Page 114 of Death Wish

He grinned. “Yep. You’ll love the dog.”

“Now, I really need to see this animal.”

Sawyer opened the door. “Go on outside. I’ll bring the dog to you in a minute.”

Jesse set Simone on a bench and hung the bag on a nearby wooden post with thin pegs. Huh. Who knew a vet clinic would have a post like that set up in a pet play yard. Then again, if Dr. Sorenson treated operatives frequently, perhaps they needed some time outdoors with dogs and cats.

Sawyer returned, holding a small puffball of a dog.

Simone’s heart melted. “Oh, my goodness. Look at that dog.”

Jesse took the dog from Sawyer and cradled it in the palms of his hands. “Is this a puppy?”

“Nope. The doc says he’s a full grown teacup poodle. His name is Goose.”

The dog barked.

Simone grinned. “Hi, Goose.”

Goose wiggled in Jesse’s hands as though he wanted to go to Simone. “Want to hold him a minute or let him play a while first?”

“I’d love to hold him.” She held out her hands and cradled the tiny dog against her chest. “Oh, man. You’re one cute boy.”

“He’s up for adoption at the local shelter,” Sawyer said. “If you want him, Sorenson will take care of the paperwork so you can take him back to Tennessee with you.”

Goose stood on his hind legs and licked every part of Simone’s face that he could reach.

She chuckled. “Okay, buddy. Want to play for a while?”

Jesse took him from her and set him on the ground.

For several minutes, Goose explored the play area, pouncing on sticks and balls, finally bringing a small ball to Jesse.

They played fetch until Goose’s energy waned and he launched himself into Jesse’s lap. After three turns to find the exact spot he wanted, the little dog settled down with a sigh and closed his eyes.

Still standing close by, Sawyer snorted. “Looks like you have a dog, Jesse.”

“That depends on Simone. If she wants him, we’ll take him home.”

“How can you resist that face?” Sawyer teased. “Come on, man, have a heart. Goose needs a home, and you need someone to come home to.”

Jesse looked at Simone. “I already have someone to come home to. What do you say, Simone? Are we adding this little guy to our pack?”

“Of course we are. Sawyer’s right. How can we resist this face?” She stroked Goose’s head.

“Great!” Sawyer turned toward the vet clinic. “I’ll let Doc Sorenson know.”

Jesse handed the dog to Simone, unhooked her IV from the wooden stand, and scooped her and the dog into his arms.

Sawyer held the door for them. “I’ll see you in a minute.”

After Simone settled back against the pillows, Goose circled three times, then flopped down beside her with a sigh and promptly dropped off the sleep. “Thank you, Jesse.”

“I’d do anything for you,” he murmured. “Adopting a dog who needs a family of his own is nothing if he makes you happy.”

After a brisk knock, Dr. Sorenson walked in followed by Sawyer. “Well, I hear you’ve decided to keep Goose. He’s a good boy. I must warn you, though, that he prefers to be with his people all the time. He doesn’t do well alone. Separation anxiety.”

Simone glanced at Brent who stood in the doorway, leaning against the jamb.

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