Page 49 of Elsie's Strong Shelter

Jimmy’s delighted squeal, followed by Boo’s excited bark, broke into the intimate moment.

Dean could have stared at the pretty blush that crept up Elsie’s cheeks all day, but instead braced himself seconds before Jimmy slammed against him and Elsie, his little arms extending to wrap around their legs.

“Make sure to watch out for cars.” Mrs. Sweet darted down the wood-chip filled path that led to the play equipment, hurrying to catch up to Jimmy.

Mr. Sweet strode beside her. He gripped Boo’s leash in his large hand, keeping the dog directly by his side despite Boo’s attempts to lunge forward.

Laughing, Elsie dropped Dean’s hand to crouch and gather Jimmy in her arms. “Hey little man. I’m so happy to see you.”

Jimmy buried his head in the crook of Elsie’s neck. “I missed you. Did you find Mama?”

Dean’s heart couldn’t have hurt more if someone ripped it from his chest and stomped on it.

Mr. and Mrs. Sweet stopped beside Elsie with matching worried expressions, Boo straining to get to Dean.

“Not yet buddy,” Elsie said, voice cracking.

Jimmy clung tighter to Elsie and tears streamed over her face.

“Hey, bud,” Dean said, cutting in before things got even worse. “Did you take good care of my friend?”

Sniffing, Jimmy squirmed away from Elsie and a tiny smile poked through his sadness. “I sure did. I fed him and brushed him and he even slept in the bed with me. Grandpa wasn’t sure if he should, but Nana talked him into it.”

“That’s usually the way things go. I’m a big softie, though. Especially where my favorite grandson’s concerned.” Mr. Sweet gave an exaggerated eye roll and held out a hand for Dean to shake then passed over the leash. “I’m John. Nice to meet you.”

“Dean. Nice to meet you, too. Thanks for taking care of Boo.” He couldn’t ignore Boo’s wagging tail and lolling tongue another second. “Hi, big guy. Were you a good houseguest?”

Boo barked and jumped up to rest his paws on Dean’s chest.

Dean pet the big dog’s head then took a step back to make Boo’s paws drop on the ground. “I hope you had better manners last night.”

“He was perfect. A great addition to our little slumber party,” Mrs. Sweet said.

Boo’s tail never stopped moving as he sat and shifted his gaze to stare at Jimmy.

“Did you have fun with Nana and Grandpa?” Elsie stood and kept Jimmy’s hand clutched in hers. “I bet they gave you lots of chocolate.”

Jimmy grinned, showing off a missing tooth. “I helped Grandpa build a fire so we could make s’moresandI got ice cream. Nana said I was bouncing of the walls.”

Dean chuckled, imaging Jimmy pinging around like a bouncy rubber ball. “I’m surprised they got you to sleep at all.”

“We kept him busy until he dropped in bed like a rock.” Mr. Sweet rustled the top of Jimmy’s head. “I’m going to make him run laps around the playground to get all of his energy out before we head home.”

Jimmy frowned and sank against Elsie’s legs. “I want to go to my house with Elsie. When Mama comes home, she’ll want to see me.”

The tortured expression on Elsie’s face pierced Dean like a dagger. He scrambled to think of a reason for Jimmy not to leave the park with him and Elsie, so she didn’t have to be the bearerof more bad news. “Buddy, Elsie and I need to visit a friend when we leave here, and I can’t take Boo with me. It’d be a big help if you stay with your grandparents again tonight and watch Boo for me. I don’t trust many people with Boo, but I know I can trust you.”

“Okay.” Jimmy’s little chest puffed out. “I take good care of him. Don’t I, Nana?”

“You sure do, honey. But why are we standing around talking in the parking lot when there’s a swing set over there to play on? Want to race?” Mrs. Sweet asked.

Jimmy beamed. “No way you can beat me.”

“She’s faster than she looks,” Elsie said. “But even if you can run faster than her, you can’t run faster than me.”

“Wanna bet?”

Dean winced at his innocent choice of words as gambling tables and poker chips flashed in his mind.

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