Man's Best Friend (The Dogmothers Book 6)

by Roxanne St Claire

  “It’ll be slower, but he should be fine in six weeks,” Christine told him.

  “And with the underwater treadmill?” Declan asked.

  “More like four weeks,” Christine said. “But we can get him healed without it. And if you want to leave him overnight, he could get shorter, more frequent sessions which will also speed things up.”

  “I don’t want him alone overnight,” Evie said quickly. “Even with vet techs to check on him. He’s completely alert now, and the pain is diminished, but he has deep attachment issues, and I don’t want him to suffer with loneliness on top of his recovery.”

  “I get that,” Christine said. “We’ll work out a good schedule for him. Do you want to go do his post-op exam now, Dr. Hewitt? I’ll go make sure room four is ready.”

  Evie nodded, and as the woman left, Declan put an arm around her as if he sensed she wasn’t thrilled with the solution. “You okay?”

  “Yeah, and so is Judah, which is the thing that’s bothering me.”

  He frowned. “I don’t follow.”

  “He’s made such progress in such a short amount of time,” Evie said, stroking Judah’s head. “I know with advanced PT, he’d be living a normal life in far less than six weeks. I’m thinking about all the equipment we have at NCS. There must be six underwater treadmills on an entire floor dedicated to canine rehab.”

  “This isn’t NC State,” he whispered so that the cat therapist working a few feet away wouldn’t hear.

  “I know, and I’m disappointed.”

  “Don’t be.” He gave her a squeeze. “We’ll take care of him.”

  Not as well as she could at a bigger, better facility, but she nodded. “I better go do the exam to get him released. We’ll be back in a bit. Come on, Judah.”

  By the time she finished the exam, Evie had a strong sense of satisfaction—she’d nailed the operation—and still battled the disappointment that she couldn’t do more for him and faster.

  But she couldn’t change that.

  When she signed all the paperwork, she took Judah to the waiting room to find Declan talking on his phone. She guessed it was one of his brothers or a cousin, based on his casual tone.

  He disconnected and gave her a quick smile. “Can we take our boy home now?” he asked.

  There was that feeling again…like they were parents. And it only intensified on the way back to Gloriana House.

  Evie sat in the back seat of Declan’s truck, her arm over Judah resting on her lap. Declan was quieter than usual, driving slowly and carefully during the short distance to the house, easing into every stop like his precious cargo couldn’t take even the slightest jolt.

  He drove like he would…if they were bringing a baby home from the hospital.

  As the thought hit her, she looked up and caught his gaze in the rearview mirror.

  “What is it?” he asked.

  “I guess I’m not the only one who can read minds, huh?”

  He smiled and slowed at a light. “Gramma Finnie would say you look like someone just danced over your grave. Is everything okay back there?”

  “Yeah.” She held his gaze, staring at those eyes, imagining…all the things. “I’m thinking about it,” she admitted softly.

  He laughed. “I told you. Once that seed gets planted…” He winked. “See what I did there? Seed?”

  She laughed. “I’ve created a monster.”

  “Hey, our baby will not be a monster.”

  She laughed, an infectious joy rising up every time they slipped into their old banter…and at how easily they could discuss this new possibility. “Well, I was just sitting back here with Judah thinking that this feels like, you know, coming home from the hospital with a new baby.”

  His eyes flashed in response. “Only this baby is hairier.”

  “Much.” She stroked Judah’s fur. “And his tongue is bigger than anything we could produce.”

  He let out a slow breath. “You’re joking about it. That’s a good sign.”

  “You think?”

  “I know.” He started driving slowly, looking from the mirror to the road and back. “You make jokes when something gets really serious for you.”

  “Not always.”

  “Usually.”

  “You think you know me so well.”

  “I do,” he said. “And I know you’re not happy about the PT situation.”

  “We’ll make it work, right, Judah?” She leaned over and pressed a light kiss on his head.

  “What did he say?” Declan asked.

  “He said…wait.” She put her ear next to his snout and nodded. “Mmm. Uh-huh. Yeah, I think you’re right. Declan is definitely that.”

  “Declan is definitely what?” he asked on a chuckle.

  “A very good daddy.”

  He beamed at her. “Honey, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet.”

  The words made her whole body feel like she was floating on air, but she didn’t get a chance to figure out a way to tell him that because they reached the driveway to Gloriana House, which was full of cars. She recognized Molly’s van and Yiayia’s Buick, plus a few others she’d seen the day before at Waterford.

  “An impromptu Mahoney-Kilcannon party?” she asked.

  “That’s what my family does, E. They’re here to support. Yiayia probably brought Greek cookies that Alex made. Gramma Finnie undoubtedly embroidered Judah his own pillow, complete with an Irish saying. Molly wants to check on him, General Pru wants to tell us all how to do it right, and Connor’s here to keep things light. It’s how we roll.”

  And it would be exactly how they rolled if she had Declan’s baby. At least, if she had Declan’s baby and stayed in Bitter Bark. The family would surround that child with love and support and humor and food and more love. A family like she never had and couldn’t give a baby on her own.

  “You are so loved, big boy,” she whispered to Judah. And so was Declan.

  That was abundantly clear as they brought Judah in the front door to find the welcoming committee—including Granddaddy, who’d dressed and put in his dentures for the occasion—gathered in the entryway to celebrate their four-legged hero.

  As Evie greeted them all with hugs and hellos, answering questions and letting them gently and cautiously wish Judah well, she slipped over to her grandfather.

  “You okay, Granddaddy? Did you get yourself all ready alone this morning?”

  “Finnie helped me,” he whispered. “She called, and I told her the back door is always open.”

  “Oh.” She looked over to the little Irish woman, who was fussing over Judah along with the others. “How sweet.”

  “And the Greek one brought cookies that tasted like Zeus himself made them.”

  She smiled at him, taking in the flush in his cheeks and the gleam in his usually tired eyes. “I’m so happy to hear that.”

  “And she announced that something magnificent happened in the museum room.” He leaned in. “Did it? Last night, maybe?”

  A rush of blood warmed her cheeks. Something magnificent almost happened. How the heck did Yiayia know that? Had she planted a camera in the room?

  “So it’s true,” Granddaddy said. “You wouldn’t be blushing if it wasn’t.”

  She felt her eyes flash wide. “Those ladies are crazy,” she whispered. “And are you sure you’re not too tired for all this?”

  “Pffft. Listen, Evangeline. Just stop everything and listen. What do you hear?”

  She took a breath for composure, then did as he asked. “I hear people talking. Laughing. Making the place echo with…” Her voice faded out as she deciphered his pleased expression and happy nod. “You like that, don’t you?”

  “I’ve missed it so much it hurts,” he admitted. “The only thing I’d love more is to hear my sweet Penny play that piano.” He grinned. “You did, didn’t you?”

  “Play the piano?” She frowned. “No, I haven’t.”

  He looked surprised, but just then, Molly came over. “I hope you don�
�t mind that Pru and I found the only bedroom on the first floor and set Judah up in there. I know you’re going to want to sleep with him, and he can’t do the stairs.”

  “Molly, how thoughtful. You put him in the former maid’s room?”

  “That’s a maid’s room?” Pru sidled up next to her mother. “It’s bigger than my parents’ room.”

  Evie laughed. “Don’t you go to school?” she asked with a teasing poke in her arm.

  “I took the morning off to help, but I’m only missing social studies and PE.”

  Molly gave an apologetic look. “I know, worst mother ever. But she’s number one in her class. Come on, let’s take Judah back to his room. I think you’re going to like what we did.”

  Touched and a little overwhelmed, Evie followed, but Declan snagged her arm as she passed. “I’m going to run out for a little bit, but I should be back in a few hours.”

  “Okay.” She frowned. “Do you work at five today?”

  “Yeah, but I have a quick errand to do, then I’ll see you. You’re in good hands.”

  “Many of them,” she agreed, tempted to give him a kiss goodbye. But Molly urged her on and took her past the kitchen and around the back stairs to what Grandmama had called the “servant’s quarters,” but her own mother had referred to it as “that little room downstairs.”

  “Ta-da!” Pru said, leading the way. “We’ve created a suite for Judah and a place for you.”

  Under the window that looked out on the backyard, they’d placed a cushy new dog bed with blankets and a pillow embroidered with his name and the words Your Best Friend Leaves Paw Prints on Your Heart, all decorated with those very paw prints and hearts.

  “Gramma Finnie?” she guessed.

  “Who else?” Molly laughed.

  His food and water bowls were inches away, along with a few new chew toys she didn’t recognize. “You guys thought of everything.”

  Molly slid an arm around her and gave her a hug while Pru slowly led Judah to his new bed.

  “Here you go, buddy,” Pru said, gently encouraging him to lie down.

  “Are you exhausted?” Molly asked Evie. “Hungry? Wish we’d all leave?”

  A burst of laughter came from the kitchen, making Evie shake her head. “Granddaddy is so happy,” she said. “And I’m glad you’re all here.”

  “Well, this one does have to get to school before calculus starts.” Molly gave Pru a nudge. “Let’s move it, Prudence.”

  After she walked Molly and Pru out, Evie came back to the kitchen, poured some coffee, and joined the group at the table. Granddaddy was seated at the head, sipping tea, while Yiayia and Gramma Finnie flanked him, hanging on every word.

  “Well, this turned into a party,” she said.

  “’Tis always a festive day when a dog comes home from the hospital, lass.”

  “Kind of like a baby,” Yiayia said, making Evie nearly snort her coffee out her nose.

  “You…” She pointed from one oldster to the next. “You all are nuts and unbelievably transparent.” And, possibly, very effective.

  “Are we?” Yiayia asked. “I think we’re very smart. Although I have to say, the piano thing was Finnie’s idea.”

  “What piano thing?”

  The three of them shared a look so heavy with unspoken words she half expected an organ chord to play a sudden accompaniment. But Gramma Finnie shook her head, and Yiayia looked down, and Granddaddy was suddenly preoccupied with his tea.

  “Have a cookie, lass,” Gramma Finnie said, pushing a plate toward her.

  “They’re kourabiedes,” Yiayia said. “And not your standard Greek cookie, but my grandson Alex’s secret recipe.”

  “I heard he cooks like a god.” Evie eyed the older woman, still not able to figure her out. Or her obsession with that damned piano. “So thank you.”

  “Did you know Finola and my Penny sang in the church choir together?” Granddaddy suddenly said.

  “I think I did.” Evie took a cookie, happy for the change of subject. “Tell me your best memory of her.”

  “Oh, lass, there are so many. Like the time she reached around Judy Logan and covered her mouth with her hand during her completely off-key soprano line in the middle of the ten-thirty service.”

  “Wait,” Evie said. “My grandmother? Madam Proper?”

  “Proper schmopper.” Gramma Finnie slid a look to Granddaddy. “Not at the poker table.”

  Evie almost choked. “She played poker?”

  “Choir poker is the best poker.” Gramma Finnie gave a playful grin.

  “Oh, let’s play some cards now,” Granddaddy suggested.

  At the unanimous response, Evie got up and found a deck in a kitchen drawer, joining in on a few hands and checking on Judah every few minutes. She was barely aware of the time that passed while three people, whose combined age was more than two hundred and fifty years old, played cards, not one of them wanting to lose.

  During the game, they shared snippets of their lives and filled her heart and mind with stories about her grandmother and each other. Tales that Evie hoped to sit at this very table and share with her grandchildren someday.

  Was that possible? Could that dream—

  She was pulled from her reverie by a text from Declan.

  Is the sunroom floor laid on concrete?

  What the heck? She stared at the question, so out of the blue she had to think about the answer. Yes, she finally typed back as she recalled seeing a concrete subfloor when they reconstructed that wing after the fire. She wanted to ask why…but wasn’t sure she wanted to know. But his next text came in a second.

  Can you open one of the French doors in there for me?

  She pushed up, holding the phone and frowning. “I’ll be right back,” she said, heading to the other side of the house.

  Walking into the bright, glass-walled room that had been redesigned as an indoor garden that had gone dormant after her grandmother died, she caught sight of Declan, Connor, and Braden standing out on the patio in a group.

  Braden was pointing up to the second-story veranda covering the patio, and she suddenly slowed her step, imagining the conversation.

  That’s where it collapsed on Dad.

  Trapped him right where the fire was raging.

  He never had a chance.

  Is this why they’re here? Tracing footsteps, looking into the past, remembering…

  Her heart dropped at the thought. When would he forget? Would he ever forget? How could they get anywhere if he slid back into the dark place?

  Letting out a sigh and bracing herself for whatever they might say to her, she went to the French doors, only then noticing a huge wooden crate between the men. It had to be seven feet long and three feet high.

  As she unlocked the door, her gaze fell on the words printed on the side.

  Aqua Paws.

  “Is that…” Words failed her.

  “Underwater treadmill,” Declan said with that crazy-slow grin. Only this time, it wasn’t Evie’s knees that went weak. It was her heart.

  “How? It’s so much, and…Declan.” She literally didn’t know where to begin to thank him.

  “Waterford gets a massive discount at the canine equipment warehouse outside of Holly Hills,” he told her. “The chief said the first responders’ charity wanted to contribute, so we can donate it in the department’s name to the vet school when we’re done. And I covered the rest.”

  “Declan,” she whispered.

  “Evie,” he echoed, coming closer to plant an unexpected kiss on her lips. “You didn’t think I was going to let our boy not have everything he needs.”

  “Come on, Daddio, let’s haul this thing in and get it set up,” Connor said. “We’re all on duty in two hours.”

  She stepped back and watched in stunned silence as the three muscular men carried in the heavy crate, then unloaded and assembled the treadmill and small pool. Braden dragged the garden hose in and connected it to a spigot long ago installed for watering pla
nts, and voilà.

  Judah had an underwater treadmill…and Evie had one more reason to adore Declan Mahoney.

  When Connor and Braden left, Declan put his arms around her, cuddling her close for a kiss.

  She looked up at him, her whole body humming with need. Not sexual need, not emotional need, but the need to make this decision.

  “You know what this means, don’t you?” she asked.

  “That Judah will be better in no time?”

  “No. Well, yes. But that’s not all it means.”

  He frowned, waiting.

  “That right there?” She pointed at the treadmill. “It’s all the proof I need that you’re going to be a wonderful, caring, generous, amazing…” She closed her eyes to whisper, “Father.”

  He sucked in a breath. “You’ve thought enough?”

  “More than enough.”

  “You’re sure?”

  She nodded. “I am so sure.”

  “Evie.” He pulled her close and kissed her. “I have a twenty-four-hour shift. I’ll be back tomorrow by six, and then…”

  “Let the games begin.”

  “We’re gonna win this game, E. You and me and…” His gaze dropped to her belly. “Junior.”

  She put her hand over the spot where he looked, fully committed to the dream.

  Chapter Twenty-one

  Declan was packing up at four fifty-seven on the nose when his phone buzzed with a text.

  That couldn’t be good. Either Evie was texting to tell him not to come over, or Chief Winkler wanted yet another freaking personnel form filled out so it would be on his desk when he arrived the next morning.

  But it was neither. Instead, the text came from a number he didn’t recognize, but the words seized his attention.

  You want to talk about the Gloriana House fire?

  Declan blinked at the screen and typed back, Who is this?

  The answer came in seconds. Kirby Lewis, former AI.

  The arson investigator Braden said was a retired legend. When can we talk? Declan asked.

  I’m waiting in the town square by the statue of the dead guy.

  The dead guy. Evie’s great-times-three grandfather. Seriously? Come on, dude. He was on his way to Evie’s for the best night of his life, for crying out loud.