A Cowboy's Christmas Reunion. Sasha Summers

stood back and grinned. “I’d check the container when you get home. Bet it’s gone.”

      Carl glared up at Jo.

      “Dad.” Josie shook her head. “It was on the vanity counter, out of her reach.”

      “Sprinkles has always been a good jumper, if I remember,” Hunter said. Sprinkles had belonged to old Mrs. Henry for three years before she’d decided a cat was less work for her. Hunter had offered to help find the dog a home. Carl and Sprinkles had taken one look at each other and clicked.

      Carl nodded. “Guess I need to put on some of those baby locks to keep her out of things.”

      Sprinkles vomited again, shaking.

      Hunter watched. “Might be best if we keep her here—”

      “Nope.” Carl shook his head. “I’ll keep an eye on her.”

      Hunter glanced at Jo, who shrugged at him. “Dad—”

      “No.” Carl wasn’t taking no for an answer. “She’ll be happier at home. We can keep her in her kennel.”

      “You need to keep her hydrated,” Hunter said.

      “Anything else?” Carl asked.

      “Don’t feed her.” Hunter glanced between the two of them. He couldn’t help it if his attention lingered on Jo. “Not today, anyway. We’ll see how she is tomorrow.”

      “Okay,” she said, her gaze meeting his. “Maybe you could swing by and check on her later?”

      Hunter stared at her then. He was more than willing to make a house call for Sprinkles. But he’d expected Carl to make the suggestion, not Jo, not after their exchange the other night. Did he dare smile at her? He wanted to.

      “Hey, now, that’s an idea.” Carl nodded.

      “If you’re free?” She seemed uncertain, hesitant.

      Now he really wanted to know what was going on in that beautiful, stubborn head of hers. “I’ll stop by later.” He’d leave work now if he thought it would mean more time with her. “And I’ll install the baby locks, if you have them for me.”

      “Fine, but if we’re putting you to work, we’re feeding you.” Carl stroked the dog’s head. Sprinkles whimpered. “Come here.” Carl pulled the little dog close.

      “Carl,” Hunter cautioned. “At least let me get you a towel. Things are gonna get messy real fast.”

      He saw Jo’s nose wrinkle and laughed.

      Carl rubbed Sprinkles’s head. “See there, it’s gonna be fine, little girl.”

      When Jo looked at him, her gray gaze was searching. She drew in an unsteady breath and mouthed, “Thank you.” He couldn’t stop staring at her then. He didn’t want to.

      The intercom buzzed. “Dr. Boone, you’re needed in OR 1, please.”

      “On my way. Please ask Janette to bring in some diapers and a towel for the Stephenses.”

      “Yes, sir.” The intercom went quiet.

      “Thank you, Hunter.” Carl shook his hand.

      “Hunter, if...if you can’t make it tonight—” Jo seemed nervous, flustered.

      “I’ll be there,” he promised before leaving the room.

       Chapter Four

      “Something smells good,” Carl called from his recliner.

      “If you stay there, I might just bring you a taste,” Josie yelled back. “You get up and you’re having a peanut butter sandwich.”