Page 56 of Roam

They were adorable, with long floppy ears. One was white with brown markings and the other was white with gray markings.

“They are Holland Lops. Documentation from the farm said they are three years old. They usually can live up to fourteen years.”

Phoebe stood with the rabbit, walking closer to Winnie. “Isn’t he cute? Look at this face.”

Sprite bit her lip to keep from laughing but then it wasn’t quite as funny when Blake came over saying the same thing.

“She is, Blake. Do you want to check out the other animals or have you found your one?”

“So I can have her if I want her?”

“Roam and I told you that you can have one pet that you’re willing to help take care of. If you want a rabbit, we can do that. How were they kept at the farm?”

The owner walked over and petted the rabbit Blake held.

“They are litter box trained. The owner kept them in a screened-in porch part of the time but also had a rabbit hutch out in the yard. The rabbits spent time in both places.”

Sprite ran her hand over Blake’s head. “Whatever you want.”

Winnie walked over. “Bear is going to go ballistic if I add another animal.”

Regina joined them. “I was just thinking that it would be a shame to break a family up. What animals the kids don’t take, I think we’ll add to an area of the orchard and farm. Doesn’t that sound fun?”

Sprite glanced around and no one seemed to think it was strange that they had come to look at a puppy and they were possibly taking a farm home.

“Let’s go see the puppies and cats so you can make an informed decision,” Sprite suggested. The owner led them to the large cemented floored barn with divided areas for animals. It didn’t smell like bleach but also didn’t have the overwhelming smell of poop that Sprite had smelled at some shelters. Sure, everything pooped, but the smell didn’t need to be in your face.

The owner had them all clean their hands at the hand washing station. The puppies were small, and he didn’t want to risk anything from the other animals being introduced into the puppies’ area. The puppies were in the next barn over. This barn had large dogs.

“The puppies and kittens are in my smaller barn,” he said, leading them outside. As soon as they walked outside the one building to the other, Sprite turned when she heard Blake’s name called. Mackenzie was standing at the edge of the property, then started walking toward them.

“Mama Sprite. Don’t let her take me,” Blake pleaded when she heard Mackenzie.

“Girls, how about you come with Winnie and me to the puppies. We’ll let the others take care of this,” Sarah said, shooing the girls inside the building. “We’ve got them. Take care of it.”

Sprite stood there wondering what she should do but knowing there was no way in hell Mackenzie was getting close to Blake. She walked toward her. She could feel the wall of women who had her back. Remi stepped up on one side of her with Beth on the other.

“Do you want to talk with her? Beat the crap out of her or just send her on her way?”

Sprite just wanted to never see the waste of space that was Mackenzie ever again and she wanted Blake protected from her. Blake’s voice begging not to go with the woman who gave birth to her told Sprite all she needed to know.

“I don’t know. Let’s see what she says.”

Sprite paused when they were about eight feet away from Mackenzie.

“What do you want?”

“My daughter.”

Sprite shook her head. Mackenzie didn’t care about anyone but herself. There was another reason she wanted Blake.

“I find that hard to believe. Why are you here?”

Mackenzie stepped closer but Beth stepped forward and held up her hand. “Keep your distance, MacCuntzie.”

“What did you call me?”

“MacCuntzie, I think it fits you. You’re a waste of space and didn’t value the amazing daughter you had. You’re only out for yourself.”

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