With a forced smile, she turned to him. “Don’t worry. We’ll take care of Ranvir. But the boarding charges are going to be astronomical, so you’re going to have to come back and work for me as soon as you can.”
Mateo seemed to understand that she was trying to reassure him, and he gave her a weak grin. “You’ll keep him here?”
She nodded firmly. “He doesn’t eat much.”
The woman stood up expectantly, glancing at Flynn out of the corner of her eyes. “We need to go, Mateo.”
Willow held his arm and looked at him. “I want you to know that no matter what happens, we are here. If you need anything, call us. I mean it, Mateo.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he said, and he leaned forward like he needed a hug. Willow wrapped her arms around him and held him for a long time. Then when they stood, Flynn was there with the baby. He wrapped Mateo in his spare arm and tugged him tight. “You still have my card.”
Mateo looked up at him and tapped his temple, making Flynn grin.
Raven grabbed at Mateo’s hair and he wiggled her little arm back and forth. Raven was the only one able to make him smile in this hard time.
The woman huffed impatiently and Mateo finally pulled away. With a final, lingering glance at them all standing as a family, he turned away, his throat tight with emotion. He had thought leaving Ranvir would be the hardest, but he knew Ranvir would have good care while he was here. No, this was the hardest part because there was a very real possibility that he wouldn’t be allowed to see Willow and Flynn and Raven again.
They’d supported him more than any street kid could have ever hoped, and helped him leave a very dangerous situation. They’d showed him more concern in the couple of months that he’d known them than his own parents had shown him his entire life.
The CPS woman growled something at him, but he didn’t even listen to her, just got into the car beside her and pulled the seatbelt on. He watched the direction they took just so that he could remember how to get back if he needed to.
He would come back someday, he told himself firmly.
Chapter Thirteen
Willow allowed herself to cry when Flynn wrapped his arm around her shoulders to tug her in tight. Raven didn’t understand why she was crying, but her own face crumpled into concern when she saw her mother’s tears. Willow forced a smile for the little darling.
“Well, you better get your butt in gear,” Flynn told her with a sigh.
She looked up at him sharply. “What do you mean?”
“It takes a while to be approved to be foster parents. I’m sure there’s a ton of paperwork to do and home visits. It’s a good thing we’re already married.”
Turning in his arms, she lifted the shades away from his eyes. “Are you serious?”
He gave her that shrug he had perfected, and the might-as-well look on his face. “He’s a good hearted kid who hasn’t had a great start in life. I think we could give him something no one else could. Maybe your buddy Detective Holloway can put in a good word with someone important?”
Willow took a deep breath, emotionally shattered on several different sides. The fact that Flynn was willing to take the boy into their home and his heart meant so much to her. She and the baby already loved Mateo, but she hadn’t known how Flynn felt. “Do you think we should? Are we making a rash decision based on emotion rather than logical thinking?”
“Yes,” he laughed. “Totally. But it’s the right thing to do.”
After a long, thoughtful moment, Willow nodded. “Okay. I’ll get on it. Have I told you how much I love you recently?”
He shook his head. “No, you haven’t. There’s been so much going on that I haven’t had a chance to tell you either, but you know that I do.”
In her heart she totally did. Flynn was the most solid part of her life, and she would like to think that she was for him as well. Raven grabbed her hair to get her attention and Willow looked at her. “Yes, my wild child, I love you too. What do you think about having a big brother?”
Raven bounced her arms like she understood what Willow said and they all laughed.
Their ninety-eight pound, fourteen year-old baby arrived on their doorstep on Christmas Eve. Willow had shopped like a mad woman because she’d wanted Mateo to have a special Christmas if he did make it on time.
A little bird has whispered in her ear that CPS had several things they were trying to push through before the holiday, and Mateo’s case had been one of them. The social worker who had come for their interview had been so opposite of the woman who had taken Mateo away that it finally gave Willow true hope that things were going to fall as they needed them to.
The social worker had loved the menagerie in the house and seemed to understand that animals and children needed each other to be well-rounded individuals. When Willow told her that she was keeping Mateo’s dog for him until he could care for him, tears had started in her eyes. “That’s one of the best Christmas stories I’ve heard in a long time.”
She’d signed off on their approval right then.
They’d had to scramble to retrofit the home office into a boy’s bedroom, but they’d managed it. Actually, Flynn had managed it. While Willow cared for her practice and tried to find the bait dogs forever homes, or at least foster homes, he’d taken it upon himself to do Mateo’s room. He’d stayed fairly sedate, just painting it a nice light coffee brown, but he’d found several cool band posters and knick knacks.
She honestly didn’t think Mateo would care about all that, but she loved Flynn’s enthusiasm. He seemed to be truly excited about the boy coming to be with them. He’d talked about expanding the family, and now he was. And fate had stuck to their stipulations. They would have two kids, but only one in diapers.
When she’d shared the thought, he’d laughed. “Well, if it’s time to wish for something, what better time than Christmas?”
She didn’t dare hope to dream until Mateo walked into the house that snowy night. Then she allowed herself to completely believe in what was happening.
Mateo looked at Ranvir, bouncing around him like a crazy dog. Then he looked at the open arms waiting for him and he sagged into them. Willow thought he looked a little worn out, like the weeks away from them had aged him. She knew it would all change now, though.
Flynn also drew him into his arms for a long hug, and when they drew apart, they both had to wipe their eyes free of tears.
When Flynn led him to the room they had made his, Mateo cried again. The emotions were too much for him to hold inside. “Man, why’d you do this? I’m nobody.”
“Well, you’re somebody to us,” Flynn corrected, voice deep with his own emotion. “You need to just get used to it, dude.”
Willow cried with him as they sat on his new bed. Ranvir jumped onto the mattress and new comforter, making himself at home. “You better get used to it, Mateo, because Ranvir isn’t leaving.”
She showed him the dog tags on the new red collar the dog wore. Their address was listed, as well as Mateo’s name as the owner at the top.
He choked out a laugh and leaned into her for another hug. “You guys are amazing. You’re the best Christmas present I never even dreamed I could have. Thank you.”
Willow took a deep breath and looked at her husband. Mateo didn’t understand that the sentiment went both ways. But he would. They would make sure of it.
The End…
If you would like to read more about my wounded veteran heroes, check out my Lost and Found series. The first two books, The Embattled Road and Embattled Hearts, are free on all platforms. You can find all the pertinent links at my website, Jmmadden.com.
Flynn and Willow’s original romance, SEAL’s Lost Dream, can be found there as well!
I thank you for reading and enjoying my work!
If you’d like to connect with me on social media and keep updated on my releases, try these links:
Newsletter
Website
Facebook
Twitter
/> And of course you can always email me at [email protected]
About the Author
NY Times and USA Today Bestselling author J.M. Madden writes compelling romances between ‘combat modified’ military men and the women who love them. J.M. Madden loves any and all good love stories, most particularly her own. She has two beautiful children and a husband who always keeps her on her toes.
J.M. was a Deputy Sheriff in Ohio for nine years, until hubby moved the clan to Kentucky. When not chasing the family around, she’s at the computer, reading and writing, perfecting her craft. She occasionally takes breaks to feed her animal horde and is trying to control her office-supply addiction, but both tasks are uphill battles. Happily, she is writing full-time and always has several projects in the works. She also dearly loves to hear from readers! So, drop her a line. She’ll respond.
Noel’s Puppy Power
A Black Swan Novella
KaLyn Cooper
Copyright © 2016 by KaLyn Cooper
This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it and purchase your own copy. Do not take part in piracy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
Any mistake in this book is truly my own.
Acknowledgements
For every book I write, I do a great deal of research which sometimes includes knowing the right person to ask. I owe a great deal to Retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant Lisa Lutz-Borden who worked for the Veteran’s Administration for several years. I’d also like to thank my brother, Retired Army Command Sergeant Major Donald Cooper. My book is never done until my critique partner, Vikki Vaught (historical author and blogger), has read it at least once and my fabulous editor, Marci Clark, has pointed out my lack of commas and things that dangle.
Dedication
I dedicate this book to the Amputee veterans who literally gave part of themselves for our country’s freedom. May each of them find their “new normal”.
Chapter One
“You’re doing great, Chrys.” Tanner Hill smiled as he petted Chrysothemis, one of his prized female golden retrievers. Apollo, her mate for this litter, stood at his shoulder, as though he knew these were his offspring. “That makes boy number four.” He gently picked up the pink, hairless puppy and allowed his mother to lick the newborn clean. He nudged the baby dog next to his brothers and helped him find nourishment. The pup latched on like a champ.
Whelping puppies was one of Tanner’s favorite times. It was a renewal of life, hope, and a promise for the future. In eighteen months, these puppies would offer a veteran, suffering from PTSD those same emotions.
Two hours ago, Apollo had found Tanner in his office, deep in the endless paperwork associated with running a training facility for service dogs. The old man of the kennel had released his come now bark. Tanner hadn’t heard that particular intonation since Afghanistan, where Apollo had been by his side as a bomb-sniffing dog. Jumping up, Tanner had followed the animal he’d trusted with his life during their years together in the Marines.
In the reception area of the kennel, he’d been brought to Chrys curled into the tree skirt. She’d been breathing heavily, obviously in labor. Tanner turned off the bright Christmas tree lights and sat next to her, offering what comfort he could. So much for the whelping box he’d carefully prepared. Chrys had done the same thing with the last litter, but she’d chosen the laundry room in his house.
He watched as she expelled yet another puppy. When she twisted to get to the newest one, he gently laid her head back down and petted the length of her sweaty body. “Let me help. I’ll get it for you.” He kept his voice low and tender. As he repeated the process, he commented, “Another boy,” and smiled over his shoulder at the proud father. Apollo, for some reason, usually sired males, which worked well for Tanner’s business. Most often, the vets who suffered the worst PTSD symptoms preferred a male service dog.
Chrys sighed and her breathing relaxed. She must be done. Tanner regretted not taking the momma-to-be to the veterinarian yesterday to get an x-ray to count the pups as he’d planned, but he’d been short-handed. Two of his kennel kids, as he liked to call the high schoolers who cleaned the kennels and runs, had asked for the day off since their parents were traveling elsewhere for the holiday.
Too late now. She’d gone into labor several days early, according to his estimate. Tanner was an experienced midwife and it wasn’t Chrys’s first time either. They should be fine. But just to make sure, he called the veterinarian.
His call went to voice mail. “Hey, Case, sorry I didn’t make it in yesterday for that x-ray, but it doesn’t matter now. I’m sitting here on the lobby floor whelping puppies. Everything seems to be going fine. I’ll call you if that changes. See you at your Mom’s place tomorrow. Four o’clock, right?” Tanner disconnected the call.
Bleep. The security gate notification broke the spell of the heartwarming scene before him.
Who would be coming here at this hour, and on Christmas Eve? Tanner checked the huge black watch he’d worn since Explosive Ordnance Disposal school. Although dark outside, it was only seven-thirty, not as late as he’d thought. Whoever it was had the code to the gate because he saw the security panel change to someone entering. A glance at the constantly changing video display showed Dr. Bailey Conrad’s little sports car speeding up the slippery driveway as the falling snow blocked large portions of the feed.
Tanner’s whole body warmed at the mere thought of her impending arrival. She was an incredible woman. Every day she helped veterans heal their minds from the horrors they experienced during war. But she also bore the scars of battle, both internally and externally.
He looked directly into the eyes of Chrys as he lightly held her head and promised, “I’ll be right back. You’ll be fine. Apollo will watch over you.” As he rose, he gave a hand signal to the new poppa.
Tanner dashed into the bathroom and washed his hands, then slid into his boots. He grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. Had he realized how much snow had fallen in the past few hours, he would have shoveled, but he’d procrastinated since he doubted anyone would come until his trainers showed up for work on December 26. He was wrong.
Tanner glanced toward Chrys. Apollo sniffed his offspring and licked the face of their mother. Talk about a Hallmark moment. He loved his dogs, even the newest five he hadn’t gotten to know yet. Their personalities would develop quickly and Tanner couldn’t wait to begin their training.
Satisfied everything was fine with the new family, he rushed into the blowing snow. He reached the end of the long sidewalk as Bailey slid to a stop. Circling the powerful little car, he opened the door for her.
“Take these before I eat them all.” A large plastic box was shoved through the open space. Maybe she was just dropping off and wouldn’t come in.
Tanner’s heart sank. He couldn’t blame her though. No doubt she wanted to get home before the storm got worse. Although the snow delighted children dreaming of a white Christmas, it could be a nightmare for adults traveling on this holiday.
Bailey swung her good leg out and followed it with the boot-clad prosthesis. She shifted her feet back and forth, from the knee down. “Like my new boots?”
Tanner tore his gaze from her dazzling smile and cheery face to take in the red boots polka-dotted with every color in a crayon box. His smile widened. They were so Bailey. Utilitarian, yet a little wild. “They’re something else, that’s for sure.”
She took the hand he offer
ed and stepped away from the car. Heat radiated up his arm from the point they connected. This always happened when they touched and it embarrassed him. This had never occurred with any other woman, but always did with Bailey, even if they casually brushed against each other. Maybe she had a high body temperature, or something.
He glanced down the twenty feet to the office. “I’m sorry I didn’t clear the walkway, but I wasn’t expecting company. You’ll have to watch your step.”
Her raised eyebrows nearly reached the red cap she wore over her shoulder-length black hair. “I can do this, you know.”
“I’m sure you can,” Tanner agreed, “but I can’t afford a lawsuit if you fall and get hurt. Now be a good girl and hang onto my arm.”
While she obviously hated to accept his help, she did as he’d asked. Her slightly uneven gait was barely noticeable most of the time, but he felt a slight pressure when she carefully placed the once-damaged leg. Tanner savored the way she leaned into him, trusting that he had her.
“What the heck are you doing out in this weather?” Tanner scolded as they made their way to the kennel’s office.
“I wanted to give you those cookies and wish you a Merry Christmas.” Bailey leaned on him as she stepped onto shining concrete covered in a thin layer of ice. “I’m headed into D.C. to spend Christmas with my friends. You remember Katlin, don’t you?”
“Oh, yeah, I know Katlin, and her crew.” He’d trained the Rottweiler mixed breed she’d rescued from the pound. Then retrained him before he realized he needed to train Katlin and four women she was with constantly. Together, they were fun, and a little crazy. But he’d felt the underlying anxiety in each of them. He wasn’t sure exactly what they did for the Department of Homeland Security, and truthfully, didn’t want to know, but the group of military women lived together and traveled a lot. The second time around, he’d trained their dog with several of the calming skills used with PTSD vets. It seemed to be working. On her last visit to drop the dog off for boarding, he’d seen a significant difference in Katlin.
Dog Tags for Christmas Page 22
