybe I’m not good enough for him.

” My gut churned. Was that the real point of the conversation?

“You’re a good man. I’m just…if things don’t work out, make sure he knows he’s got friends, okay? I’d hate for him to feel alone again. Or to feel like he’s got to leave Gaynor Beach.”

Slowly, I nodded. “I’ll take care of him, Colin. And if he ever wants to go, I’ll make certain he knows you’ve got his back.”

“All right then.” He slapped his thigh.

Widget shot up.

“She’s signed up for therapy-dog training with Jordan in a couple of weeks.”

“I know.” I grinned. “Wally’s in the same training.”

“Well, that’s cool. You ready to head back?” His home in Marina Park wasn’t far from mine in Riverside.

“Yeah, that would be great.”

“And can I buy you a drink? It’s fucking hot.” He ran his hand through his auburn hair.

“A lemonade would be perfect.” I knew he didn’t mean alcohol—he couldn’t risk his transplanted liver.

“Great.” He stood.

Widget positioned herself by his side.

I rose.

Wally popped off his butt and gazed up at me.

Yeah, we’re good.