Puppy Love

Kate thought there was something missing in her life, but Cupid might have the answers . . .

IT was the chance to work on the South Downs, as well as live with her favourite aunt, that made Kate finally take the plunge and move. “The south coast will be the perfect tonic for you, Katie,” Aunt Clara had said six months ago.

They’d been talking on the phone, as they had every day since Kate had broken up with her fiancé.

“I’m all on my own in this big house, and your room will have a sea view.” Aunt Clara tried to tempt her.

“I’ll think about it, Auntie,” Kate replied.

London had been her home for so many years, and even though she’d broken up with Percy, she had her small gardening business to think of.

Aunt Clara, unlike her parents, had always approved of her love of horticulture.

“You’ll never find a man who wants a wife with dirty hands,” her mother had frequently warned her.

So far, it had proved to be true – Percy’s new girlfriend worked in an office and had long painted nails, unlike Kate’s short ones which had to be scrubbed clean every night.

Aunt Clara, her mother’s younger sister, had lived in the Sussex seaside town for as long as Kate could remember.

Clara had married Oliver, a fellow artist, and they bought their seafront townhouse because of the light the huge windows allowed in.

Kate would visit for the school holidays. She loved the beach, especially at low tide, though it was the space and the green of the South Downs that held her heart.

“Can we go to the hills again, Auntie?” Kate would say, eager to explore the wildflower meadows or play in the woods.

Uncle Oliver would laugh, and Aunt Clara would smile her answer, packing a picnic along with their painting equipment.

But when Kate was sixteen, Uncle Oliver died.

“I need some company,” Aunt Clara told her. “I’m going to get a dog.”

On her next visit to the coast, Kate had met and fallen in love with Rex, Clara’s border collie pup.

****

A few weeks after their conversation, Kate was continuing to ponder a move to the coast when

Aunt Clara called.

“I have good news and not-so-good news, my dear,” she told Kate. “I’ve seen the perfect job for you – head gardener at the stately home in the next village.”

Kate let out an excited squeal, then paused.

“And the not-so-good news?”

“It’s our Rex, love. Old age has caught up with him. He’s in pain and I’m afraid it’s his time.”

Kate packed her bags and drove down to the coast the following day.

When she arrived, Rex was lying in his basket by the kitchen radiator.

He lifted his head only for a few seconds, not even stirring when she picked up his lead.

The next day he was gone.

“Only stay if it’s right for you, Katie,” Aunt Clara said a week later as they walked on the seafront, arms linked. “I’ll be fine by myself.”

Kate took a sideways glance at her aunt. She

subconsciously to the local dog shelter.

A kindly grey-haired gentleman greeted her at the reception.

“I’m Charlie – I volunteer here,” he explained.

They got chatting and Kate told him about losing Rex and her own move from London.

“Come and have a look at who we have,” he said with a wink. “Let’s see if any of our four-legged friends catch your eye.”

Kate followed him through the kennels, stopping to crouch down and look into the eyes of each of the dogs.

When she reached the last kennel, she noticed it was empty, though on the wall hung a photo of the most beautiful border collie with one blue eye and the other brown.

Charlie stepped up next to her.

“This is our Cupid,” he said. “He’s a lovely boy, though he seems to have a bit too much spirit for most.”

Kate raised a curious eyebrow in his direction and Charlie laughed.

“He loves exploring, that’s all – the Downs, the woods, the beach. Local park walks just don’t give him what he needs.”

“Sounds perfect,” Kate murmured. “But why the name Cupid?” Charlie let out a breath. “He’s a rescue, so we’re not entirely sure, but we think it’s because the white tip of his tail is in the shape of a heart.”

He smiled at Kate. “He is a lovely dog. My son, Simon, walks him for hours when he’s home. He’s a pilot, so he can’t take him permanently.”

Charlie pointed at the empty kennel.

“Simon’s off work this week, so they’re out today. Shame you won’t get to meet them.”

Kate drove home with the image of Cupid in her mind.

What would Aunt Clara say if she suggested they adopt him?

****

The following Monday morning in the rose garden, Cupid was still on Kate’s mind.

She’d stopped digging and was just thinking about returning to the staff cottage for her break when a man’s voice carried across on the wind.

What was he calling? Kate couldn’t work it out, though his tone seemed urgent.

Setting down her spade, she started walking towards the garden’s main entrance when a black and white dog came bounding towards her.

He stopped a few feet away, looked at her, then sat down on the path.

“Cupid?” she asked disbelievingly, looking at the dog’s uniquely coloured eyes. “Is that you?”

At the sound of his name, Cupid tilted his head, stood and wiggled at Kate, gently nudging into her leg to ask for a stroke.

His tail was wagging, Kate noticed, the little white heart at the end of it showing his pleasure.

“There you are!” A man was approaching them, looking flushed but relieved.

“I’m so sorry,” he said. “I know dogs aren’t allowed in the gardens – he just took off!”

Kate stood up, making a dismissive gesture with her hand.

“No problem,” she said, taking in the man’s windswept hair and broad build, suddenly aware of a tightening in her stomach. “Some things are out of our control.”

The man grinned back, then bent to clip a now obedient Cupid on to his lead.

“Simon and Cupid,” he said, straightening up and extending a large hand towards Kate.

“Kate,” she replied, quickly stopping herself from offering her own dirt-streaked hand.

She held up her palm as explanation.

“Sorry,” she mumbled. “I need to wash.”

Simon grinned, gesturing at the leaves and dirt he had collected on his clothes whilst hunting for the mischievous Cupid.

“Not for me, you don’t!” He laughed. “This dog has had me running through the woods today – I’m muckier than you, I bet!”

They exchanged a glance that made Kate feel light-headed.

“Though I must say,” Simon continued, his eyes shining, “I’m rather pleased he did.”

The thing that was missing, Kate thought. Was this it?

She took a deep breath. “I was just going to put the kettle on,“she said. “Would you like to join me?”

“We’d love to.” Simon smiled, glancing down at a pleased-looking Cupid.

Back at the staff cottage, Kate told Simon about her visit to the dog’s shelter and meeting his dad.

When Cupid rested his head on her knee, she also found herself speaking about Aunt Clara and losing Rex.

“Why don’t you bring your aunt to the shelter?” Simon suggested.

“Actually,” Kate began, grinning, “I have another idea.”

****

“Let’s go for a walk on the beach before dinner,” Kate suggested to her aunt when she got home from work that evening.

“There are some friends I’d like you to meet.”

Aunt Clara smiled at her niece.

“What are you planning, Katie? I know that look of yours – though I haven’t seen it in some time!”

The tide was out when they arrived at the beach. The two women walked out on to the expanse of smooth sand.

“Lovely evening for a stroll,” Aunt Clara remarked, linking her arm through Kate’s.

“Who are these mystery friends you want me to meet?”

Right on cue, Cupid came running up to them and dropped a tennis ball at Aunt Clara’s feet.

“Oh, hello!” Aunt Clara exclaimed as she bent down to pat his head and pick up the ball to throw.

“Where did you come from, lovely boy?”

“Kate!” A voice called from behind them.

They turned to see Charlie and Simon walking towards them, waving.

Simon lifted his hand, showing the bag of fish and chips he was carrying.

“You’ve just met one of them,” Kate replied to her aunt’s previous question. “And here are the other two.”

Charlie introduced himself and Simon, then laid out a large picnic blanket on the pebbles.

He folded his jacket into a makeshift cushion for Clara.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said, holding out his hand to help her sit down.

“Likewise,” Clara replied, casting a quick wink at her niece.

Simon unpacked their supper, while they all took it in turns to throw Cupid’s ball.

“He really is a lovely boy,” Clara said as he settled by her feet as they finished their meal.

“Why don’t you all come back to ours for a cup of tea?”

“That would be wonderful.” Charlie beamed.

Back at the house, Simon helped Kate make the tea while Clara showed Charlie some of her paintings.

Their relaxed laughter carried through to the kitchen.

“I’ll carry the tray,” Simon said, but Kate touched his arm, stopping him before he walked out of the kitchen, feeling her stomach flip at his closeness.

From the lounge she heard her aunt’s laughter again.

This is what’s missing, she thought.

“What is it?” Simon whispered, returning the slow smile she was sending in his direction.

She nodded to Cupid, who had found Rex’s old basket and fallen fast asleep, his work done.

“I think I know how someone got his name!” She smiled. ■