Page 94 of Lorcan
Mei slowly advanced, skirted the chaos, and approached Lorcan.
He lowered himself to her level and gently held out his hand.
She approached cautiously.
Does she remember him? It’s been a month. She’s been through such upheaval.
She licked his hand.
He rubbed her ears.
She moved toward him and leaned against him as he gave her scritches all over.
Carter gave a little gasp and pressed his fingers to his lips. His eyes glistened. “I told you.”
Byron chuckled. “You did. And I’m glad I listened.” His gaze shot between Lorcan and me. “Are you ready for a visit?”
Torah, the dog trainer, had suggested we have a low-key visit and spend time with Mei in her familiar surroundings.
“Yes, a visit would be lovely.” I met Lorcan’s gaze. “So you can get acquainted.”
“Too bad I can’t offer any eggnog.” Carter pursed his lips. “So how about some hot chocolate? Or a coffee? Byron has some fancy machine.”
Byron laughed. “Like you don’t make yourself a cup every morning.”
“Well, I’d hate for the machine to feel unappreciated.” Carter winked.
“Hot chocolate would be delightful.” I continued to watch as Mei leaned against Lorcan.
“Why don’t we go into the family room?” Carter gestured. “I like to sit on the carpet with the dogs.”
Rosebud pranced.
We headed in that direction while Byron headed to the kitchen to make the hot chocolate.
Lorcan and Carter sat on the floor while I perched on a couch.
Sheffield eyed me for a long time.
“We used to be neighbors, you know.” I smiled at the dog.
After a moment, he leapt onto the couch beside me. I was well-aware Byron didn’t mind his pooches on the furniture. They were like children for him.
Lorcan continued to stroke Mei and croon to her softly. Telling her what a brave girl she was. How amazing she was.
“You’ve seen she’s a little skittish around strangers, but she warms up fairly quickly.” Carter continued to stroke Rosebud. “She doesn’t startle at loud noises, and thunder’s not an issue. She used to live in a condo, so she’s probably familiar with what communal living can be like. She doesn’t bark at door knocks.” He met Rosebud’s gaze. “Unlike our favorite miss who likes to let the world know when the delivery driver has arrived.”
Rosebud blinked innocently.
“She’s good with other dogs. Just take time to do proper introductions.”
Something else Torah had warned me about. We had a session scheduled for the twenty-ninth up at the ranch so she could assess Mei and determine if additional training might be warranted. “Yes, we’ll be careful.”
He smiled. “She’s got a cast-iron stomach. Unlike that precious one.” He pointed to Sheffield. “Any slight deviation for him and, well, it’s unpleasant.”
“Ah.” Lorcan eyed the pooch who was now curled into my side. Little guy always was a suck-up.
“Four hot chocolates.” Bryon entered the room with a tray.
