Page 46 of Bear's Heart

“But you were going to marry her.”

He nodded once.“We had booked the reception, paid a nonrefundable deposit for the band, mailed the save the date cards.But then I was hurt, and it changed everything.We’d always had a fiery relationship, and when it ended, it truly imploded.”

“If that’s the case, why did she drive all the way here from Nashville?Or is there someone else in the area she’s hoping to see?”

“She brought me a dog.”

Josie went silent.Bear wasn’t surprised.He was springing one thing after another on Josie.“Do you like dogs?”he asked.

“Doesn’t everyone?”she answered, reaching for her latte, needing something to hold.

“No.And you’re not allergic to them?”

“No.”

“How do you feel about having a dog in the house?”he asked.

“It’s your house, Bear.You’re the landlord.You make the rules.”

“Now you’re sounding a little prissy.”

Josie leaned across the table, glaring into his eyes.“I am not.I’m being sincere.It’s your house.You can do what you want.”

“Then why are you angry?”

“It’s just a lot, Bear, but give me a moment, and I’ll catch up.I went from being all excited to have coffee with you to your ex is back, she’s moved in, and you have a dog together.”

“We don’t have a dog together.It’s not my dog.It’s my friend Noah’s.”

Josie’s heart suddenly plummeted, and all fight abruptly left her.“Noah was your friend that died in the pile up in Idaho.”

Bear nodded.

She closed her eyes and bit her lip to hold back the sting of tears.Poor Bear.Poor Noah.“I’m glad you’re going to take his dog,” she said, opening her eyes, hoping he couldn’t see the sheen of moisture.“What’s his name?”

“Mick.”

“Mick,” Josie repeated.

“He’s an Australian Shepherd.Very smart dog, high energy.”Bear’s forehead furrowed.“He’s probably not going to love living in the house here in town.”

“That’s a complication, but we’ll make it work.I can take Mick for walks in the morning and then again in the afternoon—”

“He’s not your responsibility.”

“But I want to help.”

“You always do.”

Josie winced a little, even as she knew Bear hadn’t meant anything unkind by it.“I’m being pushy,” she said.“I’m sorry.”

“You’re fine.I’m still trying to figure all of this out.”

Frowning, she took a quick sip of her coffee.“So, there’s more.”

“There’s Savannah.”

Once again Josie’s insides did that awful nauseating free fall.“Does she want to get back together with you?”she asked lowly.

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