‘I didn’t know if you’d remember.’
‘How could I forget? I cut my hand and you were the one getting all the attention for passing out.’ He spoke in a hushed tone.
Ava grimaced, responding with a whispered, ‘Sorry.’
‘Don’t be. I held you while shouting for Ted, willing the colour to come back in your cheeks. In those few moments . . . I knew . . .’
‘What? What did you know?’
‘Holding a scythe by the blade was a bloody stupid idea.’
Ava let out a giggle and stopped herself as Myrtle let out an alarmed yelp.
‘She’s OK. The first pup is coming, look.’
Ava’s eyes remained fixed firmly on Myrtle. ‘Really?’
‘Yes, it’s OK. It’s safe to look.’ Henry pointed at the puppy as it emerged enwrapped in its sack, confident that Ava would be fine. The only evident blood was different from the rich red blood that had caused her problems in the past.
Ava slowly turned her head. ‘Oh my goodness, you clever girl,’ she whispered, her eyes wide as she took in the sight.
While time seemed to stand still, they watched and waited.
‘Should we do something? Shouldn’t it be breathing by now?’
‘She knows what to do, give her a chance.’ Henry spoke in a low, hushed tone.
Myrtle turned, licking the small pup, in an attempt to remove it from its sack. Henry and Ava watched intently, waiting to let nature take its course. When at last the sack was clear, the pup — with closed eyes, tiny paws, and a disproportionately big,pink muzzle — breathed and made a small squeaking noise. Both Ava and Henry let out a breath in relief and smiled.
‘It’s perfect.’
Henry watched Ava, silently; her expression was a mix of wonderment and pride. He could see tears welling in her eyes.
‘Look, it’s moving.’
As she spoke, Ava took Henry’s hand in hers to draw his attention back to the moment. He swallowed, welcoming her touch and the opportunity to share this perfect moment.
Together, they watched as the small pup began to crawl towards its first feed, the behaviour as instinctive and natural as it felt to Henry to have Ava by his side, their hands touching.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Over six hours Myrtle’s five puppies had been delivered safely with just two of them needing intervention. Henry had stepped in each time, rubbing, encouraging, aspirating and coaxing the reluctant puppy to breathe. Myrtle had been a star, and all were feeding well. Ava felt emotionally and physically drained. She and Henry sat on the floor, watching the new mum and her litter.
‘Thank you so much for today. I couldn’t have done it without you.’ Ava looked at Henry, the emotion of the day getting the better of her and tears welled in her eyes.
Henry offered her a smile before reaching up and wiping a tear from her cheek. She felt the brush of his hand against her skin.
‘Thank you for letting me stay and help,’ he spoke in a whisper, his green eyes appearing darker in the evening light.
As he met her gaze, she realised she had moved in a little closer, drawn towards his touch. She swallowed. They didn’t speak, the attraction between them clear. She felt a blush spread across her cheeks and neck and a growing desire within that told her how much she wanted him. She leaned in until their lips touched, lightly at first, a gentle kiss, followed by another and another. His soft lips against hers sent sensations rippling through her body. These tender kisses felt more intense than their lust fuelled moment on the sofa the last time Henry had visited. Ava felt heat burn deep within and ached for him, as she drew him in closer, making their kisses deeper. His stubble, a sign of the long day they’d shared, felt rough against her skin, and she welcomed the sensation. When he pulled back, his breathing was ragged, and she missed the feel of his lips on hers. He put his forehead to hers. ‘I need to go. I’ve got to shower.’
Ava took a breath. The rasp in his voice made her want him more. She didn’t want him to leave; she didn’t want the moment to end.
‘You can shower here.’ She moved back a little, biting her lip. Trying not to think of Henry, in her shower, water pouring over the firm torso she had all too briefly felt before.
‘Really?’ Henry looked at her, unsure.
‘I’d like you to stay.’
