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Chase gave Harper a deeper look. Her arms were crossed, eyes focused on the couple. Why was she interrogating them?
Jack replied easily, “Nope, no children. And we’re both only children, so we don’t have a particularly large family.”
“Do you live in the city in Colorado Springs?” Harper asked without hesitation. “Or do you live on a farm?”
Leah began to frown at Harper.
Dina gave a sweet soft smile, obviously understand
ing where Harper’s concerns were coming from. “We live in the city.”
Harper’s lips flattened before she asked, “You’ve got a big backyard, though?”
Jack nodded. “Big enough.”
When Harper’s lips parted again, Leah rose. “We could not ask for a better family to take Houdini in. I’ve known the Hodges for what . . .”—she glanced at Jack—“ten years now?”
Again, Jack nodded. “Sounds about right.”
“They’ve taken in many fosters,” Leah said in a soothing voice. “Houdini will fit right in at their place.”
Harper made a soft sound and shifted on her feet. A quick look sideways and Chase saw the slight quiver of her chin. He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her in close. “Do you mind if we have a few minutes with him before you go?” he asked Dina.
“Not at all,” Dina said. “We’re in no rush. Take as much time as you need. We’re also not that far of a drive. You’re more than welcome to visit Houdini whenever you’d like. Our door is always open.”
“Thank you for that.” Chase scooped up Houdini then and took Harper’s hand, leading her to one of the shade trees, putting distance between them and the others.
Beneath the tree, Harper released Chase’s hand and sat down. She picked up a toy and tossed the rubber chicken. Houdini barked and pounced on the toy.
“They seem nice,” Chase said, noting that her shoulders drooped and her spine bowed.
Her voice broke. “I guess so.”
Chase took a seat next to her, running a hand across her back. “Talk to me. Do you not think they’re a suitable family for him?”
“There are only two of them.” She kept her gaze on Houdini, who shook the rubber chicken from side to side. “They don’t have a big family or lots of land. Houdini likes all that. He’s been so happy with us and then out at the farm.” The puppy ran over to her. She cupped his furry face, staring at him intently, and her voice trembled. “Uh-oh, I’m going to cry.”
Chase cringed, rubbing her back harder. “Please don’t do that.”
“I can’t help it.” She sniffed, her head bowed as she patted Houdini’s back, big fat tears running down her cheeks. “We found him together and saved him. And to think that I won’t ever see him again.” She reached for him and kissed his nose, then stared at him intently. “I’m sorry I can’t keep you. I would in a second if I could. But Vegas isn’t the right place for you. You would be so unhappy there. You’ll be happier with this new family. I promise.”
Houdini licked her nose.
Chase watched the exchange, a cold sweat beginning to form on his face.
Harper rose. “I guess I shouldn’t drag this out. It’s only going to make it harder for me.”
Chase pushed to his feet, and her red-rimmed teary eyes came to him. “Do you want to say goodbye?” she asked.
He reached down and gave Houdini a scratch on the head, the words he thought he should say staying trapped in his throat. His hand began to shake, and he quickly shoved it into his pocket, clenching his fist.
Tears spilled down Harper’s face before she turned away and approached Jack and Dina again. Leah’s arms were folded, and her expression was soft and sad, obviously feeling for Harper.
Chase followed, time slowing around him. A bitter coldness spread over him, his thoughts running away. His life wasn’t suited for a puppy. He was out of the home more than in it. Though Houdini had hung around during this week at the ranch and seemed fine. Maybe Chase could take him to work with him. But then there were the insulin shots, which might become complicated over time. But Chase had handled that, and Houdini seemed to be doing well. Adrenaline flushed through his body as Harper drew closer to Dina. He stopped behind them, planting his feet wide, dizziness overcoming him.
Harper turned to Houdini, kissing his head again. The pup’s gentle green eyes locked onto Chase. Then they were gone as Harper handed the puppy to Dina, and Chase felt doused with ice. “Stop,” he shouted.
Everyone startled, all five sets of eyes turning to him.
