AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Don’t change the subject.” Jolene points a sassy little finger at her daddy. “Please, Daddy?”
“Please, Daddy?” I ask, teasing him with a sickly sweet voice.
“I’ll make the fire if you promise to never call me that again.” He snorts and gives me a playful shove that leaves me cackling.
“Fine, fine,” I concede. “You go get the fire going, and we’ll get all the ingredients.”
“Startin’ to regret this already,” he mumbles as he helps me up off the floor. “All three of you are gonna be gangin’ up on me, aren’t you?”
“Only when it comes to s’mores.” I grin up at him, and he kisses me. Nothing but a quick peck on the lips. But the kids think it’s hilarious and start hollering as they run around us.
“They’re kissin’!” Jolene shouts as Wade pretends to gag.
Rhett was right — kids are anything but boring. And damn did my life need some fun.
Betty isall set up in her crate with blankets and toys. I’ve also given her a couple of calming treats to make sure she can get some sleep while I’m gone. I’ll run back halfway through the day to check on her, but it’s still going to be a lot longer than she’s used to going without seeing someone.
I have nervous jitters. I’ve worked really hard with these dogs to make sure they’re trained and happy and well-fed. I’ve given them everything they need to hopefully find good homes. Wells says we will have loads of people coming in from all the surrounding towns since it’s one of the biggest events in the area.
Throwing on Rhett’s cowboy hat, I walk out the front, only to be greeted by my handsome man sitting up high on Lucille. Good god, he looks good up there, his Wranglers stretching tight against his muscled thighs and his strong forearms flexing as he holds the reins.
“Lookin’ mighty good in that hat, poppyseed.”
I show off the whole outfit, the dirt under my boots crunching as I spin in place. I know I have his favorite pair of jeans on, and I’m rewarded when his eyes linger all over my body when I face him again. And they don’t stop as I saunter over to him.
“I didn’t know we’d be taking Lucille.” I run my hand through her soft mane.
“Come here.” His hand reaches out for me, and I take it as I shove my foot in the stirrup. Rhett tugs me up, and I throw a leg over Lucille, settling in against his back. He smells woodsy like his bodywash, and I can’t help but take a deep breath with my nose pressed between his shoulder blades.
“Get a good whiff?”
“Mhm,” I hum against him.
“I showered.”
“I can smell.”
He laughs at my gentle ribbing. I’m nervous and excited all at the same time, so I take some of that out by poking fun at Rhett.
“Happy birthday, Poppy.” He looks at me over his shoulder, and I wrap my arms around his center, hugging him tight.
“Thank you.” My chin sits on his shoulder.
“I was going to bring you somethin’, but the kids really wanted to be with us when I gave it to you. They helped me pick it out. Is tonight okay?”
“You didn’t have to get me anything.” But my heart flutters all the same.
“I wanted to.” One of his hands runs over my forearms, leaving goose bumps where his calluses scratch my skin. I love his hands, worn and tough from the constant manual labor. The way they handle my body is such a turn-on. “Ready to go?”
“Giddyup, cowboy.”
* * *
It’s only early afternoon, and the event has already been a huge success. Over half of the dogs are gone, and that includes some of the older ones we’ve had. People have been great, not just going straight for the puppies but taking their time to visit the senior dogs as well.
And they all behave so well, not jumping too much on anyone and showing off all the tricks I’ve taught them. I’ve been able to talk to every person who has adopted, going over their application and making sure they’re the right fit for the dog they wanted. It’s been great meeting so many people from the area. I feel like they’re welcoming me into this life, and it helps my confidence when it comes to staying here for good.
If that’s what Rhett wants.
