Page 56 of Puppy Love & Snowflake Kisses
Colin’s eyes widened. “Is something wrong?”
“I can’t get Odie to eat much. He’ll eat a couple bites of food, and then he walks away. That’s not like him. He used to always wolf down his food. I had to buy him a slow feeder bowl, but now he doesn’t have much of an appetite. And his stomach is upset.” She went on to lay out the details.
Colin nodded his head. “Is he drinking?”
“Yes.”
“That’s a good sign. Do you mind if I examine him?”
“Sure. Go ahead. I would really appreciate it. I took today off from work because I just didn’t think he was up for staying home alone.”
She carried Odie into the living room. Colin was very gentle with Odie as he examined him. He didn’t rush through the exam. He took the time to talk to her and ask questions about how long Odie was gone and how he reacted when he got home.
She wrung her hands together as she waited for Colin’s verdict. Was there something wrong with Odie? She hoped not.
At last, Colin straightened. He sent her a reassuring smile. “I think Odie has been through a lot over the past week. He needs a bit to adjust to being home. I checked him all out, and it appears the person that had him took care of him.”
She nodded. “That’s what Parker told me. He thought the person was planning to keep Odie.”
“I see.” Colin was quiet for a moment as though not sure what to say. “As long as he’s drinking and eating a little bit, I wouldn’t worry for a couple of days. I think once he relaxes that his appetite will come back. But if it doesn’t, call my office, and we’ll see what’s going on.”
Belle breathed easier. “Thanks so much for stopping over. It’s a relief to hear that he’s all right.”
“I’m glad this story had a happy ending.”
“Me too.” She felt the need to give credit where credit was due. “Parker was really great through this whole sordid affair. He went above and beyond. I really appreciate him bringing Odie back to me.”
Colin arched a brow. “He had a lot of good things to say about you too.”
Heat rushed to her cheeks. “He did?”
Colin nodded. “I’m not supposed to tell you, but it was Parker’s idea for me to come over this morning.”
Belle was touched by Parker’s thoughtfulness. She started to wonder if she’d made a huge mistake by ending things with him. She’d been reacting in the moment, and perhaps she let her exhaustion and emotions get the best of her.
Chapter Nineteen
Shestillhadn’tcalled.
Late Tuesday afternoon, Parker got off work and headed home. The house was quiet—too quiet. After his engagement ended, he’d prided himself on being a bachelor. He made peace with his solitary existence.
But after spending time with Belle, he realized he preferred to share his life with someone—not just someone but with Belle. There was something about her that brought happiness to his life—a reason to hit the ground running in the morning. And now he didn’t know what to do to win her back.
He was hoping after she calmed down and Odie settled back in that she would realize they really did belong together. But so far, she still hadn’t called him. And it was taking all of his self-restraint not to call her again.
And so, on the way home, he might have stopped by Kringle Blooms and ordered a bouquet of red and white roses to be delivered to Belle. But since it was so late in the day, they couldn’t deliver them until the following day. He agreed and instructed them to deliver the flowers to Frills & Heels. When they asked if he wanted to fill out a card to go with the flowers, he’d declined. He wasn’t sure what to write.
And now he wondered if he’d made a mistake. Were the flowers too forward? Should he just cease all contact? He wasn’t sure. He didn’t want to make things worse.
Knock-knock.
Before Parker could answer, the door flung open. “Hey, Parker, you here?”
He recognized his brother’s voice. “In the kitchen.”
Stomp-stomp.
Michael appeared in the entrance of the kitchen. “Did you just get home?” When Parker nodded, Michael said, “Mom’s been trying to get a hold of you.”
