“We had an early dinner with the kids. Corn dogs and fries. Very healthy.”
Her hesitation was barely noticeable before she asked, “I was just going to have a cup of herbal tea. Would you like to join me?”
“Yes,” he said immediately. “I would. Thanks.”
If she was surprised by his alacrity, she didn’t let it show. She merely stood and moved toward the door.
Buddy followed right at her heels.
She stopped at the door, looking down at the dog. “Were you planning to go inside?”
Buddy wagged his tail.
Natalie looked at Casey, who shrugged as he stood just behind her and the dog. “Your call.”
“I don’t suppose he’s housebroken.”
“He could be. Now that we’ve gained his trust, he certainly acts like he’s been a pet.”
“And if he’s not housebroken?”
“Then he’s likely to act like a typical male dog and pee on everything in sight to mark his new territory.”
“Great,” she said with a sigh.
Buddy whined.
She melted, much to Casey’s amusement. “Okay,” she said to the dog, “you can come in. But I expect you to behave like a gentleman, understand?”
Buddy wagged his tail.
“I’ll probably end up scrubbing the floors and the furniture,” she muttered, opening the door into the kitchen. Buddy trotted in after her as if he’d been living there for years. Casey wasn’t far behind.
Buddy sniffed around the living room and kitchen while Casey and Natalie watched, holding their breaths. And then, his exploration finished, Buddy curled up on a rug in front of the fireplace and put his head down on his paws. So far, he’d been a perfect guest. Casey hoped he remained that way.
“Would you like me to start a fire?” he called out to Natalie. “It would knock the chill off in here.”
“That sounds nice,” s
he answered from the kitchen.
A cubbyhole built into the bricks at the side of the fireplace held a dozen small fire logs. A basket beside the wrought-iron fire tools was filled with kindling. Casey fumbled around a bit, but had a small fire burning nicely by the time Natalie had the tea ready. Buddy gave a long sigh as the warmth penetrated to where he lay on the hearth rug.
“Better than the ground in the woods, hey, pal?” Casey murmured, giving the soft head a pat before rising.
Carrying the two mugs, Natalie joined him on the couch with a smile that made his heart trip over a couple of beats. Apparently she had forgiven him for the way they had parted the night before. It had taken him most of the restless night to forgive himself.
They sat on the couch, sipping tea and watching the flames while the dog dozed on the rug.“Would you like to turn on the TV?” Natalie asked after several long, quiet minutes had passed.
“Not really.” He was perfectly content to look at her and enjoy the peacefulness of the evening.
She nodded as if in approval of his choice. “Buddy looks settled in, doesn’t he?”
“He does. I’m sure he’s glad to be out of the cold.”
“I put bowls of food and water in the laundry room for him.”
“Are you going to let him stay inside tonight?”