The Lucky Dog Matchmaking Service Read Online Free Page B

aren’t.”
    “Meaning . . . ?”
    “Last time he saw Richard, he asked for the name of the guy who designed my engagement ring.”
    “What?” The car came to a standstill. “When did this happen?”
    “Right about the time you were moving in.” Kerry paused for a few moments, then added, “You can keep driving, you know.”
    Lara pulled up next to a grassy neighborhood park, which was empty except for two young moms with strollers. “Excuse me,” she called. “Did you see a giant brown dog run by?”
    The women shook their heads, so Lara turned left at the next corner and doubled back toward Kerry’s house. She didn’t realize her fingers had closed around the wheel in a death grip until Kerry reached out and patted her hand.
    “Why are you freaking out? You love Evan, right? And he loves you.”
    Lara nodded, her throat dry.
    “So why the panic attack? Diamond rings are delightful.” Kerry stretched out her left hand and examined her bare fingers. “Although I had to take mine off last month since my fingers are so swollen.”
    “Marriage is just so permanent. I mean, that’s a serious commitment.”
    “You’ll commit unlimited time, money, and energy to any random stray dog off the street,” Kerry pointed out.
    “Committing to a dog is one thing. But committing to a guy . . . I just don’t think I believe in happily-ever-after.”
    Kerry finished off the water, then declared, “That’s your mother talking. Look, your family is totally jacked; I get it. But good marriages do exist, and Evan’s a great guy. The man made you a cake from scratch. Lock him down and throw away the key.”
    “Evan doesn’t want to marry me,” Lara said. “He wants to marry the image he has of me. What’s he going to do when he finds out what a lunatic I really am?”
    Kerry closed her eyes and shifted in her seat. “ Oof . It’s like my uterus is a hotel penthouse and this baby is a rock star on a three-day bender.”
    Lara chose her words carefully. “Do you think Richard will be home more after the baby’s born?”
    Kerry stilled, but kept her eyes closed. “Nope.”
    “And you’re okay with that?”
    “I knew what his schedule was like when I married him. Besides, I’ll manage just fine. I’ve provided round-the-clock care for entire litters of puppies. Taking care of one little human will be a breeze compared with that.” She opened her eyes and glanced at Lara, almost daring her to contradict this. “What?”
    “Nothing.” Lara shrugged one shoulder. “You know, you might consider cutting down on the dogs until after you have the baby and get the new routine down.”
    “That’s what Richard said, too.” Kerry looked stricken. “But hear me now and believe me later: I’ll never be one of those people who has a baby and forgets her dogs even exist.” She sighed. “So you found a match for my sweet little Murphy, huh?”
    “Murphy’s match found me,” Lara said. “And I’ve got a good feeling about this one.” She provided a quick rundown of Peter’s life circumstances. “This guy is committed, and he’ll listen to my recommendations about nutrition and training. Most single men won’t consider a little terrier; they insist on a ‘manly’ dog like a Rottie or a shepherd. But this guy melted as soon as he saw the pictures. I told him I’d talk to you and set up a meet and greet.”
    “But I love Murphy. He’s special.” Kerry basked in Murphy’s look of infinite adoration. The same look he gave anyone who had food, toys, or a desirable spot on the sofa.
    “They’re all special,” Lara reminded her. “And anyway, he has a greater purpose in life—to score chicks for the dumped and downtrodden.”
    “Well, if you think this is the guy, I’ll take you at your word. You do have a one-hundred-percent success rate.”
    “Except for Mullet.” Lara sighed. “Evan says that Mullet is nobody’s soul mate, and as much as I hate to admit it, he may be