A Family for the Rugged Rancher

He shifted his gaze to Sam, pleased that he had the boy’s full attention. Sam’s eyes were wide, listening to Luke retell the story. “Now he’s healed up, but because he was hurt so badly, no one has given him a home.” Luke paused, wondering if he should explain what fate would have befallen Homer had he not brought him home. “He isn’t perfect, you see. But I think it doesn’t matter if someone isn’t perfect, don’t you?”

Sam nodded. “Mama says everyone makes mistakes.”

Luke swallowed. This was what he’d tried to avoid for so long, why he kept his nieces at arm’s length. He was afraid of caring, and he’d been right. Holding Sam this way, hearing his sweet voice talk about his mama only reminded Luke of his vow to not have children of his own. How could he be so selfish, knowing he could pass his genes on to another generation? How could he have a family, knowing they might have to go through what he’d already suffered?

But the longing was there. It was there when he held Sam, and it was there when he looked at Emily, and if he wasn’t careful it could have the power to break him.

He cleared his throat. “Dogs aren’t that different from people, you know. Give them a full belly and a little love and they’re pretty contented.”

Sam’s shoulders relaxed and his gaze focused on Luke’s face. Luke’s gaze, however, fell on Emily. The ice in her gaze had melted and she was looking at him in a way that made his heart lift and thump oddly against his ribs. Lord, she was beautiful. Those big eyes that seemed to reach right in and grab a man by the pride. He realized he’d been holding his breath and staring a little too long, so he looked away and shifted Sam’s weight on his hip.

“Homer won’t hurt you. I promise. The biggest danger to you is that he might lick you to death.” With an unprotesting Sam on his arm, he knelt before the dog. He stroked the fur reassuringly and Homer stretched a little, loving the attention. Still, Luke didn’t force the issue, just let Sam watch his fingers in the dog’s fur.

Sam’s eyes were wide as he touched the soft coat. Soaking in the attention, Homer rolled over on to his back and presented his belly to be scratched.

That was when Sam noticed, and it all came together.

“He only has three legs!”

“Yep.” Luke gave Homer’s belly a scratch and the dog twisted with pleasure. “Doesn’t slow him down much, though, does it? The vet told me he fetches tennis balls and who knows, maybe he can help me round up cattle if I can train him right. If you squat down like me, and hold out your hand, he can smell you. That’s how you say hello.”

Luke made Homer sit again and was beyond pleased when Sam followed his calm instructions. He balanced on his toes and held out his fingers, but when Homer moved to sniff he pulled them back.

Luke reassured him, wanting him to try again. They’d come this far. To stop now would mean two steps back. And Sam could do it. Luke knew he was just timid and that the worst of the fear was gone. Sam and Homer would be friends. He couldn’t give the kid back what he’d lost, but he could give him this companion.

“Watch.” He held out his hand and Homer gave a sniff and a lick. “Want to try again?”

He held out his fingers and Homer sniffed, licked and gave a thump of his tail.

“Give him this,” Luke suggested, standing and reaching into his pocket. He took out a small dog biscuit and handed it to Sam. “Put it flat in your hand, and tell him to be gentle.”

“H-Homer, gentle,” Sam said, holding out his hand. Luke could see it trembled a bit, but Homer daintily took the treat and munched. “See?”

“I did it!” Sam turned to his mother and beamed. “I did it, Mom!”

Emily smiled. “You sure did, baby,” she replied. Homer barked and Sam jumped, his eyes wide again, but Luke chuckled. “That’s just his way of saying thank-you,” he said. He reached into his denim jacket and took out a rubber ball. “Homer, fetch,” he commanded, tossing the ball, and the dog was up and off in a flash.

“Why don’t you play fetch with him for a bit, Sam? Then I can talk to your mother.”

Sam moved off with the dog and Luke looked up at Emily.

“I didn’t know he was afraid.”

“I wish you had asked, Luke. When I heard the barking, and saw Sam’s face…”

“I’m sorry, Emily. Homer’s been at the vet’s for weeks and I couldn’t stand to see him put down. Not when I could give him a good home. And I thought Sam would love him. Especially after all he’s had to give up.”

Was that a sheen of tears he detected in her eyes? His heart took up the odd thumping again.

“What you just did…that was great. Sam’s been timid around dogs for months. Every time we meet a new dog, it’s the same thing…”

Luke exhaled and smiled, until he heard the word but.

“But what happens when we leave, Luke? Homer is one more thing he will have to leave behind. Did you think of that?”

He hadn’t, but he realized now he should have. “Take him with you.”

But that was the wrong thing to say. “Take him with us? I don’t know if he’d be welcome at my parents’, and if Sam and I get an apartment…not everyone will accept pets. Then what happens when I’m gone to work and Sam is at school?”