Oh, I heard.A smile spread across his face, impossible to suppress even if he’d wanted to.
Tomorrow couldn’t come soon enough.
Chapter Seven – Doreen
Doreen closed her eyes, letting the first sip of coffee work its magic through her system, erasing the foggy remnants of last night’s sleep. Last night had been wonderful—seeing Sorcha again, meeting Christopher for the first time… and James.
Especially James.
She exhaled slowly, a sigh that was far too dreamy for a woman who kept insisting to herself that she wasnothere to fall for anyone.
But ever since she had arrived in Bear Creek, she’d felt as if she were walking through a dream. The cabins were cozy and comfortable, and the way morning light filtered through the frost-edged windows—scattering soft patterns across the floor—only added to the spell of it.
Doreen finished her coffee, rinsed the mug, and headed down the short hallway to check on Jake before getting herself ready for the day.
She nudged his door open gently. Jake was sprawled across the bed sideways, one arm tossed over Bash, who was lying on his back like a fluffy golden rug, four paws in the air. Both of them were snoring in perfect harmony.
Doreen smiled, filled with so much love and affection for her two sleepy companions on this unexpected little journey.
“Boys,” she whispered. Bash’s ears flicked first, followed by Jake lifting his head just enough to squint at her before collapsing back onto the pillow. Both stirring but not ready to give up sleep, she backed out of the room, her smile widening.
She dressed quickly—jeans, a soft green sweater, warm socks—telling herself she was just trying to avoid the morning chill. Not because James would be here at nine for Bash’s training session. Not because she cared what he’d think.
Definitely not.
By the time she made it back to the kitchen, she heard shuffling behind her. Jake stumbled in, hair sticking up like a startled hedgehog, Bash trotting at his heels.
“Morning, Aunt D,” Jake mumbled before brightening instantly. “Is there cereal?”
“There is,” Doreen said, opening a cupboard to reveal brightly colored boxes. “Sorcha stocked your favorite.”
Jake gasped dramatically. “Shedid! She got the Frosted Snowflakes! She’s the best!”
Bash wagged in agreement.
Doreen poured cereal into a bowl while Jake talked a mile a minute.
“Do you think Bash will do well in the dog show at the festival? I’ve been practicing with him! I taught him to spin. Sort of. He spins when he feels like it.”
“He’ll get better with practice,” Doreen said diplomatically. “You just have to persevere.”
Jake nodded proudly. “And I’m thinking about the fancy dress contest! You think Bash should be Santa? Or maybe a reindeer? Or—ooh!—a bear! Because it’s Bear Creek!” He cackled at his own joke.
“That is a fantastic idea,” Doreen said, unable to stop a smile. “Or maybe he could enter one of the obedience classes.”
Jake’s eyes widened. “Do you think there’s one where you get a rosette just for finishing the course? Even if you do it slowly. Or sideways. Or badly!”
Bash barked as if volunteering for “bad.”
Jake leaned closer, lowering his voice dramatically. “I want him to get a rosette. Just one. Then he’ll know he’s arealgood boy.”
Doreen’s chest tightened with affection. “He already is a good boy. And I’m sure there’s a fun class where he can win a rosette. Most dog shows have them.”
“Hear that, Bash?” Jake practically vibrated with excitement. “James will help! He’s the best dog teacher ever. And he said Bash has potential.”
Her heart gave an unexpected flutter at hearing James’s name. She tried to ignore it.
But then she glanced at the clock.
