Guarding Grace E-Book

Ann Omasta

• Herausgeber: More Happily Ever Afters
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Beschreibung

The puppy that stole their hearts is missing!

Grace Wilson loves the wonderful life she has created with her daughter, Clover, in picturesque Sierra Bay, California. Yet, as a single mom, she sometimes struggles with a hint of loneliness.

Enter Star, an adorable golden retriever puppy who wiggles her way into their lives, bringing joy and an unexpected twist. When Star snags a role on a morning TV show, her magnetic human co-host, Dash Diamond, captures Grace's attention in ways she never anticipated.

Dash is a local celebrity with a megawatt smile. When he is reluctantly teamed up with a puppy, he discovers that the real star of the show is the beautiful single mother.

As Grace and Dash’s paths intertwine, their spark of attraction is undeniable. However, drama unfolds when Star suddenly vanishes.

With Star's fate hanging in the balance, Grace and Dash join forces to rescue the sweet puppy. While suspense and emotions escalate, the chemistry between them simmers beneath the surface, waiting for the right moment to ignite.

Love, loyalty, and a touch of mystery collide in this heartwarming and sweet romance. Join the search for Star, feel the pulse of attraction between Grace and Dash, and root for love to conquer all by reading Guarding Grace today.

Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this exciting adventure. Get your copy now and dive into a story that will keep you eagerly turning the pages well into the night.

Leseprobe

GUARDING GRACE

LOVE IS GOLDEN

ANN OMASTA

CONTENTS

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Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Epilogue

Sneak Peek of Watching Willow

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Acknowledgments

Dedicated to my wonderful parents.

Thank you for loving me almost as much as you love your golden retrievers.

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1

Grace Wilson knew it would probably be smart to deny the request of the precious freckle-faced little girl gazing adoringly up at her, but a big part of her wanted to grant the child’s wish. Her sweet daughter, Clover, rarely asked for anything, so when she did, Grace usually did her best to make it happen.

Clover sensed her mother’s hesitation and went even deeper into adorable cherub mode. “Pleeeease, Mommy. I’ve always wanted a Golden Wetweevah puppy.”

Grace smiled down at her pint-sized mini-me. Clover’s teacher would not approve of Grace’s failure to correct Clover’s “R” pronunciation, but it was so ridiculously cute, she opted to let it slide. Grace savored having her little girl be little. Besides, Clover only slipped back into that particular habit when she was super excited about something.

Clover turned up the charm even further and gave her mother the full-court press. Her huge cornflower blue eyes pleaded up at Grace. When she smiled, the gap from her missing front tooth reminded Grace just how fast the child was changing.

“I promise to take super-great care of her. I’ll feed her, and walk her, and brush her…” Clover paused, obviously deep in thought, trying to figure out what else a puppy needed. Excitement lit up her eyes right before she added, “I’ll play ball with her.”

“A puppy is a huge responsibility.” Grace tried to insert a significant degree of seriousness into her tone, even though the little girl had already almost convinced her.

Clover pondered Grace’s words for a moment before deciding. “I know, and I think I’m ready. I’ll be a great Mommy to the puppy because I learned how to Mommy from the best one in the whole wide world!”

Tears of happiness pooled in Grace’s lower lids. She hadn’t been at all sure about moving halfway across the country to the Northern California coastline and raising a child on her own. When she had found out she was pregnant, her long-term boyfriend had gotten scared and dumped her. She had then turned to her religious parents, who shunned her for getting pregnant out of wedlock.

Deciding she and the baby would have to figure out how to make it on their own, she had packed her belongings, collected her meager savings, and moved to the most beautiful place she could imagine: Sierra Bay, California, along the beautiful Gold Coast. The picturesque resort town was nestled by the ocean about an hour north of San Francisco. It seemed like the perfect place to raise a child––even if she had to do it all by herself.

Deep down, she knew she had made the right decision in moving here. She was also confident that she was doing a fantastic job of raising Clover, but hearing affirmation from the child herself was immensely gratifying. “Thanks, sweetheart.” She gave her daughter a watery-eyed grin.

Seeing her mother’s tears, Clover’s expression turned forlorn. “Did I do something wrong?”

“No, sweet girl, you make everything better,” Grace told her earnestly. Clover beamed at the praise, and Grace made a snap decision. “Let’s call Marlene to see if she’ll let us have a puppy.”

Clover’s eyes lit up with excitement because she knew as well as Grace did that their landlord, Marlene, would grant their request. They had been lucky enough to rent the empty apartment on the side of Marlene’s clapboard row house ever since Grace had arrived pregnant, scared, and alone in Sierra Bay.

Marlene had immediately taken lonely and frightened Grace under her wing. Marlene had three children of her own, whom she handled like a pro. She quickly became Grace’s adopted aunt, best friend, confidant, and––once Clover was born––babysitter. Grace couldn’t imagine how she would have survived the last few years if she hadn’t been lucky enough to meet Marlene in those first days after her arrival in California.

Finding an empty bench that looked out over the crystal-clear water, the mother and daughter duo sat down to call Marlene. When Grace located her phone and pulled it from her purse, Clover said, “Put it on speakerphone, please, because I want to talk to her, too.”

Grace complied with her request, knowing that meant there was absolutely no way Marlene would deny them the puppy. Their landlord had turned into their family-by-choice, and she had an even bigger soft spot for Clover than Grace did.

“Good morning, Sunshines,” Marlene greeted them when she answered her phone.

“Morning, Aunt Mar,” Clover greeted the other woman in her life. Unable to contain herself long enough for any more pleasantries, Clover asked, “Is it okay if we get a puppy?’

Obviously surprised by the out-of-the-blue request and stalling for time, Marlene answered, “Oh, my… a puppy.” She paused for a moment before asking, “Is your mom on board with this, Sweetie?”

Feeling grateful that Marlene was looking out for her, Grace answered, “Only if it’s not a problem for you.” She wanted to give the woman an out if she didn’t want them to have a pet. They had never had an official lease in writing, and the prospect of getting a puppy had never before been discussed.

Grace didn’t like putting the woman on the spot like this, so she offered, “Maybe we should discuss it later.”

“Is this what y-o-u w-a-n-t?” Grace smiled at Marlene’s spelled words. They had long used the tactic of spelling out words they didn’t want Clover to understand––especially around the child’s birthday.

“Yes, she wants it!” Clover beamed. She was obviously proud of herself for learning their previously-baffling secret language.

Both women chuckled at her glee. “Well, I guess we can kiss that secret code language goodbye.” Grace smiled down at her adorable little girl.

“When did you learn to spell so well?” Marlene asked the child, pride bubbling in her voice.

“I’ve been learning for a while now,” Clover told her seriously. “I was saving it to surprise you.”

“Well, that you did, little one.” Grace could practically hear Marlene smiling through the phone. Turning serious, she asked, “You’re sure, Grace?”

“Not completely,” Grace answered honestly, before adding, “But I think it’s time we added to our little family.”

“Okay, then, I can’t wait to meet your new puppy,” Marlene told them.

That confirmation was all the little girl needed. She jumped up from their bench and let out a loud “Whoop!” of excitement, which echoed out across the shimmery water.

When their laughter died down, Marlene said, “Wow! I think I might have been able to hear your gleeful shout without our phone connection.”

“We gotta go, Aunt Mar. We’re going to get our puppy!” Clover yelled. “Bye!” She grabbed the phone from her surprised mother to end the call. “Let’s go pick out our puppy!” she half-shouted.

A momentary shadow of doubt swept over Grace about this decision now that it seemed to be quickly becoming a reality, but the giddy expression on her child’s face told her that she was in too deep to turn back now.

After a quick Google search and a phone call, Grace had an appointment scheduled with Caroline Campbell, the friendly woman who loved to show off pictures of her adorable golden puppies when she came into the grocery bakery where Grace worked.

“Let’s go meet the newest addition to our family,” Grace suggested, before standing and taking Clover’s hand within her own. The happy duo set off on what would soon turn out to be one of the greatest adventures of their lives.

2

Grace knew her daughter would be immediately smitten with the puppies, but she hadn’t expected her own strong reaction to the adorable, roly-poly poof balls. As soon as they entered the enclosure where the puppies were playing and napping, the tiny animals pounced.

It was cuteness-overload as the two humans squatted down and were attacked by the golden-haired, real-life teddy bears. The puppies were drawn to Clover. The little girl giggled with pure happiness as they snuffled, licked, cuddled, and nipped at her.

“Can we have them all?” She turned her bright, hope-filled blue eyes up at her mother.

“No. Just one.” Grace used her best, firm mom-voice. “They won’t always be this little, you know. They are going to grow into big dogs.” She had been half-expecting Clover to whine about her response, but the little girl seemed to understand that they truly only had room for one puppy.

“How am I ever going to pick which one?” Clover looked up at her mother, obviously seeking her guidance and wisdom.

Grace wasn’t sure how to answer because she had just been wondering the same thing. All of the puppies were soft, sweet, and utterly adorable. How were they supposed to decide which one to take home with them?

“How about if you sit down and get to know the puppies, while I talk about the adoption details with Mrs. Campbell?” Grace used her hand to indicate the woman before leaning down near her daughter’s ear to add, “Maybe one of the puppies will pick you.”

At the hope-filled gaze Clover beamed up at her, Grace silently prayed that would be the case. She had read once that it was better to let the puppy pick the family, but she had never been through the process of selecting one before, so she wasn’t positive if it actually worked that way.

Grace had already been impressed by the living conditions of the plump, obviously-healthy, and well-cared-for puppies, but when she began talking to the breeder, she became even more confident in her decision. Caroline asked all the right questions to ensure Grace and Clover would provide the puppy with a good home, making it obvious she truly cared about the puppies and their long-term wellbeing.

When the mama dog, Rita, came over and gently shoved her head into Grace’s hand, Grace kneeled down to talk to her. “Aren’t you a beauty?” she commented, rubbing the dogs ears, which made the dog’s tail wag slowly. “You did a great job with your sweet babies, and I promise to be the best Mommy I can, if you let me adopt one of your pups.”

Caroline closely watched Grace’s interaction with Rita before saying, “We normally only sell our pups to people planning to train them as service, rescue, or therapy dogs, but I have a good feeling about you two.” Caroline gave Grace a kind smile, nodding her head in silent approval for them to get a puppy.

Although Grace was nervous about the long-term financial commitment, since she knew dog food, veterinarian bills, and other miscellaneous expenses would add up to a substantial amount, Grace decided she would scrimp even more on her own expenses to find the money to properly care for the dog. When she turned to watch Clover giggle as the puppies attacked her, there was almost no doubt left in her mind. She felt confident this was the right decision for their little family.

After the details were finalized, Caroline smiled down at Clover and said, “You’re going to make a wonderful big sister to the lucky puppy that gets to go home with you.”

“You think so?” Clover couldn’t hide the excitement in her voice over the woman’s assessment and the idea of becoming a big sister. She obviously hadn’t thought about it that way before.

“I know so,” the woman assured her. “Being a big sister is a huge responsibility, but I think you’re ready.”

Clover nodded. “I am,” she added solemnly, obviously sensing the importance of this moment.

Grace smiled at the woman for saying precisely the right things before joining her daughter on the floor. “Have you chosen one?”

Surprising her mother with her decisiveness, Clover picked up one of the squirming puppies. “This one.” Turning to the woman standing behind them, she furrowed her brow before asking. “She’s a girl, right?”

“That is a female,” the woman confirmed, making the child visibly sag with relief.

“Good, ‘cause I always wanted a little sister, not a little brother… yuck!” Clover wrinkled her tiny, freckled nose in distaste at the idea.

“What made you choose her?” the woman asked the little girl, with true curiosity about the answer shining through on her face.

Turning to look at her mom, Clover asked, “You know how Mrs. Mallory always gives me a star sticker on my papers when I do a great job?”

“Yes,” Grace answered, intrigued with where her daughter was going with this.

“Well, look-y here…” The little girl pointed the front half of the plump golden puppy towards her mother.

Grace looked at the white patch of fur on the puppy’s chest and nodded, still perplexed by what her daughter was getting at.

“She has a white star right on her neck, like a permanent necklace!” Clover nearly shouted. “That must mean she’s the best puppy of all.”

Unable to argue with her child’s logic, Grace nodded her agreement with the decision.

“Excellent choice,” the breeder weighed in with her approval.

Puffing up with pride at the woman’s praise, Clover plopped the puppy down in her lap. The small animal curled itself into an adorable furball on Clover’s crossed legs, gave a stuttered and contented sigh, and promptly fell asleep.

With that simple gesture of trust, their fate was sealed.

3

As soon as they left, Grace called to schedule an appointment for the puppy with Dr. Kepner, the veterinarian who came to the grocery every Friday to get donuts for his staff.

After a quick trip to the pet supply store, which turned into a three-hour ordeal, they marveled at how much stuff such a tiny animal needed. Okay, perhaps the puppy didn’t need it all, but both she and Clover had gotten a bit swept away in their enthusiasm. It was fun having a new family member to care for.

They bought large-breed puppy food, house-training pads, a pretty collar embroidered with colorful flowers, a bright purple leash, a red bouncy ball, a pillowy soft wool dog bed, several squeaky toys, puppy treats shaped like bones, and magenta plastic dishes for food and water.

As she struggled to carry their purchases inside the apartment, while Clover carried the puppy cradled in her arms like a baby, Grace wondered if they had gone completely overboard. Clover spread out the fuzzy blanket from the puppies’ enclosure that the kind breeder had given them. “This is so you’ll have familiar smells and not feel homesick for your other Mom and siblings,” Clover informed the puppy in a serious tone.

The puppy blinked up at the child with deep chocolate brown eyes, as if she was absorbing every word. Grace was thrilled to see that the two were already forging a strong bond with each other.

Although she was shy at first, the puppy soon began to explore the apartment. It didn’t take long to realize the little dog needed constant supervision. Her natural curiosity and tendency to chew on things did not make a good combination.

Just as the animal was getting ready to chomp down on the living room lamp’s plugged-in cord, Grace scooped her up and said to Clover, “Let’s take this ornery little thing for a walk. I think it would be a good idea to burn off some of her excess energy.”

Clover thought that was a great idea and bounded over to cradle the dog in her arms. It warmed Grace’s heart to see her daughter being such a loving and caring big sister, but she knew they shouldn’t coddle the puppy too much.

“I think the puppy needs to walk, rather than be carried,” Grace gently informed her daughter. At Clover’s crestfallen look, she added, “Dogs like to take in the smells around them and explore. Besides, soon she’ll be way too big for you to carry.”

At that, Clover’s eyes widened to almost double their normal size. “Really?” It was obvious the little girl hadn’t had any idea how big golden retrievers got. Grace wondered if they might have jumped into this decision a little too quickly as her daughter ran to get the leash from their basket of puppy supplies.

Almost as soon as they reached the sidewalk, it became clear that the puppy was not a fan of being tethered to the leash. She turned around and chomped her sharp teeth on the purple nylon, but she was no match for the thick fabric. They tried to walk a few feet, but it was difficult with the dog whirled around attacking the leash.

Deciding to be firm but kind, Grace bent to take the leash out of the animal’s mouth and said, “No.”

Both little ones stared up at her with shocked expressions. She rarely had to reprimand Clover, and the dog had obviously never been spoken to with a stern voice. Their stunned gazes almost made Grace chuckle, but she remained strong.

“We need to show her we are the leaders of the pack,” Grace told her daughter confidently. “She’ll grow into a well-behaved dog if she has clear guidelines to follow.”

She had no idea if her words were true, but they sounded good, so she went with it. One thing parenting had taught her was that even though you don’t always have all the answers, you fake it until you make it. She made mistakes along the way, but she tried to learn from them and move on. There was no denying she had done a fantastic job so far raising Clover, so she would use the same philosophy with the puppy.

When they resumed their walk, Grace was surprised to see that the puppy left her leash alone. Instead, she flounced from one exciting new odor to the next. The puppy paused to smell grass, mailboxes, trees, light posts, car wheels, and anything else within the range of her leash.

Grace was uncertain what to do when they rounded a corner and came face to face with an incredibly large black dog. The huge, furry animal looked like it must weigh well over a hundred pounds, and there was a long, gleaming goober hanging from its jowl.

The animal seemed friendly enough as it wagged its tail and bent down to sniff the puppy, but Grace and Clover both reared back almost involuntarily. The giant dog looked big enough to swallow their sweet puppy in one bite.

Not having enough sense to be frightened, the puppy’s tail was flapping excitedly as she sniffed the enormous creature. She didn’t seem to realize that she was only about a tenth of the other animal’s size.

The man attempted rather unsuccessfully to restrain the big dog from the other end of leash. At their matching mother and daughter looks of concern and fear, he reassured them. “Not to worry.” Grace noticed a faint British accent in his voice. “Newfies are called gentle giants for a reason. My sweet boy, Tiny, is a big teddy bear.”

“Your dog’s name is Tiny?” Clover bugged her eyes out at the man.

He gave her a friendly smile. “Ironic, isn’t it? Do you know what that word means?”

Clover answered, “I think I do now,” which made both adults chuckle.

Tiny lifted his head and sniffed the air, evidently catching wind of something more exciting than the puppy. With a great “Woof!” he took off, dragging the surprised man behind him.

Looking down to make sure the puppy was still in one piece, Grace groaned in disgust over the trail of drool on the side of the tiny animal’s head. She dug into her purse for some tissues to clean off the slobber.

“Blech! I guess she has now officially been slimed.” As usual, Clover lightened the mood and made her mother smile.

When they resumed their walk, Grace noted how almost everyone paused to say a kind word or smile at them. Well, it wasn’t really them. The puppy seemed to draw out the best in people. Many passersby spoke directly to the dog––telling her how cute she was or how good she was at walking on the leash. The tiny dog preened at their attention, almost as if she could understand what they were saying.

As the trio walked down by the water’s edge, they paused to watch some sea lions sunning themselves on the wharf. When one of the animals barked loudly, the puppy jumped in surprise, making both Grace and Clover giggle.

Not to be outdone by the much larger animal, their little dog lifted her head into the air and let out a tiny ‘woof’ of her own. The sound of her own voice startled her so much that she clumsily fell over on her side.

Grace and Clover couldn’t help themselves. They guffawed with laughter at the silly animal. Putting her arm around her daughter, Grace whispered near her ear, “I already love the newest member of our family.”

Clover beamed up at her mom. “Really? Me too.”

Mother and daughter beamed at each other in a moment of pure happiness. Neither realized what they would soon find out… they had adopted a tiny hurricane.

4

Grace plopped down onto one of the high stools at Marlene’s kitchen counter and blew the hair up off her face. “I’m so tired,” she told her landlord, who had morphed into her best friend over the years.

“I can see that.” Marlene gave her a warm smile to let her know there wasn’t any malice behind her words. After placing a steaming mug of coffee in front of Grace, she sat down beside her.

When Grace rested her face down on her crossed arms on the counter, Marlene reached over to lightly rub her shoulders. The woman’s soothing touch felt so good, Grace feared she might fall asleep and drool all over her kind neighbor’s counter.

“I don’t know how you do it,” Grace said into her arms. She didn’t have to look up to know Marlene’s three children were quietly playing a board game with Clover. Their black lab, Suzie Q, was snoring rather loudly in the corner, and for some inexplicable reason, the puppy was curled up beside her… sound asleep.