“What’s going on?” Dara asked in bewilderment.

“Say hello to your new staff,” he said. “You are now the acting director of the Parkland Animal Shelter.”

Dara’s eyes went wide as she stared at Sohee and then at the other grinning volunteers. Then she glanced back at Jae. “I don’t understand. We aren’t closing?”

Sohee rushed forward and threw her arms around Dara. “No, we aren’t closing! Thanks to your husband. He gave us the funding we needed to stay running. Not only can we stay open, but we also have the money for improvements and for marketing so we can heighten awareness for the animals we need homes for.”

She disentangled herself from Sohee’s embrace and then turned back to Jae. “You did this for me?”

“I did it before you left,” he said gruffly. “I talked to your father about it the night of the party. I threatened to refuse to take his position if he didn’t agree to fund the shelter.”

fell open in shock. She wanted to throw her arms around him so badly, but she knew it wouldn’t be what he wanted. But he looked so nervous, as if he worried she wouldn’t appreciate what he’d done. How could she not?