Finally, Hazel put in earbuds to listen to some music.Gage had warned her that dachshunds were very stubborn and for her to just tough it out this first night.
The puppy’s crying went on and on, rising and ebbing in heartbreaking wails.
Just as Hazel was ready to give up, the room went quiet.
Hazel rose on her elbows to take a look.All she saw was a bundle of the puppy blankets she’d bought lying in the middle of the crate.
Carefully, trying not to make any noise, she climbed out of bed and tiptoed over to the crate.A Dachshund's head lay still inside a twisted bunch of blankets.Eyes closed, Dottie slept.
Sighing with relief, Hazel made her way back to her empty bed.Too tired to stay awake, she turned to her side and clung to Mike’s pillow, wishing he was there.
###
It was early when Dottie stirred and began to cry.
Hazel went to the crate, opened it, and lifted Dottie’s warm body into her arms.
“Time for you to go outside, sweetie,” crooned Hazel, laughing when Dottie kissed her on the cheek.
Hazel carried the dog to the outside deck and down to the grass.
Dottie did her duty and then sniffed around the fenced yard.
Hazel ran inside to get a robe and slippers and then sat on the deck watching the dog and listening to the songs of birds starting their day.
She still couldn’t believe the results of the pregnancy tests.She felt well, though her breasts were a bittender.
Her cell phone rang.Mike.
“Hi,” she said, eager to keep talking about anything but the news of a baby.“Dottie and I had a good night after she cried for almost two hours before falling asleep.This morning, she’s having fun in the backyard before we have to get ready to go to work.”
“That sounds very promising.The photos of her were spectacular.She sure is cute.”
“As Gage said, Dottie wants to please.Maybe training might not be as difficult as I first thought.She knows her name and will come when she’s called.But I can see it’s going to take work to get her into our routine.”
“I thought summer was a wise time to get a dog, so she can play outside,” said Mike.“And I knew you’d love having her.”
“I really do.She’s such a sweet gift.It’ll be easier when you’re at home to help take care of her.And perhaps you can teach her some tricks,” said Hazel, keeping the focus on the dog.
“What are you up to today?”asked Mike.
“One session of tennis camp is ending, and another is beginning.So, I’ll be meeting with staff and trying to come up with any new or better ideas about running this next session.”
“Hard to believe the summer will soon be coming to an end.Aren’t you glad you don’t have to prepare to return to school?”
“Yes, I’m very excited about it.Teaching at that school wasn’t a good fit for me.Not like the Sports Center,” said Hazel.She was now grateful that Principal Nolan Deere had gone psycho on her, nitpicking everything she did, making her want to leave her position at school.It had opened up her life in many ways.
“I’ve got a few more things to take care of,” said Mike.“I’ll get them done as quickly as possible and then come home.”
“I miss you so much,” Hazel said.
“Yeah, I miss you, too,” said Mike.
They ended the call.
Hazel sat in the kitchen staring at the wall.Somehow, she had to get through the day while hiding her secret.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
