Page 113 of Wishing Hearts

“Practically got whiplash when you walked by,” I tell him. “But then you turned, and there they were. Those baby blues, all sweet but wary. I wanted to soften those eyes.”

“You do,” he says quietly.

I’m glad. So very glad.

“There was somethin’ about you that always felt safe, Harrison,” I say seriously. “Like, if I could just get you to look at me with those eyes, everythin’ would be…okay.”

“Sam,” he says gently.

“And it is, y’know?”

He nods. “I know.” After squeezing my arm, Harrison says, “I still have a couple more appointments this afternoon, but I’ll catch you and Piglet at home?”

“You bet,” I say, snagging one more kiss.

“A pig,” Harrison mutters as we leave the room. “I can’t believe we have a pig.”

I wonder what Harrison would think about adding a few more dogs to the family.

I’m all the way across the lobby when I hear Deborah’s delighted voice. “Oh my word. Is that a pig?”

Harrison’s laughing when he catches my eye. “See you at home, Sam.”

I shoot him a salute, return Deborah’s wave, and head outside, Piglet tucked in my arms. Carl is waiting out near the truck, no hound in sight. I give him a grin, and he rolls his eyes.

“Yeah, yeah,” he says. “You were right. Abbott adopted the dog.”

“Knew it,” I say, transferring Piglet into her carrier for the ride back to Animal Control. Hopefully now, the older vet will feel a little less alone.

Twenty-five minutes later, Carl and I are pulling up in front of Animal Control. I decide not to head back inside, instead wanting to get Piglet home and settled. Paperwork can wait until Monday.

“See you this weekend?” I ask Carl before he exits the truck.

We’re having a cookout. Although it might be best to steer clear of pork products on the grill.

“Yeah,” Carl answers. “I’ll be there. Still think I should bring Rosie?”

“I don’t see why not,” I tell him. “If any of the animals have trouble gettin’ along, we’ll just split them between inside and out.”

Carl gives me a nod. “All right, then. See you this weekend.” He pauses, door aloft. “Oh, and Sammy?”

“Yeah?”

“I better be your best man at the weddin’.” He gives me a wink before shutting the door and walking off.

I laugh, but damn if that doesn’t make me grin so wide my cheeks hurt.

When I get home—home—I bring Piglet to the backyard. I can’t imagine Tigger would have any issue controlling herself around the little pig, but just in case, I grab a leash before finding the dog waiting just inside the back door. I’ve no doubt she already noticed the new arrival.

“All right, girl,” I say, clipping her leash in place. “You better be nice to your new li’l sister. She’s smaller than you now, but she could very well outclass you within the year. Just keep that in mind.”

Tigger wiggles her stub tail.

“Here we go.”

Of course, there’s absolutely nothing to worry about. Tigger sniffs Piglet politely, and Piglet—already used to being around dogs—ignores Tigger’s curious nose. Piglet seems much more interested in rooting around, her little snout snuffling against the ground as she explores. I wonder if she’s ever had the chance before, or if she’s only been allowed to root around on carpet. Well, now she’ll have plenty of chances to get dirty with Winnie and Tigger.

I let Tigger off her leash before long and sit down in the grass, watching the pair wander. The sun is out today, and even though the weather is getting cooler, I don’t mind. I let the Texas sunshine soak me from above, eyes closing as the wind rustles the branches of the oak tree. I should probably change out of my work uniform and get cleaned up, but I’m in no hurry.

---