Page 38 of Summer with a Single Dad

“Yes,” Hudson said.

Chris leaned closer and whispered, “We’re working on not sayingyeahso much.”

“Gotcha.” I turned my focus back to Hudson. “Anytime you want me or the dogs to come over or hang out, just let me know.”

“Cool,” Hudson said.

“Cool,” I echoed, shooting Chris a smile that would have parted the clouds above us if it had the power.

As promised, it started pouring almost immediately following our group session at Bark Park.

Luckily, we were done for the day, and I was already packed up when the first crack and boom crossed the sky.

Tucked safely inside Chris’s house, we hunkered down as the rain pelted the roof.

“I love a good summer storm,” I said.

“Dogs can’t go outside,” Chris muttered. “It smells like wet dog in here.”

I took the towels from him and squished his face in my hand. “I’ll dry them off.” I sat next to Hudson, who had ploppedhimself in front of the dogs. “Do you have a blow dryer?” I asked Chris.

“Yeah.”

“Yes,” I corrected, sending him a cheeky grin.

Hudson met my eyes and giggled.

Seconds later, Chris reappeared, blow dryer in hand.

“Have you ever given Luke a blowout?” I asked Hudson.

Chris snorted behind us.

Hudson, oblivious to Chris’s response, said, “Uh-uh.”

“This could get interesting,” I told him. “Moose and Rufus are used to it, but let’s see. You use the brush, and I’ll blow dry.”

I held onto Luke’s collar and prepared for the worst. Some dogs freaked out with loud noises. “Give him a pet, and let him know it’s okay,” I said.

Watching Hudson work with Luke reminded me of what Cassie did with her fur-clients.

“Good job. Now, let’s see how he does.” I turned the hair dryer on low. Luke looked at me with apprehension. “Okay, Hudson, keep doing that. Good boy, Luke. You’re such a pretty boy. Yes, you are.” Using a calm, soothing tone, I began blow-drying his fur. Maybe it was because Moose and Rufus didn’t freak out that helped him remain calm. Then again, maybe it was the sweet boy next to me.

Hudson and I worked with Luke, and once dry, we moved to Rufus, then Moose. Before long, all three dogs were warm and dry.

“I think you might have a knack for grooming,” I told Hudson.

His face lit up. “We should give Luke a bath.”

“Maybe next time,” I said. “I think your dad has had enough of wet dogs to last him a while.”

“I’m hungry,” Hudson said.

“Me too.” I handed Hudson the towels and grabbed the brushes and blow dryer. “What do you want for dinner?”

“Pizza!”

“I love pizza,” I said. “Let’s go find your dad.”

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