Page 13 of Always a Bridesmaid
It was nice to feel like she had a sister, not simply because of shared DNA but by choice. Which made that “half” part of Maisy’s title unnecessary.
A sister and a niece, a place to stay, and a bakery to decorate.
The sense of purpose Violet had been missing as of late buoyed her up, giving her a much-needed dose of optimism, no positive spin required. Maybe one day in the not too distant future, she could manage to finally put the past where it belonged.
Chapter Three
Ford rounded Lake Jocassee and stumbled over the tangle of leashes. His father used to say that one dog was a lot of help, two dogs were half as much, and three dogs were nothing but trouble.
Usually he disagreed, but this morning, he could see the tiniest bit what Dad meant.
Of course his father also applied that theory to Ford and his two brothers. Dad would assign them separate chores and turn everything into a competition. Instead of working together, the boys would race to see who’d get Daddy’s praise that day.
The past crowded his lungs, leaving his breaths too shallow to counteract his level of exertion.
The whole survival-of-the-fittest outlook had turned their relationships toxic, not pushing him and his brothers to be better but to drag one another down. Which was why Ford refused to use that method.
It didn’t help that the puppies’ harnesses had twenty-foot lead ropes attached. The first step in search and rescue training required extra length. After getting the fluffballs used to the harnesses, Ford would use a scent pad and reward them until they could scent for long distances without getting distracted.
Pyro glanced at the puppies, his exasperation clear—when it came to work, he had one mode, and that was all-out, same as Ford.
Ford’s amusement helped dilute the downer vibes associated with thinking of his family, and he slowed enough to bend and give Pyro’s side a quick pat. “They’re young yet. Once we get ’em trained, these exercises will go smoother.”
Pryo’s eyebrows twitched, followed by the doggy version of a sigh.
Affection wound through him, and he cupped his dog’s muzzle and locked eyes with him. “You gettin’ old and grouchy on me, boy? Soon, you’ll be barking at kids to get off our lawn.”
In response, Pyro barked and rushed ahead, as if determined to prove his excitement and energy were still well within young and perky range.
The puppies charged after him, attempting to match Pyro’s faster, longer stride.
Make that two out of three.
The course fibers of the ropes chafed his palm as they zipped across, and Ford’s knees cracked as he straightened and picked up his own pace. While the female of the litter was the most focused, her bigger brother had endurance on his side.
Meanwhile, the puppy with the darkest face and bounciest temperament became distracted by every blade of grass and ripple of water. He’d wandered near the shore, and his paws were a muddy mess.
“Come on,” Ford said, a stern note to his voice as he added a gentle tug. His running times were shit this week, thanks to the canine delinquents.Yeah, that’s it. Think tough.
While he’d deny it, whenever they peered up at him with their big golden eyes, he’d turn into a big ol’ sucker. A melty, tender sensation would kick in, and then he’d have to remind himself he had a job to do and couldn’t simply play with the frisky puppies.
No eye contact. Must. Remain. Firm.
Eventually he and his entire furry crew hit a decent pace.
But then the ears on the endlessly distracted puppy’s head perked up.
“Don’t do it,” Ford said, in spite of the fact that the dog’s snout was already swiveling toward the lake.
The puppy’s momentum continued to propel him forward, and he tripped over the branch his brother and sister had easily cleared.
Down he went, skidding through the mud face-first, his hind legs still pedaling.
With a shake of his head, Ford chuckled and righted the puppy. “Dude, you fell. That requires some recalibration—but first you’ve gotta get your feet back under you. Isn’t that better?”
The puppy licked Ford’s arm, leaving a sticky trail before rushing after his siblings. His whimpering bark was heavy on theHow dare you guys leave me behind.
After they made it back to the truck, Ford checked the clock on the dashboard.
