A Cowboy to Call Daddy (The Boones of Texas 4)

“Three princesses,” Clara said, tucking flowers into Lily’s hair, as well.

“Four.” Ivy jumped up and down. “You, too, Clara.”

“Any princesses want to go see some kittens?” Teddy asked.

“You go on,” Eden said. “I’ve got work to do. Have fun.” She waved them off, taking her time, enjoying the song of the mockingbird and the wind in the trees. The sun played hide-and-seek with the rapidly moving white clouds in the cornflower-blue sky.

Fester whinnied good morning, making it impossible for her to ignore him. Instead, she stood on the lowest fence rail and welcomed his hug.

“I’m glad you’re still happy to see me,” she whispered, glancing across the paddock at the barn on the far side.

She looked for him, tall and broad and strong, likely focused intently on something. But a quick sweep of the barn, sheds, pastures and pens...no Archer. She felt hollow—empty. It had been hard before, wondering how it would feel to be held by him. But now that she knew, she ached to be in his arms.

Chapter Eight

Archer had been called to the vet hospital early that morning. Another perk of being faculty—emergency duty. It would have been one thing if it was something exotic or unique. But he had no patience for irresponsible pet ownership.

“He’s a digger?” Archer asked the two college students who owned the massive mix dog drooling all over the floor. Poor thing wasn’t taking the stress well. And the broken leg couldn’t be comfortable, either.

They nodded.

“Guess we could tie him in the backyard,” one offered.

Archer sighed, shaking his head. “No animal wants to be tied.”

They looked at him.

“What are we supposed to do?” the other asked.

“I’m assuming he doesn’t have a crate?” Archer asked. “You should get one. He needs a safe place when you can’t supervise him. And training. Obedience training. You’d all benefit from that.”

One frowned at him. “Isn’t that mean? Locking him up?”

“Ideally Bruce would stay in the backyard and out of trouble. But since we know that’s not the case, you need to figure out how to prevent this from happening again. A crate or kennel gives them a place to be safe, a place they know means quiet time. With a dog this size you need to make sure you give him plenty of exercise when you’re home. And I mean a lot.” He nodded at the dog. “He’s lucky that driver swerved or he’d be dead.”

The boys exchanged a look.

“We offer classes here in the evening. If you adopted him from the local shelter, bring your adoption papers and you’ll get a discount. Your college ID will get you another discount.” He paused, rubbing the dog’s ear. “He’s smart. He’ll pick it up quick. Your job will be consistency.”

He went over care for Bruce, told them to make a follow-up appointment and went in search of coffee. He headed down the hall, nodding at his brothers Hunter and Fisher before cutting through the recovery room. But he was stopped in his tracks by Ivy, with flowers in her hair, staring at a kitten with pure adoration. Her little hands were curled under her chin, as if she was barely controlling her excitement.

He stopped, surprised, looking around the room for Clara or Eden.

Ivy saw him and smiled. “Hi, Dr. Archer. It’s the most prettiful thing I’ve ever seen,” she said to him.

The tiny striped orange kitten seemed equally enamored with Ivy, reaching out a paw for her attention.

“Prettiful?” he repeated.

Ivy nodded, almost nose to nose with the kitten. He could hear the kitten’s purr from where he stood. “Think it likes me?”

“Yes.”

“I love him,” Ivy said.

Archer picked up the kitten, turning it onto its back. “Her.” The kitten mewed pathetically.

Ivy looked perplexed until Archer deposited the kitten in her arms.