Page 43 of The Luminosity of Loriana Harper

Finally, although the monitor looked serviceable, it also was way past its prime. He added curved monitor to the growing list of items he’d take. He wouldn’t foist it on them, but he’d explain the benefits. Also, they hadn’t discussed pricing. Hopefully Justin’d have some idea of how expensive this endeavor was going to be. Mitch wasn’t charging overtime—even though he could. No, he’d decided early on to just charge a standard rate. People were likely to be even more panicked during evenings or weekends when often help desks were shuttered. Plus, he worked for himself—he could always schedule time off when he wasn’t actively working.

He loaded his dolly with everything he thought he might need and headed down to the van. Loading took little time, and he tucked the dolly away in his storage locker. Soon, he was on his way. He eyed the Tim Horton’s, then remember the food Rainbow had prepared. Seemed rude to turn down such a generous gift, and the few extra bucks he’d save would help. He had two gigs on the books this week and neither looked particularly lucrative. No, he’d have to find a way to drum up business. This close to Christmas, surely he could find a way to do that.

The snow was thick, fat flakes. It stuck to the road. Enough people’d been out this morning, however, that the road had distinct tire tracks. He stayed in those. The journey up the very steep James Street had him clutching the steering wheel. He had a small reprieve across Seventh Avenue, but then another climb up Cedar Street. At least they plowed this road. Since it connected to the street that’d lead him to Healing Horses Ranch, he hoped that one would be plowed as well.

No such luck. The plow must’ve turned around and headed back into town. He could see the logic as these streets weren’t used nearly as much as the streets in town. Still, as he maneuvered on the slick roads, he clutched the wheel tighter.

Thank God for snow tires.

He still had to go slowly, but he’d make it. What life would look like after several hours was anyone’s guess. After a bit, he turned right onto the street where the ranch was. Too bad he hadn’t had a chance to do research. Healing Horses Ranch sounded intriguing. What exactly did they do? He wracked his brain. Counselor. Justin was some kind of counselor.

The GPS directed him to make the left turn, and he spotted what was likely the ranch sign. Covered in snow.

Interesting that the drive’d been plowed recently. The steady climb up wasn’t nearly as nerve-wracking as it could’ve been. The tall trees lessened the snowfall here, and the lack of wind gave him some breathing room.

Should’ve checked the weather forecast.

He could’ve done it on the way up, but he’d focused on driving. When he pulled into a clearing and what was clearly the parking lot, he selected the spot closest to the ranch house and backed in. He cut the engine and hopped out. Even in the snow, he spotted a barn and a stable. No horses in sight, but suddenly a large dog bounded over. It came right up to him, sat, and offered its paw.

Mitch’s eyebrows rose.Hadn’t expected this.Very carefully he crouched, then he shook the dog’s paw.

The dog leaned forward and gave him a swipe of its tongue across his cheek.

Something inside him opened, warmed, and expanded. He gazed into dark-brown eyes and saw…depth? Understanding?

From a dog?

“Tiffany.”

The dog held his gaze a moment longer before turning and bounding back the way she came.

Justin rounded the corner and offered a rueful smile.

Mitch rose and offered his hand.

They shook.

“Do you need a hand?”

“Sure. I have a couple of things I know we’ll need and a couple of things we might need.”

Justin glanced up at the sky. His red hair was already dusted with snow. “Let’s bring it all in and we’ll sort out everything from there.”

“Great.” Mitch opened the back of the van and handed several items to Justin. Heavy, sure, but he kept the heaviest for himself.

“I see you met Tiffany.” Justin’s grin was wry.

“Uh, yes. She’s…” He wasn’t quite sure what to say.

“She is.” Justin indicated over his shoulder after Mitch closed the van door. “She’s the ranch’s comfort dog. Except she’s off the clock right now and therefore feels she can just go after anyone she wants.”

Mitch didn’t feel the dog hadgone afterhim. Greeted him? Sure. Taken his measure? Yeah, he was pretty sure she’d done that as well.

As they hit the back deck, the sliding glass door opened. A lovely woman with black hair held open her arms and beckoned them in. “It’s way too early for this much snow.”

Justin chuckled. “You know you love the snow, Rainbow. Don’t mislead our guest.”

When both men were inside, she closed the door.

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