“Does she got any spotty dogs like on the movie?”
“Does she have any spotty Dalmatians?” He tried to correct Jeff’s grammar when they were alone. If other folks were around, Nathan preferred to ignore the usual childish mistakes. Evie had loved fine literature, and she would have wanted their son to be well spoken.
“Yeah, Dad. Dalmatians. I forgot that name.”
Nathan scanned the pens. “Hmm. No, I don’t see any.”
“I don’t carry them,” Vanessa said as she approached. Amber walked at her side, yet a frisky black Lab strained every last inch of the leash Vanessa held in her other hand. “Dalmatians are charming to look at, but they tend to be very high-strung so the pound ends up with lots of them. I’d rather let somebody rescue one than support someone to breed more litters.”
Nathan listened to every word she said, but he was even more aware of Jeff’s reaction. His son reached up, clutched his hand with a near-death grip and quivered with sheer excitement.
“Is that one for me?”
“Sure,” Vanessa said. “Maybe we could let you go into a meeting enclosure so he’ll stay corralled.”
Jeff rocketed into the three-foot tall enclosure, and the Lab galloped right after him. Vanessa laughingly controlled him until Nathan closed the gate. It wobbled, and he inspected it. “You’ve got a loose screw.”
“Plenty of folks have told me I have a screw loose. No one ever told me I have a loose screw.”
Jeff still clutched the leash for dear life. “My dad’s in the ’struction business. He knows all ’bout screws an’ lumber and stuff.”
“You’ve got a handy dad.”
“Uh-huh. Honor’ble too. I wanna grow up to be like him someday.”
“Good for you. Those are fine qualities.”
The minute Vanessa unhooked the leash, the Lab and Jeff tumbled into a tangle of legs and noise.
“Looks like they’re getting along okay,” she said after a minute. “I’ll let them goof off while I give the rest of these babies a drink.”
“Let me help,” Nathan offered.
She held up her hand. “I’d rather you stay with Jeff. The puppy is already settling down, but I don’t like to leave kids alone with unfamiliar dogs.”
“Makes sense. Tell you what. Find a Phillips screwdriver, and I’ll fix the hinge for you.” Nathan grinned at how the Lab licked the hip of Jeff’s jeans. “Do you have food in your pocket?”
“Beef jerky,” Jeff confessed. “I wanted a snack while you got your hair cut. He’s really smart to find it so fast, isn’t he, Dad?”
“Yes, he is.”
“Can he have some jerky?”
“No,” Vanessa called over. “I have a jar of puppy biscuits on the ledge there. You may give him one of those.”
The minute the puppy heard the rattle from the jar, he skidded over and sat on Nathan’s foot. Cute little thing. Hardly longer than my shoe. “Hungry, Boy?”
A yip served as an answer.
Vanessa went up front to help a few more customers. When she came back, she leaned over the wall and chuckled. Nathan didn’t feel self-conscious in the least to have Jeff and the puppy both in his lap. As a matter of fact, he was enjoying every minute of it. He’d be hard pressed to say which one of them wiggled more.
“I try to give each of the puppies a temporary name. The owners are free to change it, but it lets me love them a bit more while they’re here. Do you guys have any suggestions for him?”
“Blackie?”
Nathan ruffled Jeff’s hair. “That’s not a bad suggestion, Sport, but lots of dogs get named that. Why not think of things that are black?”
“Wheels. Tires. Licorice.”
“Licorice!” Vanessa clapped. “I like that!”
“Lick for a nickname,” Nathan added as the puppy laved his son’s face.
Truthfully, Jeff and Lick were getting along famously, which surprised Nathan. Jeff had never shown much interest in animals, but he seemed to be enjoying this little jaunt to the pet store. I didn’t even realize he wanted that dumb fish, either. Maybe I should take him to the zoo. . . .
“I’ll make a little name tag for Lick’s pen. He just came in last night.”
“You’ve got a bumper crop of puppies.” Nathan tilted his head toward the far wall.
“Spring.” She smiled. “The early litters are here, and I just took in several new puppies last night. I’d rather sell puppies and kittens for Easter than bunnies.”
“I like dogs better than bunnies,” Jeff declared. He stroked Licorice and giggled as the puppy licked him avidly in response.
Nathan focused more attention on Vanessa than his son since Jeff seemed content to play with the puppy. “What’s wrong with rabbits?”
“Nothing.” She shrugged. “Some folks do beautifully with them, but others don’t realize the cute little bunny won’t stay tiny and that he likes to eat plants.”
“Dad, look. He’s so neat!”
Nathan glanced down. “Yeah, he is.” He looked back at Vanessa. “Sounds like you’re more interested in making good matches than in making a buck.”
She flushed with obvious pleasure. “I try.”
“Can I give him another biscuit?”
“Sure,” Nathan answered absently. The jar rattled. “I’ll bet the dog treat manufacturers make a bundle off of you, Vanessa.”
A wisp of hair came loose from her ponytail as she shook her head. She tucked the sunny strand back into the clip. “I like to use affection instead of treats.”
“Dad, he’s got lots and lots of little teeth.”
“Yeah, he does.” He couldn’t recall the last time he’d been around anyone so cheerful. “Working here really suits you.”
“It’s a blessing to have a job I love.”
“You found a screwdriver?”
“Yes—if you really don’t mind. . . ”
“Not at all.”
Nathan shifted into a more comfortable position and continued to carry on some small talk with Vanessa as he fixed the hinge. Jeff broke in with little observations and nonsense, but since he and Licorice kept each other entertained, Nathan continued to focus on Vanessa. Jeff got more insistent, and Nathan put both hands on his son’s shoulders to transmit that he needed to settle down and hush a bit.
“I’m gonna get it, aren’t I?”
At the same time Jeff spoke, Vanessa asked, “Are you guys about done in there?”
“Yes.”
“Wow, Dad. Thanks!”
“Huh?” Nathan gave his son a quick look. His little face radiated with joy.
“I’ll take really good care of him. I promise!”
“What?” Nathan cast a baffled glance at Vanessa. She gave him a troubled look.
“He asked if he could have the puppy,” she whispered, “and you said yes.”
Three
Oh, great. The one time I don’t give my kid undivided attention, I tell him he can have a dog? I didn’t mean that he would get the dog; I meant if he kept interrupting he was going to be in trouble! Nathan took a deep breath and turned back to crush Jeff’s hopes.
“Jeff,” Vanessa said as she entered the pen. She knelt and made direct eye contact with him. “This is all my fault. Your daddy was answering my question. He wasn’t telling you that you could have the puppy.”
Jeff wrapped his arms around the puppy’s neck, hugged it close, and shook his head. His voice went adamant. “My dad is honor’ble. He said I could have my dog.”
“Your daddy is an honorable man, but this was just a misunderstanding. A mistake,” Vanessa tried again.
Nathan took a deep breath. “It’s a fine puppy.”
“See? My dad doesn’t lie!”
Vanessa let out a soundless sigh.
“Why don’t you let us talk about this for a few minutes?” Nathan asked her.
She stood, clasped her hands at her waist, and tilted her head toward the puppy. “The three of you, or the two of you?”
“Three,” Jeff answered promptly. From the way he held onto the little Lab, she suspected a six-point earthquake wouldn’t shake them apart.
Vanessa didn’t say another word. After she let herself out of the enclosure, Nathan noticed she walked away without that cute bounce she’d had earlier.
Several minutes later, she returned. She seemed subdued. Instead of wearing that dazzling smile, she avoided making eye contact.
“Hey,” he called softly. “We’re going to take him. A boy needs a dog.”
“Labs make good pets,” she said as her face brightened a bit, but it still missed that sparkle he’d noticed earlier. “They do well with children.”
“I guess I’d better buy some kibble.” Nathan let himself out of the enclosure. “Jeff, you and Lick play for a few more minutes.”
“Okay, Dad.”
Ten minutes later, Nathan dumped the contents of a red plastic shopping basket onto the counter and shook his head. Two chew toys, a bottle of puppy shampoo, a leash, collar, food and water bowls, all accused him of being a pushover. The large sheepskin bed and the forty-pound bag of puppy kibble leaning against the counter proved he’d done a royal job of painting himself into a very expensive commitment.
Me and my big mouth. I try to teach my son to show integrity and end up buying half of a pet store!
Vanessa caught a jingly ball that started to roll off the counter. From the minute she’d whispered that he’d accidentally agreed to get the dog, she’d changed. She couldn’t seem to meet his eyes.
From their conversation, Nathan knew making a good match was important to her. He strove to find a way to reassure her. “Do you have a good vet you recommend?”
“We have a terrific vet who comes here one Saturday a month to give vaccinations, Dr. Bainbridge. If you buy the puppy shot package, it saves you all of the office visit charges.”
“Good idea.”
She leaned down and pulled out a few leaflets from beneath the counter. As she tucked them into a bag, she said, “I’m giving you the information on that package, as well as one of the vet’s business cards.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.”
She continued to avoid looking at him. “I’m also giving you a pet ID tag order form. Fill it out, and we’ll order the tags. They’re complimentary.”
He reached over and captured her hand as she reached for one of the toys. “You don’t need to throw in anything. Seriously, this was my choice.”
“Hey, Dad!”
“Just a minute, Sport.”
Vanessa flashed him a strained smile and pulled away from his touch. “We’ve been putting together a new puppy package. The first bag of food, a toy, and the tags are included at no charge.”
The nape of his neck started to prickle. Nathan wheeled around and stared at Vanessa as she quietly walked up to him and asked, “Are you sure you want to do this? I’ll come up with some way to explain it to Jeff.”
“There are two of you. Twins.” He cast a quick look over his shoulder, then concentrated back on Vanessa. Even though her eyes radiated concern, that little spark was still there—both in her eyes and somewhere deep inside of him. He’d missed that with the other gal.
“We’re identical. I’m sorry if you were confused. I didn’t realize Valene had come out and started helping you.”
He glanced down at Amber. “I should have guessed something was wrong. I didn’t see your companion.”
“Daa-aad. Look out. There are two—” Jeff galloped around the corner and skidded to a stop. Licorice didn’t halt. He charged ahead.
“Whoa!” Vanessa dove for the little puppy.
Nathan got to him first. Licorice sniffed his neck and let out a happy sounding yap. Vanessa knelt right next to them. Nathan dipped his chin to keep the puppy from licking the ticklish spot beneath his left ear. “I don’t want to hear another word about not taking this little fellow home. It’s obvious he’s chosen us.”
❧
“Vanessa!” Nathan called as he hastened toward the young woman locking the pet shop door.
She cast a quick glance over her shoulder and grinned. “Hi. How are things going?”
“Not good. We need to talk.” Nathan raked his fingers through his hair in a single, impatient swipe. “I’m going insane.”
“And you think I have the directions to get there?” She finished locking the shop. “Why does everyone think I’m the crazy sister? No, wait. Don’t answer that.”
He eyed her white-and-orange baseball uniform with dismay. “Cleats?”
“They’re a lot more comfortable than heels. My church team is playing across the street tonight.”
A sick feeling churned in his stomach. “And you play.”
Her smile gleamed. “Believe me, if I didn’t, nobody would ever wrangle me into wearing this uniform. I look more like the Great Pumpkin than the shortstop.”
He tilted his head to the side. “Shortstop, huh. No kidding? I would have pegged a bouncy gal like you to be the team mascot.”
“That was back in high school. Valene was the class valedictorian; I was the class clown and mascot. I shouldn’t complain about this uniform. Nothing could ever be as uncomfortable as the shark suit I wore.”
“You wore an outfit made of sharkskin?”
“Worse,” she moaned. “I wore a great big, gray-and-white plush—”
“Plush? A shark?”
“Oh, yes. Fins and all. You’re looking at one of Granite Cliffs’s great whites—retired, of course.”
“Since you’ve retired, you’ll have enough time to help me.” Nathan felt a small spurt of satisfaction that he’d segued this smoothly. “We’re um. . .having some trouble.”
“We are?” She pointed across the street to the ball diamond in a silent invitation to walk along with her.
Nathan automatically stood to her left so he’d be on the outside. “Yeah, well—”
She didn’t follow along. “I’m sorry, Nathan, but Amber walks at heel. You need to be on my right.”
“Oh. Okay.” He shifted.
“Let’s go,” she said, and they fell into step.
“See? That’s what I need. Jeff and Lick are romping everywhere and tearing up the house and yard. I need obedience and control tips. Amber heard you and fell right into step with us.”
“One down, one to go.” She winked and added, “I think you do fine with Jeff. The puppy might take a bit of time.”
“If you saw my place, you wouldn’t say so. My son’s decided wherever he goes, Lick should be there with him. Last night, he waited until my back was turned and decided Lick belonged in the tub with him.”
“Oh, no!”
Nathan rubbed his forehead at the memory of the wet puppy, the soggy bathroom, and the water trail down the hallway. That was just a part of the trials he faced with this new acquisition. “Yes. The dog won’t eat his kibble. Instead, he’s chewed the leg of a dining chair and gnawed on a pillow from the sofa.”
They stopped at the corner and prepared to cross the busy intersection. Amber halted and sat without any cue at all. A cat streaked by, but the dog didn’t react.
“I can’t believe that. I’ve chased after our puppy twice because he can’t leave cats alone. You’ve got to help me.”
“I guess I sort of got you into this.” Vanessa started to cross the street.
“Are you going to get me out of it?” He matched her stride and added on in desperation, “I’m more than willing to pay the going rate.”
“Licorice is too young yet for training, but we can reserve a spot for him in one of the classes I’ll have in a little over a month.”
“My sanity could be measured in milliseconds, not months.”
“Uh-oh. That sounds serious.”
He rubbed his aching temple with his fingertips. “The only pets I ever had were cats. Cats take care of themselves.”
“Ah, yes. Cats train their owners; dogs are trained by their owners.”
“You nailed i
t on the head. So tell me: What’s available right now to get us through the nightmare stage?”
“You mean something like private puppy lessons?”
He shot her a grateful smile. “I thought you’d never offer!”
Her eyes widened and a hectic flush filled her cheeks. “I didn’t!” He continued to stare at her, and she scrunched her nose. “Let me guess. You bought the Lab because you misspoke and honored your word, so you’re standing there thinking I ought to do the same thing.”
“I’m flexible with hours.”
Vanessa leaned her back into the fence. One of her knees crooked outward and her heel fit into the chain link. “We have to have an understanding. I’m not good at minding what I say. Valene—she’s one of those ‘think first, then talk’ kind of people. Me? I’m impulsive. She got the brain, and I got the mouth.” She laughed self-consciously. “If I’m willing to work with you, you have to promise not to use my words against me. I’ll be sunk if you do!”
“Fair enough. When can we start?”
She shrugged. “Tomorrow at seven?”
“A.M.?”
Vanessa groaned. “Oh, don’t tell me you’re one of those morning people!”
“No.” He watched someone dump several bats and balls out of a canvas sack. “I’d be a night owl if Jeff weren’t such an early riser. He got that from my wife.”
“If she’s a stay-home mom, I could work with her from ten to eleven.”
Pain speared through him. “Evie died five years ago.”
“I’m so sorry, Nathan.”
He nodded his head in acknowledgment of her sympathy.
“Nate? Nate Adams!” Kip Gaterie jogged over and shook his hand. “Did Van talk you into joining the team? We could use a slugger like you!”
“Do you play?” Vanessa gave him an assessing and hopeful look.
“Hang on a second here. I’m trying to get you to train a dog so I won’t have to chase after him. Running after a ball isn’t any more appealing.”
“Pity.” Kit looked at him steadily. “You can always change your mind. We’d be glad to have you, and we’ve got a bunch of rug rats about Jeff’s age who could keep him company on the playground.”
“Thanks, but I’ll have to pass.”
Love Is Patient Page 2
