‘You’ve got time to get dressed. It could be hours before the first pup puts in an appearance.’
‘Right. Yes, and Mary might make it by then.’
Henry hoped not. While Ava could be feisty, what Henry had seen and heard of Mary had convinced him she was volatile, and he really wanted to speak to Ava alone, about the future.
After checking on Myrtle, Ava hurried upstairs. Henry shook his head, unable to believe he had just sent her to cover herself up when she’d been looking so perfect in that towel. Deciding to distract himself, he tipped away her cold tea and made them each a fresh one.
When Ava reappeared in the door, her hair was loose; she was wearing jeans and an All Critters Great and Small sweatshirt that made Henry think she’d selected it on purpose to make a point.
‘I hope you don’t mind. I made us tea.’ He wasn’t going to be drawn into talking any further about Critters’ Lodge. Not now.If talks didn’t go well, she would ask him to leave, and he didn’t want that, not when she needed him.Who are you kidding?The fact he felt more like himself just by being near her, made him pretty sure he was the one in greater need.
As she went to check on the dog, Ava’s eyes flicked to the mugs of tea on the side. ‘No pot.’
‘Sorry, was I supposed to . . .’
Ava crouched near Myrtle. ‘I didn’t mean to say it out loud.’
Her attention remained entirely on Myrtle, but her cheeks had coloured and Henry was sure she was avoiding making eye contact with him.Was the pot such a big deal?
Seeing the paraphernalia on the kitchen table, he decided to change the subject. ‘You’ve certainly got everything you could possibly need.’ He held up a pair of forceps contained in their sterile packaging and a bulb aspirator.
‘It’s from the list the vet gave me. I wanted to be prepared — forewarned is forearmed and all that.’ She stroked Myrtle’s head as the unsettled dog continued to pant. ‘Mary was able to supply some of it from Critters’ Lodge.’
Being Myrtle’s first litter, Henry knew they could be in for a long day, and as much as he didn’t want to get into a discussion about the land sale right now, it was clear something needed to be said. He wanted Ava to remember the birth of these puppies fondly. The atmosphere of unaddressed animosity wasn’t going to allow that to happen.
He leaned against the kitchen side. ‘Look, I know we have lots to talk about. And I have a whole lot of explaining to do. But Ava . . .’ He waited for her to look at him. ‘Do you remember I asked you to have faith in me, to remember, no matter what, that you know me.’
She nodded.
‘Well, I promise you won’t lose Critters’ Lodge. The charity will be safe.’
Oh, God!The look of relief and the smile she gave him, twisted his insides. He knew she thought he meant the land was safe. Before he could say more, she was standing and closing the distance between them.
‘Thank you!’ She pulled him into a hug before kissing his cheek and stepping back.
He tried not to let the feel of her skin and the scent of her hair mess with his faculties.
‘Sorry, I . . . it’s just a relief.’
Henry saw the colour spread across her cheeks.
‘And we’ll pay more rent, fundraise more. I always knew we’d have to once—’
Myrtle yelped, drawing their attention back to her.Saved by the dog!Explaining his plans more fully was for another time.
Ava was back by Myrtle’s side instantly. ‘Is she OK? Shouldn’t she see the vet or something?’
Henry looked at Myrtle. ‘I’d say she doesn’t have long. There’s no need to move her. We just need to let nature take its course.’
Ava nodded, concern evident in her eyes, and Henry admired how, despite her apparent nerves and concern for the dog, she was determined to remain calm and to be the comfort Myrtle needed. Ava knelt in front of the whelping box, pulled back her hair and tied it into a messy bun. Her words were calm and steady, but Henry could see the slight quiver of her hands as she stroked Myrtle’s head.
The dog panted rapidly and lay down — the intensity of her contractions visible on her flank. While her chocolate brown eyes stayed wide, she hung her head low. Knowing the first pup was imminent, Henry knelt next to Ava. He could feel the warmth of her proximity and heard how her breathing matched Myrtle’s, quick at first, and then silence as she willed and urged the first puppy to come out.
‘It will be OK.’ He said the words as if to Myrtle, meaning them for Ava.
Ava exhaled as Myrtle began to pant again. ‘Henry, what if there’s . . . Will there be much—’
‘Blood?’ he finished.
