“You’re here!”
He knelt beside her. “I wanted to surprise you.”
The puppy ran over, barking out a greeting and backing up at the same time.
Randy clicked his fingers, then pulled a dog treat from his pocket. “Brought you something, little guy.”
The puppy pranced over, took the beefy-scented rawhide from him, and ran off.
“I’m puppy-approved,” Randy said.
“Natalie-approved too. That was thoughtful.”
“I do what I can.” He looked over the edge. “I remember the first day we walked over this bridge together. The spring water trickled over the rocks, gurgling and splashing to who knows where in a hurry.”
“There’s barely any water now.”
“Seasons.”
“If we don’t get some rain soon, I’m afraid it will just be dirt. Then what will happen to the fish?”
“We won’t need fishing rods,” he said, joking.
“The leaves are so crunchy I can hear them crack when they hit the ground.”
“Can I take you somewhere?”
“Now?”
“Right now. We have to name that dog, by the way.”
“I had an idea.”
“Yeah?”
“Buzz. Kind of goes with the bee theme, and he is a busy bee.”
“I like it.” He turned and slapped his hand on his jeans. “Come on, Buzz.”
The pup came running toward him. “Think that has more to do with the rawhide than the name?”
“Definitely.”
He picked up the dog. “Come on. You two get in the truck.”
“You’re kidnapping my puppy and me?”
“Nope. That’s against the officer’s creed to honor and protect. I’m taking you on a little field trip.”
He started the truck, and took off down the dusty road toward the state route.
Once they hit the main road, a few rocks pinged the fender wells as they released from the tire treads.
Natalie rolled down the window and let Buzz catch the air in his teeth.
They drove down Main Street and then took a right up the mountain. “Maybe I should’ve asked where we’re going,” she said.
“Perhaps.”
