“You really didn’t need to get the crust. I can eat the toppings off. It’s a full meal by itself,” she said, tapping the bottom of the pizza.
“Until you decide you want to eat bread, we’ll eat what makes you feel comfortable. My sister loves cauliflower crusts and I shared with her. I’m used to it, but I can eat anything,” he said, passing her a napkin.
She bit into her slice and closed her eyes as the cheesy goodness hit her taste buds. “I’ve missed pizza,” she moaned.
Cole chuckled and leaned across the table to wipe the sauce from her face. “You need to sit beside me. You’re too far away,” he said, his voice deepened.
She scooted around the table while he held her paper plate.
“I like this better,” he said, putting his arm around her. Brody jumped on the couch behind him and put his head between them.
“Listen, pal, this is an A-B conversation. You need to C you’re way outta here,” he spoke to Brody.
The dog grumbled.
“He’s lonely. You didn’t bring home his buddy,” Hannah said, sadly.
“Nine took forever to calm down today. I spent an hour playing ball and having her work puzzles to keep her engaged. She has the attention span of a gnat,” he said, shaking his head.
“Does it mean you won’t be able to train her?” she asked, taking another bite.
“She’s still young. Nine knows her commands but chooses to ignore them. She’s testing boundaries,” he explained.
“Maybe she doesn’t listen because she hates her name. I know I do,” she muttered.
“What do you think we should name her?” he asked, taking another slice.
“How about Brownie?” she suggested.
“Why Brownie? It’s kinda…girly,” he said, making a face.
Hannah punched his arm. “It fits her. Nine’s coat is fudge and caramel colored, and she comes with a side of nuts.”
Cole laughed. “Get your shoes. We’ll go see what Nine thinks of her new name.”
Hannah jumped up and did as Cole bade. Brody seemed excited, too.
Cole drove to the training center and opened the kennel, letting Nine out. She immediately ran to Hannah, jumping up and down. Cole said something in German. Nine complied and sat, but her butt wiggled nonstop.
Cole checked on each dog, even though someone watched over them.
Entering the training area, he showed Hannah everything he taught Nine. When he finished, he handed her a treat. “Let’s see if she likes her new name. You stay here and call for her, and I’ll go to the other side. Give her the treat to get her used to the name.
When Cole nodded, he called to Nine while she called her Brownie. The dog started toward Cole, who raised his brows atHannah, gloating over his win, when the dog turned and ran to her.
“Yes,” she squealed as Brownie accepted her treat.
“Oh, brother. I feel sorry for the man who ends up with her. Leo may have to offer a raise. Brownie doesn’t sound very tough,” he complained good-naturedly.
“It sounds perfect,” she said, shoving him sideways while she put the leash on her four-legged friend and scratched her behind the ears. Brody scooted closer and earned a snuggle before they returned home.
“It’s too cold to enjoy the porch tonight,” Cole said as they entered the cabin.
Hannah stifled her disappointed sigh. She loved the feel of him beside her when she slept. “I guess we need to head to bed, PT will be here as soon as we shut our eyes. I don’t know why we have to start at 0500.”
“Leo said the holiday stuff will take most of our time. He said he won’t allow us to become fat asses while we slow down, and the Grans will stuff us with Christmas cookies and candy for a month. We’ll leave for the mission soon.”
Hannah nodded and walked to her room. Brownie followed her while Brody went with Cole. She brushed her teeth and put on her pajamas. Sliding into bed, she turned on her side, willing herself to go to sleep. Brownie sidled up next to her. Half an hour went by and she watched as the clock beside the bed changed every minute. Finally, she rose from the bed and tiptoed across the hall and slowly opened Cole’s door. His head rose from his pillow and he smiled while he lifted the covers, inviting her to join him.
