*~* Matthew Charles Sanders *~*

River, Cash and myself got out of the car and headed up to Gravewood Gathering Animal Rescue. We signed up a few days ago to come volunteer and play with the dogs. The confirmation call I got from the owner, Molly, was nice and she let me know to check in at the front desk, get name tags and that she would lead us to where we would be volunteering for the day. I told her we preferred to work with dogs but I knew my boys would be happy with any of the animals.

We approached a building that looked like it was just a Victorian mansion but not on the obscene level. It was two stories, painted white with bright purple and neon teal accents. It looked so welcoming even with the bold colors. The sign hanging from the awning read "Gravewood Animal Rescue". The deck was nicely done with paw print accents in the lattice. It was cute and endearing.

"Daddy! Do we get to play wiff da doggies?" Cash asked, jumping up and down with excitement.

"Yes, buddy. We just gotta check in." I smiled down at my youngest son.

"I hope they have lots of puppies." River sighed like he was trying to reign in his excitement and not get his hopes up of bringing a puppy home.

I had considered the idea. I just would want the boys to agree on a dog or I just might be leaving with two. That's a lot for me to take care of throughout the week without them to learn some of the responsibility.

I lead my boys inside and walked up to the front desk that was a standard grey color then saw a little brunette behind the desk.

"Oh my goodness..." She whispered and took a deep breath, "Hi there, I'm Sadie. How can I help you?"

"Hi Sadie!" Both my kids beamed.

"Hello," I smiled, "Molly called me for confirmation last night for us volunteering. She said to get checked in here and snag some name tags."

"Molly's gonna be so excited, she's a big fan of your band." Sadie chuckled.

Oh great...not that I don't love my fans. It's just...hard to do life with them around sometimes. I just wanna do something fun with my kids. Not have someone up my ass the whole time.

"Excellent." I flashed a fake smile and she handed me name tags, a marker then I filled out the bit of paper work I had to.

Sadie was texting while I was filling out the paper work then I gave her the clipboard back, sitting back down with my boys. They looked through some of the kids coloring books that were out so I was able to confirm with my now ex-wife when to drop them off.

A few moments went by and a short blonde woman came in. She was heavily tattooed, beautiful with bright green eyes that were just to die for. She was busty girl with a small waist. Her torso covered with a t-shirt that was her brand but it was black with the same teal color that was the trim of her facility. Just said Gravewood Gathering on it. Her legs were exposed by a pair of jean shorts, showing off all her ink there. She had on a pair of purple low top Converse that looked adorable with her tiny feet. Her icy blonde hair was down and had a messy but polished beach wave look. So fucking blonde. Make up seemed simple. Light eye shadow with black winged liner and a nude lip.

"Matt! Thank you so much for coming! Are you guys ready?" She smiled.

My boys hopped up and ran over to her, standing in front at attention like the well behaved children they are not sometimes.

"I'm ready and I know they definitely are." I laughed and stood up.

Molly held her hand out to shake mine, "It's nice to meet you. I'm Molly and welcome to my facility," She smiled then introduced herself to my kids, "I'll lead you guys out."

I immediately pulled my phone out and started to text Brian...

Dude...Molly Gravewood is smoking hot...why didn't you tell me? -Shadz
I didn't realize I had to... -Syn
A warning would've been great... -Shadz
Well...just so you know...Molly is a ten. How's that? LOL -Syn
You're an ass. -Shadz
Have fun ;) -Syn

I shoved my phone back in my pocket and followed Molly as she lead my boys to the back. The massive back yard had an area for cats, an area for woodland type critters then the main area was dogs.

"Now...none of the dogs I have today have been traumatized or abused so they aren't in behavioral training. All of these babies are fully trained and ready to play. For public safety and volunteer safety, I couldn't have any of the dogs in my training programs out so," She paused and smiled, "You guys have at it." She grinned then rattled off all the dogs's names like we would fucking remember.

I lead River and Cash into the area where a few other people were playing with the dogs and contemplating adoption, chatting among themselves. My boys flocked to the puppies more than anything. Of course they would.

I sat with my kids, playing with a couple of the dogs who were the best behaved pups I've ever dealt with but I kept giving Molly the side eye stare. I couldn't stop watching her. She's fun, bubbly, banging ass body, tattooed....just the kinda different I'm looking for. Something fresh and just a little weird.

Molly worked the whole yard, answering questions and everything as she walked around. She scrolled through a tablet when people were asking about adoption. She seemed to be really strict. She also seemed to have a policy in place where she requires a full week of having the animal in the home but it is considered a temporary residency. She's the final say on whether the animal is adopted or not.

Three hours flew by and I didn't even realize. My sons had so much fucking fun. I couldn't believe it. It was the first time the three of us weren't thinking about the fact that our family is now split. Such a nice damn feeling.

Molly was rounding everyone up and getting their contact information, in case the animals didn't work out. My kids couldn't decide on which ones to take so we were gonna have a sit down and come back. Not that, that upset me at all...I would love to see Molly again.

"So, gentlemen," The little blonde bombshell started with a smirk and a Mae West one shoulder shrug, "Did we want to take a couple little guys home?"

"We can't decide!" River groaned at her.

"I wanna take dem all..." Cash sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"That's okay. You can always come back after you've thought about it, so long as your dad is okay with that." Molly smiled at them then to me.

I legitimately fucking blushed, "Y-yeah. That's true. We talked about that." I nodded.

"A lot of these babies will get adopted but some of them will still be here so don't worry." Molly smiled then turned her full attention to me, "So Matt, would you like me to sign you up for another volunteer session with your kiddos?" Molly has this calming effect that makes me wanna say yes to fucking anything.

"Yeah. Can I...call you?" I asked her.

"Absolutely. Here, texting is easier. I'll get back to you quicker." She smiled and handed me her business card then pointed at her number, "That's my cell."

"Thanks. I'll shoot you a text here soon." I smiled back to her.

I watched Molly blush then she waved us off in a polite way so she could chat with another couple.

Holy hell...I wanna talk to this girl...over dinner. It's been six months since I've gotten divorced...now's gotta be the time right? Maybe...I don't know... it feels too soon but if I keep not dating...will it ever actually be the time?

---

*~* Molly Jean Gravewood *~*

After closing up the shelter and getting my night vet techs in to watch over my babies, I drove home and got inside my beach front condo, wiped from the day. I set my keys down, went to the kitchen and grabbed a drink from my fridge.

I pulled my phone out of my pocket then saw that I had a message from an unknown number. I furrowed my brows and wondered which person from today it was. I went ahead and opened the thread as I took a seat on my couch. I sipped my drink and spat it out when I saw the signature.

Hey Molly. Thanks so much for today. You helped with a little normalcy. When can I come back? -Shadz

Fucking M. goddamn Shadows is texting me. I was shaken when I saw him today but I think I handled it like a champion.

Hey Matt! Thank YOU for today! The dogs love getting people time. You can come back whenever you want. I mostly do volunteers on the weekends cause it seems to work with people's schedules better but you're more than welcome at the facility any time (: -Molly

Maybe I can come help Monday? The boys won't be with me but I still had fun :) -Shadz

My fucking heart is palpitating the goddamn worst right now. I can't believe this is real goddamn life. My celeb crush making plans to come help me at my work. That's incredible.

I would love that! -Molly

Then I'll see you Monday. Have a good weekend Molly. -Shadz

You too, Matt. -Molly

Notes