Lucky Baby (Crescent Cove 11)

Her tiny black nose poked out of the towel, but she only had eyes for Lucky.

“Looks like you’ve got yourself a dog, Mr. Roberts.”

“Lucky.”

“Yes, you are.”

Lucky laughed. “No, that’s my name.” He gave a choked laugh and sniffed. “But I think I’m pretty lucky too.”

“Not even a second thought? I would be disappointed of course, but I could find her a home.”

Lucky settled her closer into the crook of his arm. “Nope. Butch is mine.”

I shook my head as I used one of the towels Janice offered to dry off my shirt—not that it really helped. “Still going with Butch? Not Xena? Come on.”

He shook his head. “You like Butch, right?” The little dog wiggled in his arms and popped her head out to lick his face. “See?”

Grant tapped something into his iPad. “Butch Roberts it is. I’m just going to give her the shots she’s probably never had and you’ll need to put this cream on her nose three times a day. It’ll take some time for her fur to grow back, but as long as you keep her nose clean, she’ll be in good shape.”

Lucky gently lifted her out of the towel and up to his eye level. “Any idea what she is?”

“She’s a bit of a mutt, but I’m pretty sure there’s some Pekinese and Chinese street dog in there. Not sure how she ended up over here, but there’s a lot of illegal dog breeding in every corner of the world.” He took the dog back from Lucky.

Butch wasn’t thrilled. She squirmed until she could see Lucky. I was pretty sure there were little hearts bubbling around her head. Lucky stroked his big ol’ finger down her paw as the vet quickly gave her shots. The dog didn’t even notice—she was too busy mooning over her new dad.

When Grant stepped back, Butch leaped off the table and Lucky caught her like a football. She was still wet and squirmy, but she quickly scrabbled her way up to press her small face against Lucky’s.

I laughed. “Looks like you have a new bit of Velcro in your life.”

Lucky grinned and perched her on his shoulder. Butch decided that was almost as good. She curled up there and stuffed her little face into his hair.

“Don’t think you have to worry about her running away.”

“I forgot to check if she was chipped.” A loud buzz came from Grant’s belt. He lifted his phone and glanced at the notification. “Shoot. Another emergency. Bring her back in about ten days?” He tapped on the iPad. “Have the front scan her to see if she has a chip. If not, we’ll take care of that next visit.”

Lucky nodded. “Sounds good. Anything I should watch for?”

“Dogs have a higher temperature than humans so if she feels a little warm, that’s okay. But if she is panting a lot and feels super warm, give me a call. She might have an infection. I’m writing a script for a general antibiotic that should cover the usual suspects. I’ll check the bloodwork after my next patient and contact you if there’s anything out of the ordinary.”

“Thanks, doc.” Lucky held his hand out. “I’m grateful.”

Grant shook his firmly. “Best kind of client.” He waved at Butch. “Take care of your new dad.”

“She will.” Lucky nuzzled the dog.

“Wow, you are sunk,” I muttered.

Lucky’s cheeks pinked up. “She’s sweet and just needs love.”

“Kinda cute, Thor.”

Lucky’s eyebrows waggled. “I know.”

The large barn door squealed on the rollers as the tech stuck her head in, interrupting my epic eye-roll. “They need you doctor.”

“Right. Okay, Janice will check you out.” He turned his attention to his assistant. “Check if the dog has a chip too, please.”

“Yes, Doctor.”