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“Can I have this dog, Mommy?” Gracie pleaded. She lifted the squirming bundle in her arms and struggled to her feet, carrying the dog so Ellie could have a closer inspection. “See? Isn’t he sweet?”
“He’s very sweet, honey.” Ellie touched her fingertips to the dog’s ear, marveling at the silky skin. Aware of Wyatt’s scrutiny she shook her head. “But I’m sorry, we can’t get a dog. They don’t allow them in the city complex where we live.”
It was so hard to refuse her sweet daughter something as simple as a puppy. At Gracie’s age Ellie’s parents had given her a puppy of her own to cherish. If only...
Thankfully Wyatt intervened.
“I’m sorry, Gracie, but Mr. Fudge belongs to someone else. He’s just here for a visit.” He touched her bright head as he smiled. “His owners are coming to get him tomorrow morning.”
“Well, I’m gonna pray we have to move into a new house so I can get a dog just like Mr. Fudge,” Gracie announced. After shooting a stubborn look at Ellie she flopped down onto the floor and continued to play with the pup.
“Here, let me put Cade in his high chair.” Wyatt scooped the little boy who’d begun to fuss from her arms.
“Oh, but I can hold—” Ellie’s protest died with Wyatt’s laughter.
“Believe me, you don’t want to hold Cade when he’s eating a cookie.” He tied a bib around the boy and handed him a treat. “He makes a horrible mess.”
I wouldn’t mind. Ellie didn’t say that. Instead she smiled politely, accepted the cup of coffee and the chocolate cookies he offered.
“All the dogs—your clinic is here at the ranch?” she asked.
“Yes, but mostly I just board animals here and go out to the calls.” Wyatt shrugged. “I give shots here, if they’re due. It keeps my name out there for prospective clients.”
“So, out there, by the barn—” Ellie suddenly caught on. “You were working?”
“Trying to do a few much-needed repairs.” Wyatt took two cookies for himself and bit into one. “Today wasn’t optimum with Cade feeling off.”
“How can you work with him nearby?” she blurted, unable to stop the question.
“I made him a tree swing.” Wyatt chuckled when Cade dropped his cookie and began crowing with delight, arms swinging wildly. “Whoops, I said the word s-w-i-n-g. That’s one he knows, and he loves riding in it.” He held out another biscuit, and Cade soon forgot the topic. “I managed to get the hay changed and the stock fed during his sporadic rides. That’s pretty good considering how he’s feeling.”
“Can I play with Mr. Fudge outside?” Gracie asked.
“Sure.” Wyatt led her to the French doors, then glanced at Ellie. “The yard is fenced. Is it okay?”
“Yes, but don’t go outside the fence, Gracie.” She was thankful Wyatt didn’t open the door until Gracie promised, doubly grateful when he slid the screen across so she could see and hear her daughter.
“I could—” Ellie began, but his phone interrupted her offer.
“Excuse me.” Wyatt set down the washcloth he’d been wetting under the kitchen tap and answered the call. “No, that doesn’t sound good,” he agreed with a frown. He asked a few more questions, obviously about a sick animal, then said, “It could be contagious, but I can’t tell for sure without seeing him, and I’m afraid I can’t get away right now.”
Ellie waved her hand to catch his attention.
“Hang on a moment, will you, Mark?” He put his hand over the receiver, a question on his face. “Yes?”
“Why don’t you go do your job? I’ll stay with Cade. I had nothing special planned for this evening anyway,” she added, then thought how pathetic that sounded.
“I couldn’t ask you to do that, Ellie.” Wyatt shook his head.
“You’re not asking. I’m offering. And I’d really enjoy spending some more time with this little guy.” She dabbed Cade’s cheek, and he sneezed. Seeing Wyatt’s dubious look, she insisted. “Actually I was hoping you’d let us stay long enough to work on Gracie’s school project.”
“Oh?” he frowned.
“She’s got to collect some pinecones for art class. I noticed you have tons scattered along your driveway. We could collect them and take Cade for a walk.” She nodded when he just kept looking at her. “Go ahead. Take the call. It sounds serious.”
“It could be.” Wyatt had an obvious internal debate with himself, but it was equally obvious that he wanted to go. Finally, he nodded just once, then said into the phone, “Okay, Mark, I’m on my way.”
Ellie smiled as he hung up. “Now, where’s the stroller?”
“On the porch. You’re sure about this?” He paused in the act of reaching for his hat. “You’re not just trying to make me feel better or something?”
“Trust me, seeing your lovely ranch does not make me feel pity for you. Jealousy maybe. Look.” She pointed outside to her daughter, suddenly a little too aware of the handsome vet standing beside her. Gracie ran around the yard with the puppy following. “I haven’t heard her laugh like that for ages.”
“Glad I could help.” Wyatt slapped on his hat. “She must have her father’s eyes,” he said when the child looked up.
“No. Gracie has her mother’s eyes.” Ellie shook her head when he blinked in surprise. “I’ll explain later. Go.”
“I don’t know how long I’ll be.” His worried gaze rested on Cade.
“We’ll be here.” She smiled when he looked at her. “I’m a nurse, Wyatt. I can take care of him.”
“Of course. Thank you, Ellie,” he said. He kissed Cade’s head, then hurried out the door. A moment later his truck roared and he took off, a plume of red dust following.
“Mommy? Where did Cade’s daddy go?” Gracie frowned, the puppy forgotten for the moment.
“Wyatt is a doctor for animals. He went to help them. He’ll be back in a little while. Meanwhile, let’s put the puppy in the pen and go for a walk to find those pinecones you need for school.”
“Is Cade coming?” her daughter asked.
“Of course. Cade likes looking for pinecones,” Ellie said as she went to take the child out of his high chair.
“How do you know?” Gracie’s head tilted to one side, giving her the look of a curious bird. “Did his daddy tell you?”
“No. It’s just one of those things mommies know.”
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