Page 23 of By Your Side

“They don’t normally linger on properties, typically passing through, but your property has been empty for a while. Hopefully now it will pass through elsewhere.” I hear Raelynn open and closing some cupboards and soon I hear coffee percolating.

“Owen was pretty pissed. He drove up almost right after.” Cringing, I think about the enraged look on his face.

Raelynn laughs. “He was probably scared more than mad.”

We chat a bit longer before planning on meeting for a coffee date later and hang up.

I’m in the midst of a stress clean when I hear what feels like an aggressive knock on my front door. After this morning I feel a little on edge and I’ve been contemplating getting a guard dog, going so far as to look at the local shelter and ads.

Taking my rubber gloves off, I tiptoe to the door and open the camera app on my cell. I can’t see who is at the door, but I see Owen’s truck in the background. Opening the door, I gape when I see Owen crouched down next to a massive dog and a puppy.

Both dogs look like they’re the same breed, with cream-colored fur on their body and black covering their faces and ears. They’re adorable, with brown eyes that radiate intelligence, awareness, and gentleness.

“Um, what?” I stammer as the dog walks over and nudges me in the hip—which is lower than its head height.

“I can’t believe you decided to chase off a cougar.” Owen’s voice edges with disbelief and holds on to a tinge of anger from this morning. “That is so reckless. What if the cat had charged instead of running away?”

Planting my hands on my hips, I defend myself, “The door was open, and I would’ve run into the house and slammed the door. I didn’t want it to find a food source around here and come back. What if more kittens are in my barn and it decided to have a little buffet?”

He groans, rubbing his hands down his face before pulling me into his arms and holding me tightly. “I’ve never known a woman like you. You’re fearless.”

Shocked, I hug him back and mumble into his chest. “Not fearless, trust me.”

Stepping back quickly, I wrap my arms around myself and shuffle my feet back and forth.

He clears his throat, gesturing to the dogs. “A friend of mine is a registered breeder of Turkish Kangals. They’re some of the most loyal, fierce, and safe guardian dogs out there. Kane is two years old and he’s wonderful with everything, should you decide to get any livestock. He will protect you and the cougar shouldn’t come back onto the property with him here. This here pup, well, she doesn’t have a name. She’s ten weeks old, but Kane will train her up. They’re both house-trained as well.”

“You’re giving me two dogs?” Gaping at him, I crouch down to stroke the dogs. The puppy wriggles over, lying across my feet and showing me her belly.

“I am.” He unclips their leads. “I have a friend who can give you a good price on perimeter fencing. I would recommend it because while these dogs like to stay close to protect their herd, it’s a good idea to have them fenced in, just in case. I wouldn’t want a rash neighbor to mistake them for a wolf running through the trees and take a shot.”

Nodding from where I’m now sitting and getting to know my new dogs, I reply, “Sounds good. I wanted to get that done anyway. Whenever he’s free, he can come and get started. I trust the price will be fair.”

I feel Owen’s gaze on me, and I know he’s curious why I don’t care about the money. “I already called him. He can start tomorrow.”

Standing, I brush my hands off and open my door, the dogs following me in. “Come on in. I just need to change and I’m ready to start working.”

“You do that. I will grab the rest of their supplies from my truck and bring in the flooring I picked up this morning.”

The dogs are sniffing around as Owen carries in three giant bags of dog food and the biggest dog dishes I’ve ever seen.

Protesting as he also brings in two large dog beds. “This is too much . . .”

He gives me a hard look. “Your safety will never be too much.”

Lifting my hands in surrender, I give in. “Thank you, Owen. This means a lot.”

We watch as Kane and the pup sniff every corner of the main floor before we head upstairs to lay the flooring.

“Kane, Stella, come here!” I try the name out.

“Stella?” Owen looks at her, smiling. “Cute! I think it’s a good fit.”

They come to me, tails wagging before Stella goes to the back door, whining to be let out.

Opening the door, I worry my lip as the dogs race off to explore. It’s clear when they pick up the scent of the cougar because Kane is on high alert and following the scent, Stella right on his heels.

Owen notices my worry. “They shouldn’t stray far, but if you can’t see them, just call ‘Home!’ and they will come back.”

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