DEAN
Poupon sniffs suspiciously at the roses on the seat.
“I know, Poupon. Red roses… a little predictable. But they signify true love and there is no doubt this is it for me. Goldie has to hear that I love her.” I put my foot down on the gas pedal.
I don’t usually ride around talking to my aunt’s dog, but I’m in a buoyant mood. Last night was so perfect, I couldn’t stop whistling today. One of the other volunteers had to cover my morning visit with Goldie today, as I was called out for emergency cover at the firehouse. The same flu that took the minister out of action has two of our guys sick in bed.
Goldie was fast asleep when my phone alert went off, so I crept out quietly, feeding Moose so she could get as much rest as possible. It was only when I ate my lunch and pulled out my phone to call her, that I realized I only had her address, not her number.
She’ll be expecting me for this evening’s visit and I can’t wait to see her again. Being apart from her all day is like a kind of torture, my brain filled to the brim with images of her soft, gorgeous body and the moans she made when I plunged my cock into her last night. I’ve been counting down the hours and I’m finally nearly at the cabin.
My heart is hammering in my chest as I grab the roses and sprint up the path to the cabin, taking the porch steps two at a time. The door, usually unlocked, is tightly shut. I knock a few times, but there’s no answer. Poupon sniffs around the doorframe, then barks as a car turns down the road and parks in front.
A small woman with dark hair and blue eyes gets out. Moose jumps out of the back of her car and runs over to Poupon, then rolls onto his back and kicks his legs in the air.
“Can I help you?” Her voice is polite, but cautious.
“I’m looking for Goldie? I mean, Marigold?” I ask.
“I’ve seen your picture around. You’re Dean Montag, the star linebacker from the Grizzlies. I’m Poppy. What do you want with my sister?” Her tone is curious.
“I’m the volunteer. She didn’t mention me?”
“I thought it was the minister volunteering? No, she didn’t. But thank you for helping out. Our family’s had its hands full.” Poppy walks up the path.
“Is your Mom better?” I ask.
“Much better now, she’s out and at home. My brother is staying to help out for the next week or so.”
“Glad to hear that. Is Marigold inside?”
Poppy shakes her head. “Nope, Mari’s at the train station. When I got home I took her to her hospital appointment. Her bags were all packed. She said she had to go back to the city once she had the boot off and the brace on. Seemed in a real hurry.”
My throat is tight. I’ve screwed this all up again.
“She did mention this little guy, though. Poupon’s a real hit with Moose.” She reaches down to give them both a pat.
“Can I ask you a favor? I have something I need to tell Marigold. Can I bring Moose with me? Call him my emotional support dog for the ride to the train station.”
Poppy’s eyebrows shoot up, then drop to the bunch of roses in my hand. She grins. “If taking Moose involves you doing something cute for my sister, then yes. Her luck hasn’t been great recently, what with the ankle and Mom getting sick. She could do with some cheering up.”
“Thank you.” I’m already halfway to my car, whistling for the dogs to join me.
I don’t know if I’ll catch her before her train gets here and takes her from me, but I have to try.
Somehow I have to make this right again.
Chapter Seven
MARIGOLD
Puddles glisten around the train station, shuddering with each raindrop. Every sensible person in Snowflake Falls is most likely indoors, making dinner or watching television. Except me.
But how can I stay in Snowflake Falls?
I let Dean’s charm and his silver tongue sway my logic. I believed what he said, fell for the way he carried me around, brought me treats and fixed stuff around the house. Hell, I even liked the way he brought Poupon to be a friend for Moose.
Poor Moose.
