Page 10 of The Doctor's Promise
Bepi was off his lap before Rafa finished his sentence.
6
Chapter Six
Noemi had been thinking about it since returning from Syria, and now she was absolutely sure it was the right decision. She crouched down at the door of the cage and offered her hand to the dog. The huge German Shepard, all fluff, sniffed her hand gingerly and then slunk out of the cage to her. Noemi wrapped her arms around the dog. “Hello, buddy.”
The dog licked her face and Noemi giggled. She smiled up at the shelter assistant. “She’s definitely the one.”
The assistant smiled. “Well, I’m very happy for you both. She’s an absolute sweetheart, but most people want a younger dog. Mouse here needs a loving home, and the good thing is she’s house-trained.”
“I live close enough to the hospital that I can go back and forth so she doesn’t get fussy.” Noemi was beyond excited. When she’d come to the shelter a few days ago, she’d fallen for Mouse immediately—not least because of the incongruous name. Mouse was huge! Leonora had expressed doubts whether Noemi’s five-five frame could handle such a big dog. Noemi had no such qualms. The shelter had let her take Mouse for a few walks on her nightly visits, and she knew she could handle her new roommate just fine.
Noemi signed all the paperwork she needed to and made a large donation to the shelter. She was just walking out with Mouse when she saw Rafael Genova and Bepi walking towards her. Bepi exclaimed and ran to her. Noemi hugged the little boy. “Hey, cutie pie.”
Bepi hugged her back then turned his attention to Mouse, his eyes wide. “It’s okay, Bepi,” Noemi said gently, “This is Mouse. She likes to be petted.”
Bepi put out an uncertain hand, and Mouse licked it. Bepi grinned and began to stroke the dog’s thick fur. Mouse rested her face against Bepi’s, and Noemi’s heart thumped. Dogs were a joy. Just utter joy and love.
She looked up and smiled at Rafa. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“I’ve been promising Bepi a dog for a while… although I think he’s already fallen for your delightful mutt.”
Noemi laughed. “Sorry, Bepi. But there are more puppies inside all needing a home. I bet you’ll find one just as lovely as Mouse.”
“Will you come and help us look, Nommy?” Bepi was clearly not ready to let Mouse out of his sight just yet.
“Noe might want to go home, Bepi,” his father said gently but Noemi smiled.
“No, I don’t mind. It’ll be fun… if you don’t mind?” She met Rafa’s gaze and something undefinable passed between them.
“No,” he said, softly. “I don’t mind at all.”
Noemi felt her face burn and looked away from Rafa. She held her free hand out to Bepi. “Come on then. Let’s go find you a puppy.”
Rafa tuckedBepi into his bed. It was past ten o’clock already, but the overexcited little boy wouldn’t settle as he talked nonstop to Rafa and Noemi. He had insisted that Noemi and Mouse come back to the house—Rafa suspected so that he could play with Mouse—and now, finally, Bepi had fallen asleep.
Rafa went back down to the living room. Mouse was stretched out on the rug, fast asleep, and Noemi sat by her dog, running her hands through the dog’s plush fur.
Lucky dog…
Rafa smiled at her. “She is a beautiful mutt.”
“Isn’t she? I’m so delighted with her.” Noemi smiled at him shyly. “I must go. I’ve stayed far too long as it is, but Bepi is such an adorable kid.”
“Thank you. I think so, but please, stay a little while longer. It’s nice to have some adult conversation for once.”
Noemi chuckled but nodded. “Okay, I’d like that.”
Rafa sat down on the floor next to them. Mouse woke and sleepily shifted her head, so it rested on his knee.
“She likes you. That’s always a good character assessment.”
Rafa smiled at Noemi. Her hair, now grown even longer than before the accident, fell in soft waves past her shoulders. Her lovely face, with sweetly plump cheeks and shining brown eyes, was younger than her thirty-years-old. Without thinking, Rafa reached out and stroked her cheek.
Noemi froze and jerked away, and Rafa dropped his hand. “God, I’m sorry… I don’t know what came over me.”
Noemi’s face was bright red, and she scrambled to her feet. “I think I’d better go.”
