Page 65 of Love for a Lifetime

Olivia perked up at his unexpected compliment. “Thanks.”

Dawson took a tentative step forward. Betsy lowered her head and growled at him, not letting up.

“What do I do? She already hates me.”

“She’s been mistreated. It’s not you. I’m sure you’ll like her eventually. Once you get to know her.” Olivia grasped at every straw within her reach. They all just needed to get along for a little while.

Dawson stared down at the dog. “That’s not the problem. She has to like me first.”

The little fireball in Olivia’s arms wasn’t making this easy. What could she do when Betsy had been hurt by men and Dawson had been bitten by dogs? Trust wasn’t even in the distant future for these two.

Dawson’s shoulders slumped. “You’re doing a good thing. I’ll just…keep my distance.”

“I’m going to work with her. She’s not really fond of anyone at this point.”

“Except you,” Dawson pointed out. “Well, who can blame her? Instinct probably tells her you’re a good woman.”

Why did he have to say such sweet things? As if she needed another reason to be hung up on Dawson. He’d hardly left her thoughts since the wedding reception. Memories of his fingers tangling in her hair and the warmth of his breath on her neck still sent shivers up her spine.

Olivia ducked her chin and nuzzled the dog’s fur. The rotten smell from earlier was almost gone. “I’m just asking for patience.”

Dawson rubbed his chin. “Do you need any help with her?”

A grin quirked up the corners of Olivia’s lips. What exactly did he think he could do to help her care for his nemesis?

“I think I’ve got it.”

The phone in Olivia’s pocket rang, and she adjusted her hold on the dog to answer it.

Dawson jerked a thumb over his shoulder. “I’m going to get started on the milking.”

Olivia gave him a single nod before checking the screen. Anna.

“Hey. How are you?” Olivia asked in greeting.

Anna cleared her throat, and her words had a rough edge to them. “Back in the land of the living. That stomach virus is no joke. My throat is sore from throwing up.”

“Yikes,” Olivia said. “Did the electrolyte drinks I dropped off help?”

“I’m happy to report that I’m not in danger of dehydration.”

One of the newest kids hopped over to Olivia’s side, and she bent to let Betsy down. She’d taken to the goats a lot quicker than humans. “What about the crackers?”

“They were gross, but I kept three of them down yesterday.”

“You’re on the road to recovery,” Olivia said.

Anna groaned. “I just hope Mom doesn’t get this after being around me so much. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.”

“Give her some of those vitamins I dropped off the other day.”

“She already took some. And she said to tell you that the potato soup was amazing.”

Olivia watched Betsy and Hank dart around as they played. When she was convinced Betsy wasn’t going to attack the baby goat, she started toward Cluckingham Palace. “Thanks. I’ll send her the recipe.”

There was rustling on Anna’s end of the line, and she sighed. “You’re so good to me. Have I told you how much I love you?”

Olivia swallowed hard past the swelling of her throat. Anna was a constant in her life. When Olivia’s mom died, Anna didn’t leave her side. When she had to stay in because the endometriosis pain was too much, Anna stayed in too. Through boyfriends, breakups, and broken hearts, Anna was always there. “I love you too.”

---