Page 105 of Mistletoe and Mischief

“Remember the other day when we were at the library?”

“Of course...but what’s that got to do with anything?” Peggy couldn’t recall anything special taking place. They’d dropped off books and picked up others. Both were big readers and loyal library patrons.

“Remember the children reading to the dogs?”

“Well, yes, Grace told me about the program. It seems to be doing well.”

“Largely thanks to Beth Morehouse, the woman who owns the Christmas tree farm.”

“Where we bought our tree,” she said, certain Bob would clarify everything in a moment. Her husband had a flair for drama, which was one reason he volunteered at the local theater. Over the years Bob had appeared in a number of productions, everything from musicals toDeath of a Salesman.It was his creative outlet the same way gardening and cooking were hers.

“I’m sure there’s a point to all this,” she said, urging him to explain.

“There is.”

“Wonderful. Might I suggest you get back to my Christmas gift that’s currently being stored in the garage?”

“You’ll see.”

“I’m waiting with bated breath,” she returned, smiling.

“Stay here.”

“Okay,” Peggy said. “Do you want me to close my eyes?”

Bob paused at the back door and nodded. “Good idea. Close your eyes.”

Peggy sat at the kitchen table with one hand on her coffee mug and the other in her lap and squeezed her eyes shut. She wondered if her gift was what had kept Bob in the garage so long after he’d driven home. After a couple of minutes she heard him come in.

“Can I open my eyes yet?”

“Just a second.”

Her husband’s footsteps echoed as he moved toward the Christmas tree. “All right,” he called out. “You can open your eyes now.”

Peggy did, and then blinked. Beneath the tree, surrounded by wrapped gifts, sat a basket, one she kept in the garage and often took into the garden. Bedded down inside was...a puppy. A small black puppy.

Peggy didn’t know if she should laugh or cry. “You got me apuppy?”

“I was thinking we could use a dog,” Bob said.

“But a puppy?” she said, unsure of her feelings.

“Look at her, Peggy, she’s so cute. I couldn’t resist. We need a dog, and Beth Morehouse has a litter of ten she needs to find homes for.”

“Sothatwas the connection with Beth and the library. You volunteered,” she said. “Obviously.”

“Well, yes...”

“You’ll train her?”

“If you want, but she’s your dog. You’re happy about this, aren’t you?”

The puppy raised her head and regarded Peggy with large doleful eyes.

“What do you want to name her?” Bob asked, lifting the tiny squirming creature out of the basket and bringing her to Peggy.

The puppy immediately made herself at home in Peggy’s arms. “Let’s name her... Millie.”

---