“Maybe not the best guard dog,” he said softly to his son.
“Sure she is,” Rowdy said. “Come on, I’m real nice. So is Ma.”
The dog’s ears perked up, her head tilting one way, then the next.
“Come on,” Rowdy said.
Poppy knelt beside her son. “She’s a pretty girl.”
The dog ran toward the gate then and flopped on her back, baring her tummy. Toben chuckled. “Well, that’s some greeting. Can I open the gate?”
“Go for it,” Fisher said.
The dog sat up, watching him. As soon as the gate was open, she rushed to Rowdy and climbed into his lap. Rowdy giggled, knocked back onto his rear. “You’re too big, girl,” he said, stroking along the dog’s neck.
Toben thought the dog was just the right size for Rowdy. She had some Border collie in her, with thick glossy black fur, wise brown eyes and alert pointed ears. Her tail wooshed, her long fur fanning Rowdy’s hair back. Toben chuckled and looked at Poppy and his heart stopped. She had tears in her eyes, her smile so wide and bright he knew he’d love her until his heart stopped beating.
“I guess she’s it,” Poppy said.
“Feel free to look around,” Fisher said.
“She might need a friend, Ma,” Rowdy piped up.
Poppy sighed, shaking her head. “She’ll have us, Rowdy. I think she’ll be happy with that.”
“And Cheeto,” Toben added. “Something tells me she and Cheeto will get along great.” If for no other reason than they both loved his boy so much. The black dog gave Poppy a sniff, licked her hand and hurried back to Rowdy. “She’s good.”
“Can she come home tonight, Ma?” Rowdy asked.
Toben saw her look his way. He nodded once, saw her lips tighten and frowned. What the hell had he done? And how could he undo it?
“We don’t have anything at the house,” she answered. “And we won’t be home tomorrow night, Rowdy. Seems wrong to take her home now and leave her alone for most of the day tomorrow. If we knew how she was with crowds, we could take her. But I don’t want to upset her.”
Rowdy nodded. “You’re right, Ma. Can we come get her after that? Please?”
“Would that be okay?” Poppy asked Fisher. “I hate to leave her so long but—”
“No, sounds like the best thing,” Fisher agreed. “I’ll let Hunter know you two will be coming in. He’s the one on call.”
“Thank you,” Poppy answered.
Saying goodbye to the dog wasn’t easy, but Toben offered to bring him back to visit tomorrow so the dog wouldn’t worry too much.
“You can drop us at the shop,” Poppy said. “My truck is there. No reason for you to have to make the trip. Besides, I’m sure you’re ready for a night back in your own bed.”
Toben shot her a look, but she kept her eyes straight ahead. He couldn’t very well argue with her, not with Rowdy in the truck. And she knew it. But if she thought he was going to the bunkhouse, tail tucked between his legs, she was in for a surprise.
Chapter Fifteen
Poppy spread Rowdy’s blankets around him, pressing a kiss to his cheek and smoothing the curls back from his forehead. He was well on his way to dreamland, but she stayed by his side. Tonight had been good—and horrible. She’d met nice people, people who wanted to include her in their lives. They’d found a sweet dog that Poppy knew would watch over her son and keep them safe. Rowdy had met more of his family, a family eager to welcome him into their hearts.
And she’d been reminded of all the damage and heartbreak Toben was capable of. How had she let this happen? How had she let her defenses down—put her and Rowdy in jeopardy? She knew better.
Rowdy snorted in his sleep and rolled onto his side. She smiled, stood and left. She glanced down the hall at the empty house. Being lonely was a way of life for her. After Toben, she’d learned guarding her heart was the best course of action. One she couldn’t afford to change now. It wasn’t if she and Toben didn’t work out; it was when. Rowdy deserved better.
She went to her room, cursing to herself as she stripped down, then took a long, hot shower. When the water ran cold, she dried off and tugged on one of the shirts Toben had left. She hugged herself, burying her nose in the sleeve as she walked from the bathroom to her bedroom. No. Seeking comfort in Toben Boone makes me a fool. Frustration gripped her by the throat as she yanked the shirt up and off and tossed it into the corner and slid into a robe. She knew him, knew how he operated. Yes, he said and did the right things. He always had. Always.
She grabbed a pillow off the bed, punched it once and kicked it into the corner.