Page 96 of Lorcan
“Oh yes.” Lorcan enthused the words even as his eyes shone brightly. “She’ll never want for anything again.”
Byron eased away from Carter and grasped the leash from the rack. “I’ll walk her with you to your vehicle and help her into the back.” He eyed Lorcan. “Will you sit in the back with her and give her nibbles?”
“Yes. That sounds perfect.”
Slowly, Carter picked up a huge bag. “Just a few of her things. We’ll bring the rest around in a day or so.”
My eyes widened. “Exactly how much stuff does she come with? I bought her a few things as well. Gallia, at the pet store, was very helpful.”
Lorcan eyed me. “You went to the pet store without me?”
“Your Christmas surprise,” I reminded him. “But we’ll go to the Boxing Day sale and you can pick out all the toys you want for her.”
“Oh. Yeah. Okay.” His face morphed from hurt back to a huge grin. “Best Christmas present ever.”
Carter handed me the bag. “She came with a bunch of stuff. We added a few other things. Nothing wrong with spoiling a dog who’s gone through such upheaval in the last six weeks.”
Lorcan continued to stroke her fur.
I met Carter’s gaze. “No. Nothing at all. Puppies deserve spoiling.”
My puppy shot me a gaze.
I gave nothing away. What happened in our home was between the two of us—no one else needed to know and, as I gestured to Mei, no one would’ve guessed.
He scratched her ears. “How old is she? Not a puppy anymore…”
“She’s six. Middle-aged.” Byron smiled. “Got a lot of life left in her. Dr. Zephyra says she’s in perfect health. Her paperwork is in the bag. She’s due for her shots in June.”
“We’ll probably take her in before then.” I gazed fondly as Lorcan continued to give Mei attention. For her part, she was giving him lots of kisses all over his face.
I might’ve thought that wasn’t particularly hygienic—but I didn’t care. Clearly, they were enamored of each other.
“Whatever you think is best.” Carter wrapped an arm around Byron. “We are going to miss her. As we discussed, I’ll take the dogs into the other room, and you can simply leave. No big goodbye to stress her out. Just like you’re taking her for a walk.”
“I need five minutes to hook up the harness system.”
Byron nodded—clearly approving. “Well done. So responsible.”
I laughed as I opened the door. “You sound surprised.”
His, “Well, now—” was all I heard as I closed the door. The snow had begun to fall again. I hustled to the SUV and pulled out the restraint system. I’d actually opened the box because, honestly, I hadn’t envisioned a scenario where Lorcan might object. He’d casually mentioned Mei three times now—even though we’d only met her the once. He would muse about how she was doing. Point out she was lucky to have Carter and Byron. Smile sadly and say he hoped she wound up in a good home.
I had my doubts that he’d been dropping hints—that wasn’t like him. Just he’d been clearly taken with the foster. The dog in need of rescue.
Like he’d been.
Restraint system secure, I headed back to the house.
Lorcan opened the door and handed me Mei’s bag.
Then Byron guided the dog out to the front walkway.
“Mei? I know it’s snowing. Do you want to go peepee before we go home? Then we won’t have to come out again.” Lorcan gave her his most beseeching grin.
Bedtime was fast approaching, so his words held logic.
She offered what could almost be considered a nod, then found a bit of level snow. She squatted and within a few moments, was back to trotting toward our SUV, Byron in tow. Almost like she knew.
