Page 46 of Brian and Cora
"The man has more dogs than he knows what to do with," Brian said. "All his neighbors already have one from previous litters."
“I’ll have to pay El Davis, too.” Torin looked at Hank. “That is if you’re willing to meet the teamster in town and transport a puppy up the mountain.”
“No problem.” Hank turned one of the chairs at the table around and straddled it. “I’ll just prevail on Dr. Angus to organize another visit in his surrey. He’ll probably jump at the invitation to check on you, Brian, and bring the ladies to visit.”
Brian made an exaggerated mock grimace, and the others laughed.
Jewel settled cross-legged on the floor, coaxing Sassy Girl into her lap.
The dog sprawled across her legs, finally calm, while the child stroked her back with careful, reverent touches, whispering something Brian couldn't quite hear.
"Well, that settles it," Torin said, his voice rough with emotion. "How do I reach this Junger?"
"Post a letter to Morgan's Crossing," Hank said. "He picks up mail there monthly."
"I'll write today. You can take it when next you ride down to town." Torin's smile was genuine now, the shadows seemingly banished from his eyes. "Though I suspect I'll have a mutiny on my hands when we have to leave this one behind."
"Jewel can visit Sassy Girl any time," Brian said. "In fact, I insist on it. Someone needs to teach this beast some manners."
"Beast?" Cora laughed. "She's adorable. Hardly a beast."
"Adorably destructive," Hank corrected, stretching out one foot. "I had to rescue this boot from her this morning."
"Already developing expensive tastes," Brian said. "Next she'll be demanding velvet curtains."
Cora's eyes danced with mischief. "Brown velvet, to match her eyes and yours." She leaned to scratch the dog’s back. “What do you think about doilies, Sassy Girl? Does the house need a few more?”
"Don't encourage her," Brian growled, but without real heat.
"Too late," Torin said. "I can already see Jewel decorating a dog bed with tassels and lace."
"Heaven help us all," Brian muttered. He kept a straight face, lest he appear cheerful. He hadn’t quite forgotten how irked he felt about the changes to his house and having a pretty nurse foisted on him.
Cora’s laugh drew his gaze to her. Her face was alive, her expressive eyes sparkling. He quickly looked away. You’re only drawn to her because you haven’t spent time with a lovely woman in years.
They spent the next while attempting to teach Sassy Girl to sit on command, with varying degrees of success. The puppy would sit for Jewel longer than anyone else. Even then her bottom barely touched the floor before bouncing up again.
"Papa," Jewel said, looking up with pleading eyes. "Pup-ee come home?"
"Not this puppy, sweetheart. But we'll get you your very own. Would you like that?"
Her face lit up. "Yes! Yes! Jewel's pup-ee!"
"That's right. Now, give Sassy Girl one more pet. We need to go home to eat. We skipped breakfast, remember?"
"Nooo," Jewel wailed, clutching the puppy tighter.
Sassy Girl licked her cheek.
“Yes,” her father said in a rare moment of firmness.
Reluctance written all over her face, Jewel gave Sassy Girl one last hug. She whispered something in the puppy's ear that made the dog's tail wag harder and reluctantly stood.
"Bye-bye, Sas-ee," she said solemnly, waving. "Bye-bye, Bry-an. Bye-bye, Cor-a."
Torin, smiling, held out a hand for Jewel to take.
"Goodbye, sweetheart," Cora said warmly. "Come back soon." She trailed them to the door and stood in the doorway to wave them off.
