The little creature gave a little hop, landing halfway down the ramp, fully visible now. Reyna stirred again.Kit, she declared, sending Harper images of curling around the little creature, holding it between her paws and grooming the long furry ears.Ours. She sounded very satisfied and smug.Now we have mate and kit.
Oh, good grief.Shush, she told her fox.We only just met him.
Reyna lifted a lip at her, and went back to mentally grooming the little jackalope.
Harper lowered herself to sit cross-legged in the grass. The little creature came up to her, and Harper smiled, running her fingers through the soft, thick fur. "I have to object to the jackrabbit part of jackalope. Aren't jackrabbits kind of... I don't know. Wiry, and with like, long legs? A different kind of build, anyway. Not, of course, that I'm an expert," she added.
"No, you're right," Nathan said, coming to sit beside her, reaching out to stroke Jill's long, furry ears. I looked her up on Google, and I think she's an American Sable."
"I looked her up, too," Becca put in, still standing by the entrance to the pen, leaning casually against the door frame. "Did you know a jackrabbit isn't actually a rabbit? They're hares."
"I never knew that!" Harper exclaimed, but Nathan was nodding.
"Yes, I found that out, too. The website said the 'jack' part came from their ears, long and like a mule, and a male mule is called a jack. I guess jackhare didn't have the pizzazz as jackrabbit."
Harper grinned.
"Oops." Nathan looked up as drops of rain began to splash on their face. "April showers!"
Becca giggled. "It's June."
Nathan just grinned and rose to his feet, leaning down to offer Harper his hand. She placed her hand in his, startling a little as a little jolt, like an electrical current, ran up her arm. She rose to her feet, trying to hold black her blush.
Mate, Reyna whispered.
Oh, shut up,she snapped, following Nathan back to the house, Becca bringing up the rear. Looking back, she realized that Jill was following them, and after they went into the house, Nathan kept the back door open until the little creature had hopped inside after them.
The storm chose that moment to unleash in earnest. Thunder cracked overhead as rain poured down in sheets, and Nathan hurried to shut the door. The storm had transformed the afternoon into twilight, making the cozy house even more inviting.
"She comes inside?" Harper asked, surprised.
"Yes, she's even housebroken," Nathan assured them. "I've got a litter pan set up for her in the hall bathroom."
That got her attention! "You have a studio?"
"There's a kind of family room, or den, off the living room that I converted into a music room," Nathan explained. "In fact, that's why I bought this house. Want to see?"
"I would love to!"
A phone chimed, and Becca pulled hers from her pocket. Her expression shifted to concern as she read the message.
"Everything okay?" Harper asked, trying not to feel disappointed at the interruption.
"The power's out at Troy's barn. The fridge is down." Becca tapped out a quick response. "I've got milk and butter from this morning that needs to go to the pack house before it spoils." She looked up apologetically. "I'm so sorry, but I should really take care of this."
"No, of course, you should go." Harper meant it, even as Reyna whined softly in disappointment.
"You're welcome to stay, Harper," Nathan offered, his warm honey-brown eyes meeting hers. "I'd love to show you the music room, maybe hear you play?"
Harper's heart skipped. Reyna perked up immediately, radiating approval.Stay with mate.
"I'd like that," Harper said, proud of how steady her voice remained despite the flutter in her chest. She turned to Becca. "Will you be okay getting there in this storm?"
"Jake's already on his way to pick me up." Becca gathered her purse. "You'll be able to find your way back to the bed and breakfast okay?"
Harper lifted an eyebrow at her. "Uber, remember?"
"Oh! Right!" Becca giggled. "You don't mind?"
