Page 41 of Here Comes Santa Paws

Of course he had.

“By the way, we’ve gotten some emails about the photos you took last weekend. A few people have asked for your contact information because they want to hire you. What should I tell them?”

I stilled. “Hire me? To take pictures?”

“No, to boss them around.” He rolled his eyes playfully. “Yes, to take pictures. You’re very talented. If you ever wanted to do some freelance photography, I’m sure Christmas Falls could keep you busy.”

Did I imagine the hopeful lilt in his words?

I leaned against the kitchen counter as that idea worked through my mind. I’d never considered monetizing my photography. It had been an easy way to capture the places I’d lived with only the threat of digital clutter. My career paid me well enough that I hadn’t sought a second job. I wasn’t sure I’d want to do it for pay, but knowing peoplewouldpay me to take photos for them was quite a compliment.

Getting outside by myself and taking pictures was my favorite way to unwind and take my stress levels down a few notches. It’d been a while since I’d done it, but I should get out and take some more pictures. Lord knew I could clear my head with everything going on. Maybe Carol would enjoy going on an easy hike.

Even as I told myself it would just be me and Carol, my brain inserted Elias into the image, and the prospect appealed to me more than I liked.

“I’ll keep it at hobby level for now, but thanks. I appreciate the reminder of how much I enjoy it.”

The timer went off. He turned to tend the pasta, then looked at me over his shoulder. “I mixed up a salad. Can you pull that bowl from the fridge?”

I opened the fridge and smiled at the stack of labeled food containers for different animals. Elias probably worked hard to ensure he met the customized nutrition needs of each of his pets.

I grabbed the mixing bowl covered with plastic wrap and set it on the counter.

Elias used a fork to pull a strand of pasta out, then tore off a piece. “Perfect.” He turned off the burner, then hauled the pot to the sink.

“Can I grab the plates?”

“That would be great. They’re in the cupboard next to the fridge. I’d love a bowl for my salad. I don’t want the Bolognese to get on the lettuce.”

I chuckled and grabbed bowls and plates, two each. “I take it you feed them before you feed yourself?”

Elias glanced over after dumping the sauce into the pasta pot and smiled sheepishly. “I do. Help yourself while I get them squared away.”

“I’ll wait for you and watch the chaos.”

Elias stuck up his nose like the noblest of royalty. “My animals are very calm and well-trained, thank you very much.” He turned to them and grinned. “Nom-nom time!”

As though he’d said the magic word—nom-nom? Lord—the animals rushed forward and bounced around Elias’s feet. They moved in sync with him as he pulled the food from the fridge and removed bowls from the dishwasher. The bouncing continued as Elias clicked lids open on the containers.

Elias turned away from the counter, holding two bowls. “Troops, assemble!”

Nails clacked against the linoleum floor as the animals scrambled to line up in front of the window next to the kitchen overlooking the street.

My mouth fell open as the animals sat patiently while Elias walked the bowls over to them and set them in front of each squirming creature. Tails thwapped against the floor as each fought to remain patient. How were these the same untamed dogs I watched rolling around in the backyard mud on a rainy day?

After bending over to place the last bowl, Elias straightened. “Chow time!”

The animals dug in, and Elias watched them for a few moments. When he turned back to me, his cheeks were pink.

“What?”

“That was…something else. They’re trained.”

Elias dropped his hands to his hips. “Just because they’re enthusiastic and energetic doesn’t mean they’re not well-behaved.”

Much like the man himself.

“You’re right.”

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