Page 41 of Just One Take

“Oh, that.”

Her eyes widened and her brows lifted high on her forehead a fraction of a second before she chuckled softly. “They get under your skin, don’t they.”

“They?”

“Defenseless animals.”

“Owls aren’t all that defenseless, and frankly, I’m not sure about those bats, but yeah, I have a much better handle on why you love what you do.” Not caring who might be lingering on the sidewalk, he looped his arms around her waist and pulled her in close. “There are a lot of things I love about you, Katherine Donovan, and how much you care for the animal kingdom is only one of them.”

“Love?” Her voice cracked ever so slightly.

Leveling his gaze with hers, he searched for any sign of what was running through her mind. Without a clue, he opted to jump in with both feet. He’d never been afraid of taking risks and now was no time to start. “I love you, Kate.”

Again, her eyes rounded before a bright smile brought a sparkle to her gaze. “And I love you back.”

Swallowing the urge to shoutYeehawand spin her around, instead, he did what he’d wanted to do all day. He lowered his head until his lips touched hers. Ever so sweet, he pulled her closer and did his best to show her just how much she meant to him.

Chapter Sixteen

What had started out as a miserable day, dealing with Fish and Game’s finest, the grad students, finding the female owl, the vet’s office, the bats, and finally catching and transporting the owl’s mate, should have left her exhausted and drained. Instead, Craig’s declaration of love and the kiss that still had her toes tingling, had left her flying high as the birds she so loved and ready to take on the world, and win. Blinking a couple of times, she glanced over at Craig, delighted that he’d kept his hold on her hand the entire ride.

“I’ve been doing a little thinking.”

“Careful you don’t hurt yourself.” She did her best to suppress a grin at her tease.

“Ha, ha, ha.” His smile widened and his hold on her hand tightened just enough to reassure he got the joke.

“What about?” she asked.

“Peg’s situation.”

“Oh.” In between rushing back and forth and dealing with everyone on the property about the birds and the bats and Alan’s attitude, she’d tried to come up with some way to help Peg and the rehab program she’d run for so long. “I still can’t believe I hadn’t heard what a hard time she’s having.”

“As small as the world gets at times, it’s still a very big place.”

“So what are you thinking?”

“I had a few minutes while you were going over the report with the police to look Peg up on my phone. She’s more than qualified and has even had a few articles written on the good work she’s done. I think with the right backing, her facility could outshine the ones in Dallas or Austin.”

“In some ways, she already does.”

He bobbed his head and pressed his lips together a long moment, making Kate wonder what was he trying to tell her.

“The Barons sit on an awful lot of boards of different foundations. We volunteer everywhere, and write checks like we’re pouring another glass of water. Not long ago my grandparents got on board a new charity project with my sister Eve’s fiancé.”

“For children of veterans. I love that idea.”

Craig smiled. “We all do. Grams especially loves a worthwhile project. I’m thinking, perhaps the right someone,” he held her hand up slightly and smiled at her, “could persuade Grams to take on another worthy cause. The Barons aren’t the only ones who write checks.”

“Really?” Tugging at the seatbelt, she swung around to face him. If he weren’t driving, she’d have thrown herself over the console for a stuffing squishing hug. “That would be great.”

“Peg’s practice is important to the neighboring communities. The Houston area is massive. The more people encroach natural habitats, the more we need facilities like Peg’s.”

“Agreed.”

“Good, because I cut her a small check to hire some more help until we can get some serious fundraising going for her.”

This time she didn’t care. Unlatching her seatbelt, she pushed up, leaned over the console, and kissed him gently on the cheek before sitting back and buckling up again. “I love you, Craig Baron.”

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