Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 87260 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87260 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
“Told you he was the best.”
I placed my hand on his chest. “Yes, you did.”
“We really should get going if we want to be there before everyone starts showing up. Josh texted and said they were there.”
Nodding, I drew in a deep breath and exhaled. “You’re right, let’s go.”
Nate took my hand as we walked through the house and to the garage. My nerves settled a bit once I was in the truck, but I was still worried. The drive into town was quiet except for the radio that played softly in the background.
When Nate turned the corner and I saw the dog park come into view, I couldn’t help but smile. There were a number of cars in the parking lot, but I could tell who most of them belonged to.
“Your parents are here?” I asked.
“Of course they are. Everyone is here for the big day.”
Over the last seven months, Nate’s family had quickly become my family. With each dinner and game night, I felt more and more like I was part of something beautiful. Never once did I feel anything other than love coming from everyone. Being part of a family that truly loved and cared for each other was such a beautiful feeling. And now, my mother was experiencing that with Doug.
Nate parked next to Josh’s truck, and I turned to look at him. “Ready?”
“So ready!”
“Then let’s do this!”
As I walked toward the main building, I felt my heart racing. It wasn’t the first time I’d seen it, of course, but now that it was finished, it was more than I could have ever expected. The sidewalk led you up to a gate that all visitors walked through. The main building, which housed the main office, the bar, and the snack bar for dogs was the first thing you encountered when you walked in. There was also a self-serve machine to buy a day pass or a membership. Once you purchased it, you got a code that unlocked the gates for both the small and large dog parks.
Sophia was behind the counter, along with Lenny, the bartender we had hired. To purchase drinks, you had to show your ID and get a bracelet that allowed you to do so. There was also a strict limit on how many drinks you could purchase. Outside the park in the parking lot was a food trailer that would be here Thursday through Sunday, and a groomer who would be at the park every Friday and Saturday. They were both here for opening weekend.
“How is it going so far?” I asked as I stepped up to the counter.
Sophia grinned and said, “Lenny is teaching me how to make some of the drinks.”
“I’m making the pupsicles!” Avery said as she held up one and smiled proudly.
Laughing, I said, “We may just hire you!”
“Did you guys need anything?” Nate asked.
Lenny shook his head. “We’re all good here. Some people stopped by earlier asking when the park would open. We told them today, and they promised to come back with their pups.”
“That’s wonderful!” I said, clapping my hands. “Are the gates unlocked?”
“They are,” Sophia replied. “I also checked the machine, and everything is working perfectly.”
“Wonderful. I’m sorry I’m late. I was…nervous.”
Sophia reached through the window for my hand. “No need to be, Haven. Everything is beyond amazing.”
Glancing around, I nodded. “I’m going to walk around and check everything before we officially open.”
Sophia smiled.
Turning to Nate, I exhaled. “Let’s go check it all out.”
Nate and I headed toward the large dog park. You had to walk through the first gate, where you entered your code. Then, down a sidewalk with donated bricks to another latched entrance. Once inside that area, there were two dog washing stations. I unlatched the third gate, and we entered the large dog park. Straight in front of us was the splash pad. Two dogs were already playing there. Lily and Maverick’s golden retriever, Winnie, and Doug and my mother’s boxer, Mr. Maple.
Turning to the right, you followed another sidewalk directly into the large dog park. The grass we had picked was hardy, and I hoped it would hold up with all the pups. Picnic tables were at the end of the park near the bar. Directly across from us were the cabanas that you could rent. They were covered with bench seating and a TV in each cabana. They were available for people to rent for parties and such. Opposite the picnic tables and at the other end of the park was a covered stage for live music on the weekends. A giant screen TV was at the back of the stage, and Nate and Josh had already purchased the NFL ticket so that they could play the football games come fall. Paw Patrol was currently on the TV.
Four large troughs were filled with water for dogs to cool down in. An ice pool would also be filled with ice during the summer months.