Page 60 of Refurbished

By the time we were done, it was clear that we had made more than enough to cover the large animal nursery. But there would be money for a lot more, which included updates to the medical suite, the small animal nursery, the barn, and much more. It was really unbelievable. Several donors would send money every month. With the improvements, we would become a tier-three facility and be able to take in more animals by this time next year.

It was exciting to see the Sanctuary grow. This was exactly what I had wanted when I lay in my hospital bed after the accident. Then I thought I would have to talk Trey into it, but he would have liked the animals, and then found a job in town. Over the last few months, I realized that my feelings for my ex had been different than the all-encompassing feelings I had for Angus. I loved Angus so much it scared the crap out of me. I still waited for the other shoe to drop, for him to tell me that I wasn’t enough for him because I wasn’t complete. I hated that I felt that way and couldn’t simply trust his words.

When Amelia stopped and looked at me, “What do you think?”

Don’t cry, I said to myself. “I.” My voice was strained, and I stopped to clear it. “I can’t believe it. You. Everyone. I won’t let any of these people down who believed in us—in the Sanctuary.” Once I let my emotions free for Angus, it felt like I had no control anymore, as I pinched the bridge of my nose in hopes of gaining control.

“You have full access to the money. Unless you plan to embezzle or spend the money inappropriately, there is no trustee or board to answer to. It can be kept that way as long as you don’t break anybody’s trust.”

“Yes, ma’am. I will most certainly do my best for the Sanctuary and spend only as necessary. Several of those contractors you referred me to will give me a deep discount because we are non-profit.” I could feel myself starting to crack again. I swallowed hard. “Amelia, I really can’t thank you enough.”

“Tell you what. You take care of those animals, and you take care of my son—keep that stupid smile on his face—and we will be even.”

“Mom.” There was a tone of warning from Angus

“Angus, leave her alone. She wants the best for you, and I am happy to keep that stupid smile on your face.” I grinned.

He blushed as we both teased him. “Y’all are ganging up on me.”

Amelia and I shared a look. “It’s my job. Your mom said so.” She nodded. Her lip curled up on one side. I was relieved that she liked me. After we ate dinner, we visited for another hour before heading back. Amelia tried to convince us to spend the night, but we chose to go home.

The rest of the week went quickly. Contractors were already submitting bids, and in the mornings, I would discuss plans for the money and the Sanctuary with Angus. He had great ideas, and I knew this was going to be a cutting-edge facility.

Even though we hadn’t offered him more hours yet, Zach volunteered whenever he wasn’t at the bar. We noticed that he laughed more easily and smiled more frequently every day. He had suggested we rescue some horses, which would allow us to move over the land more easily and cut fewer roads. I thought it was a great idea, which led to plans for a horse barn. We would expand our domestic and farm animal areas, keeping Orlando and the deer near the front. The small animal nursery, medical building, bunkhouse, and offices would be rebuilt and expanded closer to the entrance.

Angus and I had already discussed offering Zach a manager position as a full-time employee the minute we needed someone. West wouldn’t be happy, but Zach was a perfect fit for the job. And he could move from the small trailer to the manager’s quarters in the bunkhouse.

My arms were wrapped around Angus’s waist, and I kissed along his neck. I could feel his body shiver each time my lips touched his skin. We had booked a room for the weekend. “Zach is set until Sunday afternoon. No rushing home or getting up early.”

Which meant I was going to get lucky tonight, because Angus was always mindful of having to get up early for the animals. If we didn’t have to do that, he would take advantage, and we would make love—sometimes for hours. Tonight we were going over to West’s for dinner before we headed to the hotel. His brother and niece would be there, plus a few others from the bar. “You are looking fucking fine tonight, Baby.”

“Am I now? I was going to say the same about you.” He sidled up to me, his fingers ran through my hair, and then he pulled my mouth to his. God, this man could kiss, and I knew I would never tire of it.

“You know, when you look like that, I am going to spend the entire evening trying to get you where I can have your ass?”

I smirked at him. “I know. Don’t tell my boyfriend, but I like it.” Barnaby came with us to dinner because Allison, East’s daughter, loved the dog, and the little girl would have stern words for me if I had left him home.

At the door, Tyler gave Angus a hug, and before he could greet me, the sound of little feet interrupted us. “Mr. Eion, did you bring Barnnnabree?” Allison was adorable and demanded attention.

I removed Barnaby’s work harness. “You two going to play?”

“Allison, you could at least say ‘Hi’ before making demands.” Her Uncle said, with his hand affectionately on her head.

She bit her fingernail and looked at us, clearly feeling chastised. “Oh. Hi, Uncle Amgus.” She hugged his leg. “Hi, Mr. Eion.” She stuck out her little hand.

I shook it. “Hi. You have a plan for tonight?”

She beamed. “We are going to have a tea party.” I couldn’t help but laugh. Barnaby had never played tea party before, but I knew he would be fine and patient. It was good for him to interact with other people. He had plenty of time with animals of all kinds, but not much with people. It occurred to me that I should invite Allison to the Sanctuary, where there were many creatures she would love to see, especially since little kids didn’t annoy me nearly as much as adults.

“Tell you what, you spend the evening with Barnaby and keep him out of trouble, then I will ask your Daddy if I can have you visit the other animals I live with.”

Her eyes got big. “Other animals? You have more dogs?”

“We have one more dog, but we have raccoons, deer, bears, and even a giraffe.”

“Really?” I might have misstepped on this because she was excited.

“Yes, really.”