Chance Of A Lifetime (15 page)

“She’s got spunk.” Bryce laughed as the wriggly puppy burrowed a cold, wet nose into his neck. The ropy tail waved wildly, beating the air, Bryce’s arms, and anything else within reach.

“Likes you,” Ed noted. “Done everything I cain think on, but she’s still a bitty li’l thang. Cain’t sell her, that’s for shore.” He looked at the furry black-and-tan pup. “I make a habit of not keepin’ the dogs inside. Coddles ‘em too much, and then they’re not as good for tracking. But this one might not have enough weight to make it through the winter.”

“She needs fattening up. I’d give her cow’s milk—as much as she’ll take. I’d rest easier if I knew she had a warm place to sleep.” Bryce pulled the puppy from where it was climbing onto his shoulder. “Plenty of energy.”

“I’ve got two late litters this year to look after, and I’m behind on getting m’ winter firewood.” Ed sighed. “I cain’t be givin’ this one special treatment, and no one chose the runt. Iff ‘n you want her, she’s yores.”

Bryce looked down at the small bundle of fur currently burying her black nose in the bend of his arm before sniffing her way over to nuzzle at his buttons.

“I’ve got to go feed the breeders.” Ed shoved his hands in his pockets. “Get to know her. I don’t want you to take her and regret it later. I’ll be back in a bit.”

“Sounds good.” Bryce cradled the pup in both palms and brought her to eye level. Her tail thumped as she craned her neck to poke his chin with an inquisitive snout. “Snuffly little thing, aren’t ya?”

She’s bitty now, and even after I get some more weight on her, she’ll never be as big as her brothers and sisters. Ed’s right—she won’t make the best hunting dog. Definitely has the nose for it though
.

Bryce cradled her close, and she buried her face in his chest. He ran his fingertip between her floppy ears.

Friendly mite. She’d make a good companion—affectionate now, she’ll be protective once she’s bigger. Every boy should have a dog, and this one’s tiny enough for Jamie to hold now. They can grow a bit together, and she’ll look after him when she’s older. Jamie likes to feel things with his hands, and this pup is soft and warm and cuddly. She won’t mind that he’s a little clumsy. It’d do Jamie good to have something to look after. Make him feel important and capable
.

Daisy might not like it at first, but she’ll melt when she sees the smile on Jamie’s face while he plays with his dog. I’ll help him look after the pup while she’s small. She won’t need a lot of looking after when she’s older—food and water. Jamie’ll give this pup all the attention she needs, and she’ll love him right back. Dogs are loyal creatures
.

Bryce saw Ed coming back and gave the pup a reassuring pat. It didn’t seem right that no one wanted her. He just couldn’t bring himself to leave her behind. “I’ll look after her, Ed. What’s her name?”

“I don’t know. I try not to name ‘em, since their owners like to do that. Then they cain’t get confused iff ‘n I train ‘em under a different name and not come when they’re called.” Ed thought a moment. “Since no one paid for her, she don’t have a name. Reckon it’s up to you. What’d you like to call her?”

Bryce looked down. Having tuckered herself out, she snuggled in his arms, pink tongue lolling out as she snoozed. She was a cute little thing. Her small black nose twitched in her sleep, and he could think of only one name that would do.

“Nosey.”

Daisy stared at the apple pie in dismay, its black edges and smoky scent declared it burned beyond redemption. She fanned a tea towel to wave the last few wisps of smoke out the door. She’d need to clean out the new oven.

I must’ve put too much wood in the stove and got the oven hotter’n it should be. I’m right glad Miz Willow and Hattie are at the Ruckers so they don’t see this. I cain’t believe we managed all the victuals for the barn raisin’ with nary a single problem, and now I done ruint the dessert I made to tell Bryce I’m glad he’s staying. I ain’t got time to make another!

“Well, Jamie,” she sighed aloud, even though Jamie was napping, “that plan went up in smoke.”

“What went up in smoke?” Bryce sniffed the singed air as he walked into the cabin.

No!
Daisy couldn’t let loose the howl that rose in her chest.
Yore not supposed to see me like this—hair all flyaway, face flushed from the stove, spots all over my apron … and a burned apple pie on the windersill
. She took a deep breath, realizing Bryce waited for her to say something.

“I baked you an apple pie, but it came out more burnt than anything I’d ask a body to et.” She flapped the towel toward the window, as much to point at the tart as to vent some of her frustration. “I made the new stove oven too hot.”

“Looks fine to me.” Bryce picked up the still-warm tin, set it on the table, and grabbed a fork.

“What’re you doin’?” Daisy protested as he plunged the fork into the middle of the charred dessert.

“The edges are …” Bryce took another bite and swallowed before continuing. “Crispy. That I’ll grant you. But it’s not ruined. The middle’s wonderful.” He speared a spiced apple slice and held it to her lips. “Taste.”

“I—” She didn’t get a word out before he slipped the bite into her mouth.

“Got a speck here.” Bryce’s finger brushed her lip tenderly. Warmth spread through her.

“See?” Bryce kept on eating. “Delicious.”

That shore was
. Daisy resisted the urge to touch where his fingertip had brushed her mouth. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“I know.” Bryce held her gaze steadily. “I wanted to.” Tension spread between them, tight and warm, before he lightened his tone. “Burnt offerings pleased God, and now I know why.” He polished off the rest of the pie, leaving behind only the black edges.

Daisy shook her head and smiled at him, reaching for the tin. It’d have to be scrubbed. He gently caught her wrist.

“Leave it.” He rose to his feet and started for the door, not loosening his hold. “I want to show you something.”

“What?” Daisy glanced back at Jamie, still asleep on the bed.

“It’s a surprise.” He released her hand. “I’ll bring it to you if you’d be more comfortable.”

“I’ll go.” His consideration immediately made her relax. Besides, she’d been wanting to talk with him in private. Jamie would be fine, and this way she and Bryce could figure a few things out without her son overhearing the conversation. She followed Bryce out to the barn, and he led her to the tack room.

“Hold out your hands, Daisy,” he instructed. “Now close your eyes.”

Daisy did as he said, resisting the urge to peek through her lashes as he put something small and soft in her palms.

Something cold and wet snuffled her hand, and she would have dropped it had Bryce not cupped her hands in his.

“Open ‘em.”

She looked down. “Oh!” She cradled the tiniest puppy she’d ever seen. Daisy lifted it up to get a better look, and the pup bumped her nose with its. She giggled as the pup nosed its way over her face, the soft fur tickling her skin.

Although mostly black, tan markings decorated the fur around its eyes, paws, and the tip of its tail, which wagged enthusiastically.

“I cain’t recollect the last time I saw such a cute critter,” Daisy marveled. When Bryce stepped back, she cuddled the puppy close. It immediately poked at her stomach with its nose, snuffling excitedly. “Curious li’l thang.”

“I’ve named her Nosey.” Bryce reached out and stroked the soft black fur.

“Fits her.” Daisy laughed.
But why are you showing her to me? Is she a gift?
There was no denying the little pup had winning ways, but the last thing Daisy needed was another mouth to feed.

“Yep.” Bryce waited for her to look up from the furry bundle before speaking again. “She’s a runt, and Ed Trevor doesn’t have the time to look after her like she needs. I’ll be feeding her cow’s milk so she bulks up for the winter.”

“I’m glad. She’s too friendly and precious not to be loved.” Daisy smiled her approval.
And how wonderful it is that you care enough to bring her home
. “You’ve got a fine heart, Bryce Chance.”
Do you understand what I’m saying?

“Every boy needs a dog.” He looked her in the eye, then said, “I was hoping … Jamie could help me with her.” Bryce asked her more than one question with that statement.

“He’d like that,” Daisy answered, pausing for a moment before adding softly. “And so would I.”

“Thank you, Daisy.” A grin split across his face. “So you’re all right with me staying?”

“Yes, Bryce.” She nodded but became serious. “But I want to make a few things clear.”

“I’m listening.” Bryce reached for the puppy and leaned forward to catch her words.

“I’m not committing to anything jist yet. I don’t know iff ‘n this whole thang’ll work out, but I want to try.”

“That’s all I’m asking for, Daisy. A chance to spend more time with you and Jamie to see where it leads.”

His words lifted a load off her shoulders.

“Then we’re agreed. Yore staying but no promises.” Daisy had to make sure she wasn’t misleading him.

“Yep. And I want you to know that I care for Jamie in his own right, not only because he’s your son.” Bryce alleviated a concern Daisy had left unspoken. “I’m courting you with an eye to becoming part of a family, not just a husband.”

Daisy didn’t say another word, but her eyes shone with relief. Bryce knew she wouldn’t have agreed to step out with him unless she already knew he’d care for Jamie, but he wanted her to hear the words and know how deeply he meant it.

“I’ve got to go wake Jamie, else he won’t sleep through the night.” Daisy passed Nosey back to him.

“Why don’t we let Nosey wake him?” Bryce suggested, keeping apace with her. “That cold nose of hers would make a fine wake-up call.”

“Sounds like fun.”

They tiptoed into the cabin and snuck up near the bed. Bryce reached out and deposited the dog beside the sleeping boy, then watched and waited. Sure enough, Nosey stood up, placed one dainty paw on Jamie’s chest, and buried her wet nose under his chin.

“Huh?” Jamie looked up at them with bleary eyes before tilting his head and seeing what had woken him up. “Puppy!” He sat up straight and scooped the puppy into his arms. She thumped her tail so fast it became a blur while she covered his face with doggy kisses. Jamie giggled. “Mine?” he asked excitedly.

Bryce looked at Daisy. She sent him a brief nod, and they answered together. “Yours.”

They watched the little boy play with the puppy, who sniffed him, the pillow, the blankets—anything and everything around her.

I understand, Nosey
. Bryce couldn’t stop grinning if his life depended on it.
I’m testing the air, too. If we play our cards right, we’ll both have a new family
. He glanced at the window as a sudden cloud cast the sun in shadow.
I hope it’s a long winter
.

“I et too much.” Daisy leaned back on the tattered quilt and put her hand on her stomach. The sun shone down on the folks gathered for the Harvest Games and Picnic.

“Me, too.” Bryce stretched out beside her on the grass. “I couldn’t fit in another bite.”

“So you don’t want the pie I brought you?” Logan flopped down, passing Hattie a piece of apple pie that Daisy had baked for the day before tackling a wedge of his own.

“Aw … my favorite.” Bryce looked longingly at the dessert before him.

Even Daisy’s mouth watered at the tantalizing aroma of apples and cinnamon.
At least this one turned out right. The last one I baked all but burnt to a crisp, and Bryce et it anyhow
.

“Maybe one small bite …” Bryce jabbed his fork into the treat and chewed the first bite. “Mmm. Nope. I need another taste.” He closed his eyes as he savored the next bite. “I can tell Daisy baked this.” He opened his eyes, held her gaze, and lowered his voice. “It tastes like cinnamon, sugar, and sweetness.”

“Oh?” Daisy tried to be nonchalant but felt the blush beginning anyway. She nabbed his fork. “Guess I’d better try some of that myself then!” Together they polished off the rest.

“Now I really can’t get up.” Bryce groaned, but it didn’t look to Daisy like he planned on moving anytime soon.

“Come on, folks!” Asa Pleasant called for everyone’s attention. “It’s time for a little friendly competition! Everyone who wants to compete in the sack race, get over here and grab a tater sack.”