Puppy Adventures

Lucy and her mum lived just the two of them. Of course, Lucy had a father, but he wasn’t interested in being part of her life. She hadn’t asked questions about him yet. At school, kids might brag about their parents, but in reception class, toys mattered far more than whether a dad was around.

Hope had decided Lucy was better off not knowing she’d fallen head over heels for her future father, only for him to admit—after she announced her pregnancy—that he was married. His wife’s father was his boss, so leaving her would leave him broke, and a penniless man wasn’t exactly what Hope wanted. He suggested ending the pregnancy while she still could—he wouldn’t pay a penny in child support. And if she tried anything? Well, things wouldn’t end well for her…

She walked away, vanished from his life, and raised Lucy alone. Lucy turned out sweet, and that was enough.

Hope worked as a primary school teacher, while five-year-old Lucy went to nursery. They didn’t need anyone else.

After New Year’s, a new PE teacher arrived at school. Tall, fit, always smiling. All the single women on staff—which was most of them—started making eyes at him, laughing at his jokes. Only Hope kept her distance, never glancing his way. Maybe that’s why he noticed her.

One afternoon, as she stepped through the school gates, a Range Rover pulled up beside her. The PE teacher—James—stepped out and swung the passenger door open.

“Hop in,” he grinned, nodding inside.

“I don’t live far,” Hope said in confusion.

“Still quicker than walking,” he pointed out sensibly.

After a second’s hesitation, she climbed in. He shut the door, started the engine, and asked for her address.

“I don’t know it. Just the nursery number.” Hope looked down, embarrassed.

“What nursery?” His brow furrowed.

“Where my daughter goes.”

“You’ve got a kid? How old?” He’d slipped into informal address without thinking.

“Lucy. She’s five,” Hope answered, grabbing the door handle. “I’ll walk.”

“Hold on.” He turned the key. “Let’s drive.”

Hope closed the door. Fine—he could drop her off at the nursery. Nothing would happen between them, anyway. Why would a man choose a woman with a kid when there were plenty of single ones around?

“If you’re not in a rush…” she sighed.

“Nowhere to be. No wife, no kids,” James answered quickly, saving her the questions.

“Why’s that? Terrible temper? Or did someone hurt you so badly you’re scared to settle down?” Hope teased.

“Feisty. Didn’t expect that. You seemed quiet. Been through love, been through heartbreak. Never made it to marriage—not just my fault. Just didn’t work out. And my temper?” He chuckled. “Nobody’s perfect, Miss Hope Carter. You’re not what you seem either.”

“Regretting offering me a lift? Turn into this estate!” she said urgently.

The car stopped outside the nursery.

“I’ll wait,” James said as she got out.

She hesitated by the door.

“Don’t bother. We live nearby. I don’t want Lucy asking questions. You get that, don’t you, James Walker?” She gave him a stern look, like he was a slow pupil. “Don’t wait.” She shut the door and walked off.

James sat there a moment, thinking it over, then drove away. When Hope emerged ten minutes later, hand in hand with Lucy, she sighed—relieved, but a little disappointed. Of course. A woman with a child? No use to him. Fine. *We don’t need him either*, she thought.

But the next day, James was waiting again at the gates.

“Thought I ran off when I found out you had a kid, didn’t you? Nope. Get in. Nursery?” he asked casually.

Hope smiled and nodded. When she brought Lucy to the car, the girl stared at James with the same suspicion her mum had the day before, then glanced up at Hope.

“This is James. He works at my school. Don’t just stand there—get in,” Hope said with forced cheer, hiding her awkwardness.

Lucy didn’t bounce into the car like an excited puppy. She climbed into the back seat stone-faced and stared out the window.

“Where to?” James turned to her.

“Not too far. No car seat—could get fined,” Hope answered for her.

“How about the arcade? Too cold for the park. Lucy, up for it?” James asked loudly, grinning.

Lucy stayed silent, still glued to the window as if nothing else mattered. James smirked and pulled away.

At school, the staff room fell silent when Hope walked in. When James entered, teachers hurried out, smirking and exchanging knowing looks.

James didn’t rush things. He was patient. Twice, he left after dinner at Hope’s. The third time, he stayed till morning. Hope slept fitfully, checking her alarm clock, terrified Lucy would walk in on them.

“Relax, she’s a smart kid. Let her get used to me,” James murmured at dawn, pulling Hope close.

But she wriggled free and got up. Weekday mornings, Lucy slept like a log—today, of course, she woke early. When Lucy walked into the kitchen after brushing her teeth, Hope was flipping pancakes while James sat at the table.

“Hello,” Lucy said, surprised, looking to her mum for an explanation.

“Washed up? Sit down, then.” Hope smiled at James, then Lucy, carrying the pan to the table.

She served James first—a detail Lucy didn’t miss.

“Enjoy,” Hope said, pouring tea. “How many sugars?”

“Two.” James watched Lucy. “Fancy a pancake race? Who can finish first?”

“Why?” Lucy eyed him coolly.

“Just for fun.” James faltered. “A real man—or lady—takes on a challenge. Ready?” He forked a pancake bite and gulped tea noisily.

Lucy ate slowly, chewing forever. Hope was proud she didn’t rise to the bait—but also sad. Lucy clearly didn’t like him.

“Mum said your birthday’s coming up,” James tried again. “What d’you want? Lego? Remote-control car?”

“A puppy,” Lucy said.

“Robotic one? Those are for babies.”

“A real one.” Lucy gave him a *you’re-an-idiot* look.

“We talked about this,” Hope cut in. “Puppies need attention. They chew things, pee everywhere—someone has to walk them. We’re out all day. When you’re older—”

“Then I don’t want anything.” Lucy scowled.

“Finish up. We’ll hit the shops—maybe you’ll see something else.” James shoved the last bite in.

March ended with a cold snap. The snow had nearly melted—then icy winds returned, bringing flurries of stinging sleet.

They went to the shopping centre. Hope hunted for Lucy’s clothes—she outgrew everything fast, especially shoes, which cost nearly as much as adult ones. She picked the cheapest.

Meanwhile, James played toy expert for Lucy. She barely glanced at the robots and cars—until a Transformers figure lit up her eyes. But Hope dragged her off to try coats.

They left with bags—one large box hidden inside. James guessed: that Transformer.

As they crossed the car park, sleet stung their cheeks. A small, shivering blur shot beneath their feet. James swore.

“Did you see that?” he snapped. “Could’ve trampled it.”

Lucy spotted the filthy, trembling pup huddled near his shoes.

“Get lost.” James nudged it with his boot—the puppy yelped, skidding toward the wheels.

Lucy snatched it up, shooting him a venomous glare.

“You—you *jerk*!” she shouted.

“Lucy! Apologise!” Hope demanded.

The pup shivered in Lucy’s arms. No way was she letting go.

“It’s filthy—probably sick. You’ll catch something. Put it down!” Hope insisted.

Lucy’s look told her: *never*.

“He’ll freeze. We’ll wash him—I’ll clean up after him!” Her lip wobbled.

“Your mum’s right,” James said. “Next weekend, we’ll buy a healthy one.” He handed Hope the bags and reached for the pup.

Lucy clutched tighter, spun, and bolted—straight into a reversing car.

“LUCY!” Hope froze.

The bumper clipped Lucy lightly. Hope dropped the bags and sprinted over. Lucy sat on the tarmac, still cradling the pup, tears streaming.

“Are you hurt? Let him go—you nearly got run over!” Hope wiped her cheeks.

“Watch your kid, love,” the driver snapped. “Wasn’t my fault—blind spot. Any witnesses?” he called to bystanders.

“It’s fine. No harm done,” James said, retrieving the bags.

The driver muttered, got back in, and sped off.

The puppy, now named Smudge, curled up happily at Lucy’s feet that evening, and Hope realised that sometimes the smallest, most unexpected things could bring the greatest joy—even if they chewed up the furniture along the way.

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Puppy Adventures