Dad in Training Read Free

barking dogs.”
    Hearing the word dogs , all three animals skittered to Steph’s side. “Get lost,” she said, waving her hand at them before refocusing on Molly.
    “You’re as bad as some of my students. ‘Down’ is all you need to say and then show them. They’ll catch on.”
    Steph rolled her eyes. “Let’s talk about this Runyan character.”
    Molly had a better description than character. Good-looking worked for her. Steph’s look bored through her, and Molly knew she’d better get on with it. “Okay, I suppose, I can’t expect you to remember every empty building I’ve given a longing look.”
    “You’ve eyed a ton of them.”
    Images flashed through Molly’s mind—empty office buildings, industrial businesses, grocery stores. She’d never found one that would work as perfectly as the Runyan building, but the cost was prohibitive. Most buildings were.
    “Did you ask this Runyan guy about the building?”
    Steph’s voice dragged her from her ruminations, and she sank against the cushion. “Not really. When I mentioned it was empty, he said, ‘That’s temporary.’ I question that, though. How long has it been since I’ve had my eye on that building?”
    “It’s your guess.” Steph unfolded herself from the chair and glanced out the window. “I thought I heard a car.”
    Molly understood. “I know you have to leave for work.”
    Steph gave a faint nod and ambled back toward her chair. “I have to wait for the owners to get here and pick up their pooches.” She leaned her head against the chair back. “I wish I could get one full-time job instead of two part-times, but as long as I want to do doggie day care, this is it.”
    “You need a building, Steph, and do this job on a grander scale.”
    Steph lifted her head. “You’re optimistic.”
    “When I find a building, you could make a living with the dogs then. No need for a second job. It’ll work.” Molly’s chest tightened, thinking of Steph’s dream and then her own. “I know your neighbors get upset when the dogs are noisy.”
    Steph’s face mirrored her concern. “You and I are like kids waiting for a dream to happen. When will we grow up?” She sat again and closed her eyes. “That’s not fair. You have a real job. When will I grow up?”
    “We’re both grown up, but we care about dogs. I enjoy teaching, but if I could have a dog shelter, that would be my ultimate dream. Then I could run other Teacher’s Pet programs there, and you could use some space for your day care. It would be wonderful. Perfect.” Molly leaned forward, wishing she had a house instead of a condo. Then she could have a dog of her own. “You know, I believe God has plans, and I’m hoping having a shelter is His plan for me…eventually. I have to learn patience.”
    “Patience.” Steph’s head made a slight nod.
    They sat in silence as Molly pictured her long-awaited dream and assumed Steph was doing the same. Money. That’s what they needed. Both of them. “I’d better let you get ready for work.” She rose and moved toward her handbag.
    Steph stood, too. “What will you do now?”
    Molly hung the bag on her shoulder. “About what?”
    “The building. Is this Runyan guy someone you’ll see again? Aren’t you going to pursue it?”
    “Yes. I just have to figure out how.” Molly adjusted her shoulder strap and then straightened as her mind sparked an idea. “Hold on. Are you working tomorrow night?”
    “I’m not off until Friday.”
    “I’ll go alone then.” Disappointed, she made her way toward the door.
    “Go? Go where?”
    “To the softball game. My principal knows Brent Runyan. They’re on a team together, and they play tomorrow night.”
    “Isn’t that a little obvious?”
    “I’ll see what I can find out from Rob tomorrow. I could go and cheer them on.”
    Steph pressed her palm to her cheek, her eyes widening. “You can’t be serious.”
    “I am serious. Why not? If I went with someone, I wouldn’t look so