Puppy day!
Hannah double-checked her tote to make sure she’d packed everything she needed to bring the pup home. She was going to start this puppy-raising adventure off right. Dad had stopped by fifteen minutes ago to pick up Ned. The two dogs could get to know each other later this evening. In the meantime, Ned could enjoy a day with her dad on the ranch.
With her purse over her shoulder, her tote in one hand and the keys in the other, she left the apartment and strolled onto the sidewalk bathed in sunlight.
When she met the puppy, she wanted no distractions. She’d focus on her mission—prepare it to get accepted into the service dog training program.
Maybe the dog would go on to help someone who was blind. Or autistic. Or diabetic. Who knew?
She unlocked her Jeep and climbed in as her cell phone rang. Whoever it was could wait. Randy’s name appeared on the screen.
Was something wrong with AJ? She quickly answered it.
“Hey, have you left to get the puppy yet?” He sounded weird, not himself. Muffled voices mingled in the background.
“No, why? What’s wrong?” She set her purse and tote on the passenger seat.
“Want some company?” His voice could only be described as strangled. He lowered it. “The church ladies have been dropping by since the early service ended.”
She couldn’t stop the grin spreading across her face. “Oh, I see. Dropping off casseroles?”
“That and sticking around to help with the baby. Asking questions. Telling me what I’m doing wrong. Mentioning their single nieces and granddaughters.”
She could picture it all, and her smile grew wider. “Is Erma there?”
“Erma and Sally. Dorene just left.” He paused. “June, Denise, and Lindy are helping Austin at the moment.”
“All three? Yowsers.” Hannah started up the Jeep. “You’re going to ditch him, aren’t you?”
“I have to get out of here.” His voice grew desperate. “They’ll understand if I say I’m helping you pick up the dog.”
“Okay, you big coward.” She shook her head, laughing. “Why not tell them you’re getting the dog with me, but then slip away to the new house? You can get some work done.”
His sigh came through loud and clear. “I would, but...”
“You’re not a liar.”
“No.”
“All right. I’ll pick you up. But I’m not going inside, or I’ll be late. You know how those ladies like to gab.”
“I know. I’ve experienced hours of it. Hours. I’ll wait for you at the end of the drive.”
“What? No. Your drive has to be a mile long, if not longer.”
“Yeah, so?”
“Whatever you say. See you in a bit.” She hung up. He must really be desperate if he was going to wait for her by the ranch’s entrance. It was funny to think of him and Austin surrounded by the local matriarchs.
She pulled out of the parking spot and soon was on the road. This wasn’t how she’d planned on picking up the puppy. She’d wanted to do it alone. To have this for herself. And, maybe, to do it her way.
Shawn’s voice rippled through her head. You have expectations no one can live up to. You want too much. You’re just...too much.
Was she too much? Were her expectations too high? She turned down the road where the ranch was located. At the time Shawn had said those words, it had been a blow to her heart. And she hadn’t pushed back—just accepted he was right. It wasn’t as if she hadn’t questioned her standards before he came along. Her boyfriend in high school had hinted they were too high.
She had a feeling the guys she’d dated had just been passing time with her until someone better came along.
And she’d been too blind to acknowledge it with Shawn. So busy making her plans, spinning future fantasies of the two of them getting married, buying a house, building a life together, that she’d ignored the obvious.
Shawn couldn’t handle her.
So far, no guy could.
Maybe she was too much.
But high expectations weren’t such a bad thing. Not when it came to high-stakes situations. Like this puppy. If she could train it well enough, it could potentially save someone’s life.
She spotted Randy up ahead. Slowing, she waited until she reached the ranch entrance before pulling over for him to get in. She moved her tote and purse to the back seat while he got settled.
“Thanks a million, Hannah.” He shut the passenger door and buckled his seat belt. “I couldn’t take another minute. Sally asked me four times if having AJ around was making me want one of my own. I almost told her having him around was making me never want to have kids. But then she would have told her friends, and it would somehow get turned into me planning on moving a hundred miles away from Austin so I never had to be around AJ again.”
“I see your point.” She checked her mirrors and merged back on the road. “But AJ couldn’t make you not want kids. He’s adorable.”
“He is cute. He’s not the reason I don’t want kids.”
“What do you mean?” He’d been serious? Why wouldn’t Randy want children? She glanced at him. There wasn’t a hint of joking on his face.
“Forget it,” he said. Then he turned his attention to the roof. “I’m surprised you don’t have the top down.”
“I thought it might distract the puppy on the way home.”
“Ah. Makes sense.”
She wanted to probe about the kids thing, but she didn’t, and then Randy launched into the tale of Dorene and Lindy arguing over who got to change the baby, and she couldn’t stop laughing.
“Austin was practically spitting fire at me when I left. He’ll get over it. I mean, a guy can only take so much in two days, and I hit my limit.”
“Yeah, how are you doing? I mean, it’s been a big upheaval for you.”
“I’m handling it.” His jaw tightened, and he stared out the window.
Was he, though? She hoped he wasn’t too stressed out. He didn’t seem to want to talk about it, so she let it drop.
After a while the training center came into view. She found a parking spot and inhaled deeply for a moment before getting out.
God, I want this to go right. I want this puppy to help someone. Whatever I can do to train it, please guide me.
“You okay?” Randy appeared at her side.
“Fine.” She gave him her brightest smile, and they joined several families crossing the parking lot to the front entrance. But she wasn’t okay. She usually had a rock-solid confidence in her plans, but right now, she wasn’t sure she was up to the task.
Was it lack of faith? In God? In herself?
What if the dog didn’t like her? Ned still seemed to tolerate her more than love her, but that dog sure adored Randy. Couldn’t get enough of him, in fact.
Her theory on Ned being more comfortable around men was the most logical explanation for it. But what if it was her? What if the puppy didn’t bond with her, either?
She couldn’t stand the thought of failing to train the puppy correctly. It would be a waste of more than a year of her life, and it would be a waste of a potential service dog.
Was she up for this?
Randy opened the door for her, and she hurried inside. When a child jostled her in the hall, he took her elbow to steady her.
“You okay?” he asked.
She nodded. They all took seats in the main training area, and Molly addressed them, talking about the puppies they were getting and how important it was to support each other. Since most of the puppy raisers lived more than an hour away, Molly had set up weekly online meetings for them to discuss problems and progress with each other. She’d also handed out instructions for them.
“Remember, the first couple of weeks should be fun, with lots of cuddles, and you can start training them basics and rewarding them for good behavior right away...” Molly continued until she finished going over the instructions. “When I call your name, Brian here will take you to your new puppy to get acquainted. Liz Saunders? Oh, there you are...”
“You nervous?” Randy whispered. He’d been sitting quietly next to her on a folding chair, and even in her nervousness, she hadn’t forgotten he was there. In fact, seeing the couples and families all waiting to get their puppies made her thankful to have Randy for moral support.
“Yeah, I’m a little nervous.” Or a lot.
“You’ll be great. Look how amazing Ned is.”
“Yeah, well, he came that way. And he doesn’t feel the same about me as he does you.” She hoped she didn’t sound peevish. She’d meant it in a teasing way.
“What are you talking about? He loves you.”
“I get the feeling he’d rather be somewhere else sometimes.” Like with Randy.
“Maybe he’s just used to being needed.”
Huh, why hadn’t she thought of that? It made sense. Ned had spent his entire life with a purpose. He might not have been ready to retire.
Molly called two more names, and Hannah fidgeted in her seat. Would the dog be a Labrador? Or a golden retriever? Or another breed? Her palms grew sweaty.
“This place isn’t what I expected.” Randy craned his neck to look around.
“What did you expect?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know. Not this.”
“Hannah Carr.” Molly waved her up there.
“That’s me.” She rose, her chest thumping. Randy stood, too.
“Mind if I join you?” he asked. “Or should I wait here?”
She’d wanted to meet the puppy with no distractions. But right now, in this moment, she wanted Randy with her. “Come with me.”
Together, they followed Brian to the adjacent indoor play area where puppies and their raisers were getting acquainted. She and Randy went inside the enclosure.
“Wait right here, and I’ll bring him out.” Brian lifted his finger, then loped away.
Her mouth went dry. And she clasped her hands so tightly her knuckles grew white.
“Hey,” Randy said, putting his arm around her shoulders and squeezing. “It’s going to be fine.”
She nodded, hoping he was right. And then Brian approached, holding a wiggly, plump golden retriever puppy.
“This is Barley.” He set the puppy down in front of her, and tears formed in her eyes. Sniffing, she crouched to let him smell her hand before petting him. All her fears and worries vanished as the puppy leaped into her arms, almost knocking her backward.
She laughed. “Oh, he’s the cutest thing.”
Randy crouched next to her and let Barley sniff his hand, too, before petting him.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a fluffier pup.” He grinned at the furball.
The puppy licked her face, then hopped out of her arms and ran in a circle around them. When he shifted to run away, Randy extended his arm and corralled the dog back. “Oh, no, you don’t.” Then he met her eyes. “Do you have a leash?”
“Yes. It’s in my tote.” Still sitting next to the chairs they’d abandoned moments ago. She started to push herself up, but he held up a palm.
“Let me. You two can get to know each other. Is it by the chairs?”
“Yes.” Having Randy here had been exactly what she’d needed. And she hadn’t even known it.
Barley pounced on a toy, and she laughed. He was an energetic little thing, that was for sure. Thank You, Lord. Thank You for this opportunity.
She picked Barley up and hugged him to her. “You and I have a lot of work to do, little guy.”
And she couldn’t wait to get started.
The next morning Randy rode his horse past the barns to check for Hannah’s Jeep. No sign of it. His spirits sank. He didn’t know why he was so keyed up for her to get there. It wasn’t as if he had any burning questions for her. He just wanted to know how the first night with Barley had gone. He’d been surprised at how nervous she’d seemed before she met the dog.
Hannah had never struck him as the nervous type.
Plus, her comment about Ned liking him more than her kept picking at him. If she only knew why Ned preferred him...
Whether the dog knew it or not, Ned seemed to be letting Randy know when his body was out of whack. At least, he assumed that was what Ned was doing. Maybe the dog really did like him more. Who knew? He wasn’t an expert.
Randy patted the horse’s neck and stared at the drive. Waited a minute. And sighed. Still no sign of her.
Thankfully, AJ had slept better last night. He’d woken twice, and each time Randy fed him a bottle and he’d fallen back to sleep in no time. This morning, while Austin got dressed, Randy had changed the baby and gotten a bottle ready. Then, when Austin came downstairs, he’d handed him AJ and the bottle and made himself a strong cup of coffee.
Naturally, his brother had barked out a list of things to do around the ranch until Randy decided even the coffee wasn’t worth it. He’d slipped Austin a handwritten list of deliveries to check on, told him to text if he needed anything and he’d left.
That had been an hour ago. Hannah was supposed to be here any minute so Austin could leave to open the store. Thankfully, his brother had helped him out at Watkins Outfitters many times in the past and knew what to do.
Randy yawned and debated his next move. Check on the cow who’d been limping or wait here another minute?
A vehicle rumbled up the drive. But it wasn’t Hannah’s Jeep parking next to Austin’s truck. It was...Miss Patty?
She got out of the car and opened the passenger door. Then she took out a large bag, shut the door and made her way up to the house.
What was her mom doing here? Had something happened to Hannah? He rode to the porch, dismounted and tied the horse to the rail. Took the steps two at a time and made his way to the kitchen.
“Oh, hi, Randy.” Miss Patty beamed. “Hannah wanted to spend the day getting to know Barley. She’s a worrywart about getting it right with the puppy, so I told her I’d take care of our sweet little AJ today.”
“I’d better take off.” Austin came into the room, kissing her cheek. “Thanks a million. Randy should be done by—when do you think you’ll be done, Randy?”
“Around three.” He forced himself to act normal. It was ridiculous to be this disappointed that Hannah wasn’t here.
“If you need anything,” Austin said, “text or call either one of us.”
“Oh, don’t worry about me, boys.” She waved them off. “It’s just a baby. We’ll get along fine, won’t we, sweetheart.” She picked up AJ, held him close and smiled down at him. The woman should be awarded Grandma of the Year. And this wasn’t even her grandkid.
“Thanks again.” Austin hobbled his way out the door and, a few minutes later, the truck engine roared to life.
“Are you sure you don’t mind?” Randy asked.
“Honey, I never pass up a chance to hold a baby. You see how small he is now? Blink twice and he’ll be over six feet tall. You kids grow up too quick. So, no, I don’t mind. Not at all.”
He stood there a moment, unsure if he should leave or not.
“I’m sure all this drama has put a damper on your house plans.” Miss Patty carried the baby over to the kitchen counter and poured herself a cup of coffee. “Hannah mentioned how close you were to finishing the painting. I think she enjoyed helping you out.”
He perked up at the thought. “I appreciated her help. It’s a big job for one person.”
“Yes. Big house for one person, too.” Her innocent eyes didn’t fool him. She had matchmaker written all over her. But unlike the church ladies who’d circled him and Austin yesterday, he didn’t mind it on her. “Your mama would be proud of you. I always liked her. Sheryl and I had a lot in common. We both married stubborn ranchers, and neither of us would have changed it for the world. She had a soft touch with horses. That’s where we differed. I’ve never been much of a rider. Anyway, I wish she could see her grandbaby.”
He didn’t think about his mother much. Didn’t remember much about her, either. His memories were vague, but then, he’d been young when she’d died.
“I wish she could, too.”
“If you and Austin need anything, Frank and I are always here for you. I hope you know that.”
He realized it was true. It had been true since Dad died. He and Austin had relied on the Carrs many times over the years.
“We know it. We appreciate it.” The words weren’t adequate. He didn’t know what to say, how to show his gratitude. “Especially all the baked goods.”
She laughed. “I’ll keep them coming, honey.”
“And I’ll keep eating them.” He grinned. “I’d better get back out there.”
“Okay, you have fun.”
Fun? He had to locate a cow who’d shown signs of a hoof problem yesterday and possibly give her a shot of antibiotics. He wouldn’t call that fun.
Randy turned to leave, then paused. “Did Hannah tell you how Barley is doing?”
“He’s doing great. Whimpered a bit last night, but that’s normal. He’ll get used to his new home.”
“What about Ned? Does he like the pup?”
“I don’t know. I didn’t even think to ask. Want me to find out?”
“That’s okay. It’s not a big deal.”
“I’m sure she wouldn’t mind if you stopped over there later. You could see for yourself.”
“I won’t bother her. I’ll see her tomorrow, anyhow. Unless...she is coming tomorrow, isn’t she?”
“She’ll be here.” Miss Patty smiled. “She’ll be here.”
Caring for AJ and watching a new puppy was turning out to be more challenging than Hannah had anticipated. Of course, it was only Tuesday, her first day of this arrangement. Any minute now Randy would come through the door, and she’d be able to take Ned and out-of-control Barley home. She couldn’t wait.
Yesterday, Austin had been fine with her asking her mom to babysit. Naturally, she’d run it by him first. She’d known she’d regret it if she didn’t spend Barley’s first twenty-four hours completely devoted to him.
AJ smacked his lips together twice, let out a soft sigh and nestled deeper in Hannah’s arms. He’d fallen asleep ten minutes ago, and although the babe had napped in the morning, it was the first time all day she’d been able to relax, mainly because Barley had finally passed out on the floor in a splotch of sunlight. Ned lay sleeping near her feet.
Ned had been somewhat out of sorts all day. He didn’t seem to know if he should be watching the puppy or the baby or Hannah herself. The poor guy was as tired as the rest of them.
Steps outside alerted her that reinforcements had arrived. Finally.
She really needed to start making a list of potential nannies for Austin to hire. Later, though. After she took the dogs home and spent some one-on-one training time with Barley.
Just the thought of working with him made her want to crawl into bed and sleep for hours. It had been an absolutely exhausting day. And she’d promised her nieces and nephews they could come over and play with the puppy tomorrow night. If tomorrow was anything like today, she didn’t know if she could handle it.
“Hey.” Randy appeared in the archway to the living room and immediately cringed. “Sorry, I didn’t realize he was asleep.”
She shifted to stand and gently settled AJ into the baby seat nearby. He moved a little but didn’t wake up. Then she pressed her hands into her lower back.
“How’s everything on the ranch?” She crossed the room to gather her tote and to find Barley’s leash. Ned woke up and ambled over to Randy.
“Good.” He stroked Ned’s fur. “I worked with Luke moving some cattle today, and it went more smoothly than last week.”
“I’m glad,” she said. “AJ’s doing great, too. He had a nap this morning, and he fell asleep around three. He’s so alert.”
“Yeah, he’s bright.” He cocked his head to the side. “You don’t happen to have any numbers for babysitters, do you? You mentioned knowing the teens in the area...”
“I do.” Scrolling through her contacts, she found her top three candidates and texted their information to Randy. “All three of them are good with children. They help at the church’s nursery.”
“If I can get a sitter for tonight, I’m heading over to the house to keep painting. I wish Austin was off those crutches already.”
“Yeah, I do, too. I’m sure he wishes it more than we do.” She snapped the leash on Barley’s collar, waking him up, then slung her purse over her shoulder. “Well, I should probably head out.”
“How’s Barley doing? Is he settling in okay?” Randy leaned against the wall, one ankle crossed over the other. The puppy stretched out his legs and ambled to him, wagging his tail the entire way.
She sighed. “Well, he had three accidents on your hardwood floor today, so he could be doing better. Don’t worry. I cleaned them all up.”
“Accidents happen.” His lips twitched and eyes danced. “Does Ned like him?”
“I think so. I do think it’s been a little chaotic for the old boy being around a hyper puppy and a baby. He makes his rounds to me then Barley. Then he sniffs the baby and starts the rotation all over again.”
“Aw, he needs a break, doesn’t he?” Randy bent to scratch behind Ned’s ears. The dog’s tongue lolled as he basked in the attention. “He can paint with me tonight if you think he needs a break from Barley. That is, if I can find a sitter.”
She considered for a moment. It would give her a chance to work with Barley one-on-one, and there was no mistaking Ned’s devotion to Randy. But she also wanted him to bond with her.
Don’t be selfish. Ned’s needs come first.
“Yeah, he’d love it.” She really had to get a handle on this insecurity about Ned. He was a dog. He could like who he wanted. He didn’t owe her anything.
“Is it okay if I pick him up later?” Randy asked. She nodded. He swooped Barley into his arms and asked him about his day as he rubbed his fur. The puppy ate up the attention, wiggling ecstatically. Ned barked twice.
And AJ began to cry.
Great. Hannah closed her eyes briefly, dropped the leash and headed to the baby. Randy set Barley down, and the puppy raced over to lick AJ’s face.
“No lick.” Hannah blocked him with her arm as she lifted the baby into her arms.
“Here, I’ll take him.” Randy stood next to her, his forearm brushing her hand as he took a firm hold of the baby. Then he cradled him to his chest and looked down at him with affection.
Hannah’s breath caught at the picture they made.
A strong man holding a baby.
Then she blinked her way out of it and found the pacifier. AJ had calmed by then, and he stared up at his uncle’s face as if it were the most fascinating thing in the world.
Hannah didn’t blame him. It was fascinating.
“Uh, if you have everything under control here, I’ll let myself out.” She felt hot all of a sudden. Flustered. She gathered her purse, the tote and the dogs. Then she felt a warm, moist tongue on the back of her hand. Ned stared up at her.
Maybe he was starting to love her, too.
She petted him.
“I’ll pick Ned up after supper if I can find a sitter.” He followed her to the door. AJ was content in his arms. “I’ll text you.”
“Sounds good.” She touched AJ’s cheek and gave the baby a smile before letting herself out.
Once she and the dogs were settled in the Jeep and she was half a mile down the road, the tension in her neck started to ease.
She was getting too caught up with Randy Watkins. And seeing him holding a baby so tenderly didn’t help.
Sure, she’d thought of him as a brother for most of her life. But he wasn’t her brother, and she didn’t see him that way anymore. Hadn’t for a while.
Was it so terrible to think of him as a man?
She swallowed, rolling down the window and relishing the sensation of the air whipping through her hair. Sunny afternoon. Wyoming summer in bloom.
The only reason she was thinking about Randy was due to the fact she’d been helping him out, spending time with him. When Austin got off the crutches and they hired a nanny, everything would go back to normal. And she wouldn’t have these inconvenient feelings anymore.
Did Randy have them for her?
She didn’t know. And she didn’t want to think about it.
Because if she started letting her heart open up to him, and he told her she was too much, it would hurt far worse than hearing it from Shawn.
Maybe if Randy showed her some sign he had stronger feelings for her she could take a chance. Or maybe not. She just didn’t know. And she wasn’t sure she wanted to find out.
Shawn had been right about one thing—her expectations were high. Too high. And the only thing they’d gotten her so far was years of being single. She didn’t see that changing anytime soon.