Project Valentine (A Homespun Romance) Read Online Free Page B

There was no doubt what the result would be. He could see the edge of pain in her eyes, the shadow of self-doubt. He cleared his throat noisily. For her sake he would give her the time she wanted. She needed it to accept the truth. No one wanted that dog.
    Jessica blinked the tears away. She wasn't going to give up yet.
    Concentrating on the thinning crowd she picked out people who looked suitable and began sending out desperate telepathic messages to them. Come here. Look into those soulful eyes. Do you know the difference a dog can make in your lives? There seemed to be a breakdown in her ability to communicate mentally. No one stopped.
    Jessica took Arthur for a brisk fifteen minute walk outside at four thirty. She was almost back to her spot when she noticed a familiar broad back approach Jose Garcia. Heart in mouth Jessica picked up her pace. There could only be one reason they had returned.
    "There was a teenage girl here earlier, about this high." Indignantly Jessica noted his raised hand put her closer to four feet than five. "Dressed in really bright clothes, talks a lot." Red hot color surged to her face. "She had a Great Dane with her. We were wondering if the dog's found a home."
    "Looking for me?" Jessica's voice dripped honey. Laced with a lethal dose of arsenic.
    He didn't look a whit abashed. Swung around and treated her to one of his gimlet glances.
    "Ms. Woods," inserted Jose Garcia helpfully, hitching up his pants, "is very knowledgeable about dogs. We are lucky she could help us today."
    Jessica smiled her gratitude at the portly man, and then looked coolly at Molly's father. Karl Wagner didn't look the least bit put out. One lofty eyebrow was his only reaction to the news she wasn't a teenager.
    "You're still here!" Molly beamed. The smile slipped as she looked at Arthur, "Doesn't anyone want him?"
    Jessica swallowed hard and mustered every drop of composure she had. Arthur's life was at stake here. That took precedence over wounded pride, "Not so far."
    "Molly I'm going to pick up my book." Karl Wagner's words extinguished hope completely. "Do you want to stay here?"
    Molly nodded. "Yes, please."
    Why had he come back if he wasn't interested in Arthur? Jessica didn't glance up as she sensed him walk away. Jose Garcia retreated to his folding table and began shuffling papers. A quarter to five. Her heart plummeted. 
    "How old is Arthur?" Molly asked.
    "About two years old, they think."
    Talking would help speed the remaining time. Tomorrow she would think up some new way of helping Arthur. All she wanted to do now was go home and have a good cry. Maybe it would lessen the pressure in her chest. It had been a rotten day from start to finish.
    "Human years?"
    "Human years," agreed Jessica. Considering each human year was seven years of a dog's life Arthur was fourteen. In his prime. "Great Danes age a little faster than other breeds though. Seven human years might be old for this breed, still young for a Labrador, or another breed."
    "Aren't some people mean?" Molly patted Arthur's head. "If you belonged to me, I would never leave you behind." The girl's hand suddenly stilled. She turned to Jessica face riddled with excitement, "Can I have him?"
    "Not unless your parents want him too," Jessica said firmly.
    Molly didn't reply. There was something about the faraway look in her eyes that Jessica could only classify as a Napoleonic gleam. In one as young as Molly it could mean anything.
    The father was coming out of the book store. Jessica's stomach muscles clenched as he neared them. War was about to be declared. And she was on the wrong side this time. She kept her gaze riveted on Molly and Arthur.
    "Hi Uncle Karl!"
    Jessica's stomach muscles quivered. Uncle Karl.
    For a second the world tilted. Colors whirled around her. Red: the explosion of shock, green: the unbelievable happening, golden yellow: promise of happiness.
    "Molly we have to go now or we won't have time to get your present."
    Molly didn't