Love Lessons by Margaret Daley Page A

“They’ll be around back. I hope they’ve found Sugar.” She started for the side yard.
    â€œYeah, me, too. I don’t know how much hiking I can do in heels.” Gloria jogged to keep up with Alexa. “Slow down a tad. Three-inch heels aren’t meant for running.”
    Alexa peered over her shoulder. “Sorry. I’m worried about Jana and what she’ll do if we can’t find Sugar. She’s become so attached to that dog.”
    â€œI don’t know why. It’s ugly.” Her mother slowed, dragging in deep breaths.
    â€œThat’s what I think makes Sugar so adorable.”
    â€œI think I should have taken you to the eye doctor when you were younger. Maybe you should see one, dear. The dog doesn’t have any hair to speak of.”
    In the back near the lake, Alexa stopped, cupped her hand above her eyes to see past the glare off the glittering water and scanned the area. “Do you see either Jana or Ian?”
    Her mom pointed to the left. “I see them. They’re coming back.”
    Alexa twisted around. Empty-handed, the pair hiked toward them. The fear on Jana’s face tore at Alexa. Even Ian’s held concern, especially when he glanced at his daughter. His unconditional love for his daughter moved Alexa. She didn’t have that with her own father. Seeing it between Jana and Ian caused her to wonder what it would be like to be loved with no strings attached. Ian made her dream of that kind of love.
    â€œNothing that way.” Ian paused next to Alexa. “That’s the direction Sugar went.”
    â€œKelly and her younger brother went that way.” Janapointed to the right. “We need more people to check the woods.”
    â€œWe came back to get you to help us look.” Ian settled his arm along Jana’s shoulders and pulled her against him.
    â€œWhat if we don’t find Sugar before dark? She’ll get scared. Be hungry.” The child’s eyes, red rimmed, glistened with her unshed tears.
    â€œWe will, honey, if I have to stay out here all day.” Ian kissed the top of Jana’s head.
    Alexa watched the interchange between Ian and his daughter, her own tears cramming her throat. Never once in her childhood had her father ever acted that way toward her. He’d rarely hugged her or showed her that kind of affection. Ian’s capability to love was huge and he had no problem showing it.
    Alexa swallowed several times. “And I’ll be right there next to you all, searching for Sugar. We’re gonna find her.” She rotated toward her mother. “Why don’t you stay here, and when Kelly and her brother come back, tell them where we are.”
    â€œI can help with the search in the woods.”
    Alexa pointed to her mother’s shoes. “In those?” How she could wear three-inch high heels at all was beyond her. She was glad she’d changed her mind at the last minute and worn boots, instead of flats, to church today. “Besides, Sugar may find her way home, or someone might call to say they’ve found her. Someone needs to be here. If anything happens, call me on my cell.”
    â€œThere’s Kelly and her brother.” Jana ran toward the two coming along the shoreline from the opposite direction.
    â€œAnd no Sugar,” Ian said with a sigh, staring at his daughter greeting the two neighbors. “I’ve got to find that dog.”
    Alexa moved in front of him. “ We’ve got to find the dog.”
    He blinked, focused on her and attempted a smile that failed instantly. “Thanks. I’ve learned I can count on you.”
    â€œJana’s a delight, and I don’t want to see her hurting. If we don’t find Sugar in the woods, then we’ll extend our search. Some of the other neighbors might help, too.” Alexa took his hands. “Sugar isn’t a dog that blends in. She’s unusual. That will help us in our