Rescued Love (Sweetwater Valley #7)

CHAPTER 2

KIMBALL

As I walk through the large kennels where the dogs are to get to the cat room, I smile at how excited all the animals are to see me. They should be excited since I normally have treats for them. I’m not above bribery and spreading some joy when it comes to the animals I care for in the shelter.

Even when an animal is relinquished by their owner because some circumstance has changed for the human, you never really know the kind of life the animal led. It could have been good or bad, either way I both love and hate having animals here at work. I’m here to help these animals find their next path in this life and I’m glad to be here for them, but I hate that it’s necessary.

The worst is when people come in, tears streaming down their faces, and are forced to relinquish their animal because something in their life has changed. Maybe they’re moving to somewhere they can’t have pets. Maybe they can barely feed themselves, let alone an animal. Maybe the animal is sick, and they can’t give it the care required.

Whatever it is, you can see the pain radiating off the human and animal when it’s the last thing the owner wants to do. Those are the animals I have to convince myself not to take home with me. They’re good pets and they have so much love to give, it’s just that life happened to the humans in their life and their entire existence changes because of it.

Talk about a shitty situation. The only thing I can do is try and make it better by making sure they’re taken care of while at the shelter and then try and find them the best home for them. Thankfully, it normally works out for the best.

“I promise I haven’t forgotten about treats today,” I tell the dogs and get some barks and whimpers in response that make me smile as a head into the cat room.

This is why I work here. These animals need me, and they need the shelter. I hate the thought of them being out on the street or being in a horrible, abusive situation. It hurts my heart to even think about.

A few of the cats, mostly the ones who have been here a little longer, give a meow in greeting, but I’m on a mission. There’s a kitten who was brought in after being found on the side of the road. She was barely alive and something about her called to me.

It’s not always easy to care for these animals and not give them all a home, but I force myself to connect and give to them, because they need me even while knowing that their forever home is out there. Somewhere. I can only hope I’m capable of helping them find it.

Normally, I am. And if that isn’t the best damn feeling in the world.

The black kitten turns toward me as I approach its kennel, and her big eyes take me in. There’s a certain wariness in her eyes when she looks at me. It’s something an animal so young shouldn’t know, but this one does. Don’t even ask me how I know.

It’s the small bit of hope I see in her eyes which has me opening the door and running my fingers through her fur.

There was a time when I wanted to become a veterinarian because of my love for animals. When I had that dream, I didn’t realize how much time, money, and school it would take. I was a good student, but as I got older the realization of how much money I would be sinking into an education was a reality I wasn’t prepared for.

Could I have found a way? I’m sure, but then I started volunteering at the shelter and I realized I got a role in the lives of these animals in a way a vet doesn’t get. I don’t just see sick animals, though that does happen, but I’m blessed to help find these animals a home where they can be safe and loved. In doing that I’m not only helping the animal, but the person as well.

I’m grateful that the shelter has an amazing relationship with vets in the area, but I never feel like I’m missing out on anything. I’m pretty sure I have the best of both worlds with taking care of the animals and being a part of the future they’ll have.

My heart warms as I pick the kitten up and tuck it close to my chest. Almost immediately she starts to purr and snuggles closer to me. While I try not to get attached to every animal, this one has wormed its way into my heart.

Damn her.

I shouldn’t take her home with me, but I want nothing more.

It’s not easy for black cats to get adopted, something I’ve learned the hard way. People might not even be aware of their bias and superstitions, but they’ll pick any other color cat before a black one normally. That would be enough for me to get attached, but there’s something about this little kitten soul in my hands that has called to me from the moment she was brought in.

I tuck my face near its head and murmur softly, “How’s your day, Midnight?”

Should I be naming the shelter animals? Hell no, but this one is a Midnight if I’ve ever met one before. She deserves a name and a home.

The meow she gives back to me, as if answering and echoing my own thoughts, has me smiling. Before I even realize I’m doing it, I’m sinking down to the floor and petting her. I swear her little eyes roll back in her head as her purring gets louder, and she relaxes in my arms completely.

Midnight has been on edge since coming here and is skittish around the other animals, including the cats. That’s not a great trait for an animal we want to adopt out. The only good thing is she’s not mean about it, she would just rather hide than interact.

It makes me wonder what her short life was like before she was brought in. My heart aches for this little life in my arms. When her eyes open, an eerie yellow color, the way she’s assessing me has me shaking my head.

I swear this cat knows what I’m thinking without me needing to say a word.

“You’re an old soul, Midnight. You know that?”

She uses her head to bump my hand as a reminder to keep petting her. Who am I refuse?

When the door opens to the cat room, I realize I’ve probably been in here longer than I should have been. Honestly, I only intended to stop in and say hello and get a little love.

Sadie grins down at me and I know I’ve stayed too long. Sadie is a high school senior who has big dreams of going to vet school. Unlike me, she’ll make those dreams into her reality and I’m damn proud of her for it. She’s here every day after school to help get experience with the animals even though she probably has better or more exciting things to do. On the weekends, she’s at the Vet Clinic helping out there.

I’m not sure how she does it all, but her love for animals drives her in the same way it does for me.

She’s ten years younger than me, but I look up to the determination she has. I can only hope she’ll come back to Sweetwater Valley once she achieves her dreams. We could use another Vet in town, especially considering Doc is getting up there in age and could use the help.

“I thought I’d find you in here,” there’s a teasing lilt to her voice which has me grinning.

“You caught me,” I shoot right back to her as I stand up. Even though I should put Midnight back, and I will, I don’t hesitate to steal a few more snuggles from her. “Everything okay out there?”

Sadie waves her hand dismissively, “It’s covered, Kimball, don’t worry.” I nod as she looks between me and the cat I desperately want to give a home to. “You know, it’s okay if you adopt her,” she gently prods.

“I shouldn’t,” I protest, but it sounds weak, even to me.

“She needs a good home.” When I don’t argue or deflect immediately, she plows on. “You’re always talking about how the animal is the one who chooses their human. From where I stand, that little fur ball has chosen her human and it’s you.”

Yeah, I’ve definitely said that, and I believe it. I’ve seen enough pets and people pairings to know that it’s true. Someone comes into the shelter or sees the animals at an event we’ve been invited to and something magical happens. The person might think they’re coming in for something specific, but all those preconceived notions fly out the window when they make a connection with the right animal.

The rest is, as they say, history.

“I’m not sure I appreciate you using my own words against me,” I point out.

Sadie just rolls her eyes and shrugs one shoulder as I get Midnight situated back in her kennel. The meows of protest break my heart, but I’ve been away from the front for too long. And I promised the dogs a treat; can’t forget about that.

Ignoring the pointed look Sadie is shooting at me, I deflect. “Is there something you needed me for?”

She makes a humming sound but doesn’t press me about the kitten. It’s a good thing because if she did then I’m pretty sure I’d be adopting a kitten right now. My resolve is only so strong, and it’s been crumbling for the last two weeks since Midnight was brought in.

“I’m just reminding you about heading out to see Mr. Jacobson, boss,” amusement fills her words, and I let out a soft groan.

Don’t get me wrong, Mr. Jacobson is a sweet man and the love he has for the animals he’s taken in is beautiful. The problem is going out to see him, which I do every two weeks or so just to make sure he doesn’t need anything and that all his animals are healthy, takes hours. Not only is his land, which is on the outskirts of Sweetwater Valley, teeming with all different types of animals, but the man can talk.

Honestly, I think he’s lonely. Which makes me feel like a horrible person when I need to rush through my visit, or I can’t give him as much attention and conversation as he needs. He’s devoted his golden years to giving animals, especially ones who wouldn’t find a home as a pet, a place to thrive.

I’m a little jealous that he’s able to devote so much time and love to the animals under his care.

Still, there are all sorts of violations going on out there in regards to his little sanctuary. He doesn’t have permits for any of it.

We all know it, especially Rhodes Wilder, Sweetwater Valley’s sheriff, who is a good man and doesn’t come down on Mr. Jacobson. How could he? It would not be a good look for the sheriff to arrest or fine a man who isn’t hurting the animals and is extremely well respected within our town.

I’m pretty sure there would be a fucking uprising if Rhodes tried to put a stop the animal sanctuary Mr. Jacobson has built.

In order to try and smooth any ruffled feathers, I go out and check on things while quite a few people go out and help out whenever and wherever they can. While I don’t get in the trenches and clean up or fix things like some people, my job is to check on the animals, make sure there’s enough food for everyone, and to assess who might need medical attention.

Doc goes out at least once a month and donates his time and expertise to Mr. Jacobson and his animals. They have a sweet friendship, even though I’d never say it to either man. More than once I’ve gone out to the sanctuary to find the two men on the porch with a glass of moonshine arguing about what kind of feed an animal needs, the right way to build a pen, and local football.

You better believe, when that happens, I back slowly away from the porch, do my rounds, and leave with a wave toward the men. There’s no way I am going to be pulled into any of those debates. No thanks.

A few firefighters and Ansel, a friend and paramedic, go out regularly to help with the upkeep. Just thinking about how the town pulls together to help one of our own, and the animals he cares for, warms my heart.

The schools have a bake sale at least once a year and give the money to Mr. Jacobson to help pay for food and other needs. It’s not easy for Mr. Jacobson to take charity, which is why he insists the kids come out for a field trip at least once a year to learn about the animals and have a hayride.

“I forgot,” I mumble as I walk out of the cat room with Sadie at my side. “I promised the dogs treats.”

“I’ll do that,” Sadie’s voice is bright and eager, her eyes sparkling with the opportunity to give love and treats to the dogs.

“Fine,” I sigh, my shoulders slumping. “I guess I’ll head out then.”

I know the shelter will be taken care of. I’ve worked hard to ensure the staff is well trained, trustworthy, and puts the wellbeing of the animals first. When I glance at my watch, I realize I would have been leaving soon anyway since I came in before we opened to get some paperwork done and to get everyone fed first thing.

I’m not always an early morning person, but when I am, it makes the day rewarding and long. It’s not easy leaving the animals to go home. But I can’t bring them all with me. My apartment would not handle it.

“See you tomorrow,” Sadie calls out to me as I shoot a dejected look towards the dogs.

“Yeah, yeah,” I mumble before heading back to my office to grab my stuff.

I’m out the door and heading to the edge of Sweetwater Valley quickly while cursing myself because I didn’t remember about my plans to head out to see Mr. Jacobson today. When I remember he’s on my calendar I make something he can easily reheat for dinner. I hate that I completely forgot and have nothing to offer the man except treats for his animals. I know that’ll be enough for him, but I’m annoyed at myself for forgetting.

He’s so sweet and lonely as hell since the passing of his wife. It’s one of the many reasons no one tries to put a stop to his animal sanctuary. They’re his companions, the closest of which is Penny, his peacock. I have no idea how the man came to own a peacock or why, considering he’s a male peacock, he’s still named Penny.

What I do know is that whenever Mr. Jacobson attends one of the town’s events, Penny is right there at his side. The pair are quite a sight to see and one I wouldn’t miss for the world. Penny loves the attention he gets and is more than willing to put his plumage on full display for anyone who gives him a second look. Honestly, he’ll shake those tail feathers at a first look too if he thinks he might get a little nibble out of it.

The bird is spoiled.

And rightfully so since he’s a loyal companion to Mr. Jacobson.

I wasn’t even aware peacocks could form those kinds of attachments, but whether it’s common or not doesn’t really matter because they’ve clearly bonded. Mr. Jacobson might have survived the death of his wife, but I’m not sure what would happen if Penny were to pass away. I’m going to do whatever I can to make sure that bird stays healthy.

When I pull off the main road onto Mr. Jacobson’s long dirt driveway, I can’t help but smile. Animals are already coming closer to the fences on either side of the driveway. I’ve been out here enough times that they know my truck.

They also know I have treats for them. When I glance to my right and see the miniature pony, Mr. Whiskers, running along the fence line, I can’t help but laugh. I also slow down a little bit. Mr. Whiskers can be a bit of a diva if I get to the house before he does and then I have to ply his affection with even more treats.

It’s a good thing I dehydrated some fruit last weekend. And that was the highlight of my weekend. Normally, I like to have something fresh for Mr. Jacobson’s animals, but I never go anywhere without some treats which will keep in my truck for a little while.

Mr. Whiskers lets out a loud neigh when I pull to a stop at the house. I’m a little surprised to find a compact car I don’t recognize sitting next to Mr. Jacobson’s truck which is a little beat up, but still running. It better still be running considering Hunter, a mechanic in town, comes out at least once a month to check on it.

As I climb out of the car, I notice Penny strutting down the porch steps with what I swear is a look of determination on his face. Penny and I have a cordial, but not great relationship. He tolerates me for treats, and I try not to show my fear.

I want to keep him healthy, but I’m under no illusion that I’m going to ever be his favorite human. Considering Penny has Mr. Jacobson, I don’t need to be his favorite. It would be nice if it didn’t feel like he’s plotting my demise, but I’ll deal with it.

“I have some dried blueberries for you, Penny,” I raise my voice a little to make sure he can hear me before he gets too close. I always announce my treats for him with the hope it’ll buy me some time in his good graces.

Penny pauses and tilts his head to the side slightly while sizing me up. I reach over the side of my truck, which I’m only barely able to do, and pop open the cooler without taking my eyes off Penny even though Mr. Whiskers is making quite a ruckus.

I know who I need to appease first.

With a firm grip on the smallest container, I pull it out before opening it quickly and tossing some dried blueberries toward the peacock who is slowly strutting in my direction. The moment he takes an interest in my offering and not me, I let out a sigh of relief.

I’ll live to experience another day without running from the bird.

“Hey,” is angrily shouted near the side of the house closest to the barn and I whirl around in that direction.

A man with an angry expression is striding my way, but that’s not what has me freezing in place. Nope, I’m unable to move because whoever this man is happens to be sexiest man I’ve ever seen and for some reason everything in me is screaming one thing.

Mine.