“Might make eating and drinking easier on him.” Katie took a sip of her coffee, eyeing him over the mug’s rim.
“Sounds like a trip into town is in order.” Josh turned to Alice. “Would you mind if I borrowed a vehicle?”
“Of course not.”
“We could all go.” Kade suggested. “A little change of scenery.”
“Great idea.” Alice nodded. “I can keep an eye on Raider. He doesn’t love me like the two of you, but he doesn’t snarl at me like he does at my son.”
“Thanks,” Kade huffed.
Kade’s pouty face almost had Josh chuckling out loud. It had to be hard on his friend, with all his training, not being able to win Raider over. Of course, if the dog had chosen Josh over Kade, maybe all that proved was that the animal was a lousy judge of who was the better man.
The drive into Honeysuckle didn’t take long. Main Street appeared like something out of a postcard—tidy storefronts, flower pots overflowing with color, and hand-painted signs advertising everything from candles to corn hole supplies. Katie had driven through on her way to the ranch, but she hadn’t really seen it. Not like this. She leaned forward between the front seats. “Is it always this busy?”
Cassie laughed. “Oh no. We forgot.”
“Forgot what?” Josh asked.
“Sidewalk sale.” Kade pulled into a parking spot near the feed store. “First Saturday of the month during warm weather seasons. The whole county comes around.”
“Jackie is going to be really mad we let her sleep in.” Cassie sighed. “She loves the Saturday sales.”
Sure enough, the sidewalks were lined with tables and racks. Shop owners stood in doorways waving at passersby. A group of small children chased each other around a row of display tables while their mothers shopped. Fun for all ages, she thought.
“This is amazing.” Katie stepped out of the Suburban, taking it all in. A woman in a bedazzled denim jacket caught her eye—she sparkled so much in the sunlight that Katie had to squint.
“Mildred McEntire,” Cassie whispered, appearing at her side. “Bling queen of West Texas.”
“Unofficially,” Kade added.
“Is there an official one?” Katie asked.
“Lord, I hope not.” Cassie linked her arm through Katie’s. “Come on. Let’s get the dog stuff first, then we can browse.”
The bell over the feed-store door gave a cheerful jingle the moment Katie stepped inside. The place was much larger than the modest storefront implied. Shelves stacked with feed bags, rows of colorful halters, giant tubs of horse treats, and a whole wall of tools she couldn’t name, ran front to back and occasionally side to side. If they didn’t have a dog bed it might very well be the only thing they didn’t have in stock.
“Okay,” she glanced around, this time less awed and more focused, “if I were a dog bed, elevated bowls, something soft for his head, and maybe a toy, where would I be?”
Josh muffled a laugh. “Most of the home pet supplies seem to be down that aisle, but Raider’s not himself yet. He may not be ready for toys.”
A voice carrying a hint of amusement, called from behind them. “Every dog’s interested in toys. And the dog beds are in aisle four, the toys in five.”
Thanking the clerk, they walked deeper into the store, stopping in front of a whole display of raised dog beds—mesh hammocks stretched over sturdy frames.
Josh ran a hand along one. “Yeah. This looks right.”
“It’s firm but springy,” Katie said, pressing the center. “Like orthopedic…but cooler.”
Josh gave her a look. A hint of surprise that seemed to shift to… was that admiration? Either way, being the focus of his attention had heat climbing her neck and probably turning the tips of her ears red. Instinctively, she reached behind her neck and tugged her hair loose over her ears.
They picked one with reinforced corners and an extra-soft removable pad. The kind that whispered:injured military hero dog deserves luxury.Next stop was bowls. Elevated, stainless steel, adjustable height. That done, they grabbed a tug toy—thick rope with knots on either end, “for gentle play only,” per the tag.
Katie imagined Raider slowly reclaiming his dog joy, step by step. She liked the idea. With the supplies secured, the four of them wandered onto Main Street. The sidewalk sale was in full swing—tables piled with marked-down merchandise, racks of clothing, bins of odds and ends. Katie found herself drawn to a display of handmade jewelry outside a shop she didn’t recognize.
“See something you like?” Josh appeared beside her, moving carefully through the crowd.
She held up a bracelet—simple leather cord with a small silver charm. “It’s silly.”
