Aidan got a big cart, then worried it would frighten the dog, but Charlie took it in stride. He sniffed the floor and looked around eagerly, as if happy to explore this new world.

Aidan started with the easy stuff. Food and bowls. He bought several cans of what the shelter had been using, along with a bag of kibble. He figured he would do some research online to find out the best kind for a dog like Charlie and transition him gradually. He picked out four different kinds of treats, including one that was supposed to keep Charlie’s teeth clean and his gums healthy. He got a half-dozen bowls, then headed for the toy aisle.

Charlie showed interest in squeaky toys and a good tuggy rope. Aidan picked out a couple of nubby bones that were supposed to give the dog something to chew on. Next up, beds.

Charlie tested out every one Aidan put down on the floor. It was hard to tell which one he liked best. Aidan settled on a plush, high-sided brown bed with orthopedic foam under the cushion.

Last they cruised by the collar aisle. Charlie stood patiently while Aidan tested a couple of different collars, along with a harness. He bought one of each and the matching leashes. Last, and the item he was dreading the most—a coat.

There were several styles, along with sweaters and, dear God, dog booties.

“We’re not doing that,” he told Charlie.

The dog wagged his tail.

Aidan thought about how Charlie had walked through all that icy snow and never complained. How his little paws had been frozen and he’d been shivering. Then he looked back at the booties.

Everything inside of him protested. Bad enough to have a small, white fluffy dog, but one in booties?

“It’s happening,” Aidan told Charlie. “You’re my witness. I’m turning into a woman.”

Bowing to the inevitable, he reached for the booties and tossed them into the cart.

CHAPTER EIGHT

THE FIRST MEETING of the mayor-requested singles group took place on the Saturday before Valentine’s Day at the outdoor skating rink at Pyrite Park. Shelby was to meet Aidan there fifteen minutes before the event.

They’d put the word out on the town’s electronic community board and Bailey, the mayor’s assistant, had sent an email blast to everyone who’d signed up to receive them. Even so, Shelby had no idea what to expect. They could have two participants or two hundred.

When she got to the skating rink, she found Aidan already there, sitting on a bench by the ice-skate rental shack. Charlie sat next to him, fashionably dressed in a black-and-white plaid jacket and—she squinted just to make sure she was really seeing what she thought she was seeing—black dog booties.

“Don’t,” Aidan said as he got to his feet. “Don’t say it. I know what you’re thinking and it’s not my fault.”

“He’s very fashion forward this morning.”

“Sure, make fun of the guy trying to be a good puppy parent. He gets cold. I don’t want him to be uncomfortable.” He reached down and petted the little dog. “He’s a good boy with a lot of personality.”

“You could get matching jackets.”

“Very funny.”

She grinned, then dropped to a crouch in front of the bench. “Hi, Charlie. How are you, big guy?” As she spoke, she let the bichon sniff her fingers. His tail wagged and he gave her a quick kiss.

She picked him up and held him close. “So you two are getting to know each other?”

“We are. He likes to drive.”

“Excuse me?”

Aidan laughed. “He’s been riding around with me. The other day he climbed onto my lap in the truck. I thought he wanted to snuggle, but nope, he wanted to try to drive. I told him he had to wait until he was older.”