Richard knew which one he wanted, too. “While we’re looking for more sapphires, I have a question for everyone.”
Jack’s hand was in the water, picking any small stones out of the lake. “What is it?”
“I spoke to Mr. Bennett, the Chief Executive of BioTech Industries. His company has started designing prosthetic limbs for dogs. It could be a long time before they’re available, but Louie would be able to join their trial team if we want him to.”
Jack frowned. “Does that mean he’d have a leg like yours?”
“Sort of like mine, but designed for him.”
Paris frowned. “Are you joking?”
“It’s true. At the moment, they’re running design simulations to work out how the prosthetic could be fitted onto a dog’s limb.”
“Why do you want Louie to have a prosthetic leg?” Paris asked.
Richard would have thought the answer was obvious. “It will stop his other joints from being damaged from the extra impact they have to handle. It will make moving a lot easier, and people won’t stare at him when we’re away from home.”
“Did people stare at you when you came home from Afghanistan?”
Paris’ question surprised him. “They did, but they tried to hide it. People treated me differently, even when I was wearing jeans and using crutches.”
“We used to go to the front of the line when Dad was in his wheelchair.” Jack handed him another small stone. “This one isn’t blue, but it looks pretty.”
“You remember what happened?”
“It was cool. Now we have to wait like everyone else.” Jack sounded disappointed.
Richard held onto the stone while Paris joined Jack in the search for more treasure. “So, what does everyone think about a new leg for Louie?”
Jack patted Louie’s back when he joined them in the water. “What do you think, boy? Do you want a new leg?”
Louie’s happy yap made Jack smile. “He said, yes.”
Paris didn’t look quite so certain. “Are there any issues with implanting the processors into a dog?”
“It’s perfectly safe. They only work in conjunction with the gel in the prosthetic. The worst that can happen is that they have to be removed.”
“Will it hurt Louie?” Jack asked.
Richard shook his head. “It will feel different until he gets used to having another leg, but it won’t hurt.”
“I vote yes, too,” Jack said enthusiastically. “Then he’ll be Louie, the wonder dog!”
Paris added another stone to the ones in Richard’s hand. “If everyone else is happy, I’ll vote for the new leg for Louie, too. But, either way, he’s still a wonder dog.”
And that, Richard decided, was why he loved her so much. Paris saw the best in everyone, even if they were a little different.
Paris was bent over her laptop when Andrea walked into The Flower Cottage with her two boys. “Andy and Charlie are so tall. What are you feeding them?”
“Anything and everything,” Andrea said with a grin. “I called in to see you at lunchtime, but you were busy with some customers.”
“It’s been a hectic day. I’ve booked another five events over the next couple of months. The social media posts Emma helped me with are really working.”
“I’m glad. Remember to let me know if you need any help. I enjoyed helping you with the Kingston’s wedding. Have you heard anything from your mom?”
“No, and I don’t expect to. Pastor John told me he spoke to her before she left. Mom took the name and contact details of the counselor he recommended in Santa Fe. Hopefully, she makes an appointment with them.”
“I hope so, too. And now,” she looked at Andy and Charlie. “Drumroll please, boys.”
