He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. ‘I’m so proud of you. And I have a wee surprise.’
‘You do? Ooh, I love surprises.’
‘Aye, I know. And I think you’ll love this one especially. Come with me.’ He led her into the kitchen and pulled out a chair. ‘Now, have a seat and close your eyes. No peeping.’
She did as instructed, her heart skipping in excitement. She heard Mitch scuffling around and wondered what on earth was going on.
‘Open your eyes,’ he said.
She did and found him kneeling on the floor before her. ‘Mitch? What’s going on?’
He slid a large box forward, it had holes punched in it and it moved and jiggled. She eagerly opened the lid and a ball of orange fur dived into her lap.
‘Oh!’ The dog licked her face and wiggled in her arms. ‘You’re the cutest thing! You’re like a smaller, wigglier version of Chewie!’ Tears leaked from her eyes and the dog caught them.
‘This little guy is yours. I know how much you adored Nero and how much you love walking Chewie, but I thought you’d like one of your own. Reid used his connections, and this little fella is a Hungarian Vizsla like Chewie,’ Mitch told her with a laugh as the dog wriggled and climbed almost onto her shoulders. ‘I think he likes you.’
‘He’s perfect! Thank you so much. I love him!’ She leaned forward and kissed Mitch, her heart bursting with love. ‘And I love you. Does he have a name?’
Mitch chuckled. ‘He does, actually. I was speaking to Evin when we went to pick up the dog and…’ He shook his head and grinned. ‘Do you know the movie,Every Which Way But Loose?’
She grinned remembering her own conversation with Evin. ‘Clint Eastwood, Philo Beddoe, of course. I love that movie!’
‘Well, Ruby,’ Mitch reached and tickled the dog under his chin. ‘I’d like to introduce you to Clyde.’
