“And a kiss, Daddy. Mama got a kissing heart like me. Kiss her there.”
Pushing back Chelsea’s hair, he said, “I know, peanut. You’re very much like your mom.” He lowered his lips and pressed a soft kiss to the birthmark on Chelsea’s neck. A shiver ran through her, but when he eased away her face was still anxious.
“Will you be all right alone, pixie?” God, he wanted to hold her close and never let her go. Protect her, comfort her, love her. Did she want anything similar?
Her lips quirked up. “I’ve been alone for the past week. I think I’ll be okay.”
Still, there was something in her expression that made him think she wasn’t being entirely truthful. The way her eyes darted around the room, toward the windows and the cellar door. What if something happened to her during the night? Her closest neighbors were in their sixties. Yes, he’d kept track. Aside from having her move back in—and yeah, he liked that idea—how could he help her feel safe?
“You should get a dog.” Where the heck had that come from? It wasn’t a bad idea.
“Yes, Daddy! I want a dog!” Jordan bounced on her feet, her face alight.
“I was speaking to your mother.”
“But if Mama have a dog, it’s my dog too, wight?”
“I don’t even know if she wants a dog.” He scanned Chelsea’s face.
“When I was a little girl, I used to ask my father for one all the time. He always said no.”
Jordan’s head tipped to one side. “Daddy always say that, too.”
“Because I work all day and don’t have time to take care of a dog. Your mom doesn’t work and would have the time.”
Chelsea stared at him, happiness radiating off her. “You really think I should get a dog?”
He shrugged. “Sure. It would keep you from being alone when you’re not with us and scare off any other critters who want to exercise squatter’s rights.” If they got the right kind, it could protect her. That would make him feel better.
“Okay, but where do I get one? I mean, is there a pet store nearby?”
“No, not a pet store. There’s an SPCA in Trenton. We’ll get you a rescue dog. Usually, they have a dozen or so to choose from. Different breeds and ages. What’s more, they’ll have made sure they’re up to date on shots and stuff.”
“Trenton. That’s not far. What do I have to do?”
Dates flashed through his mind. “I have to work next weekend, which means I get the Wednesday before and after off. We could go this Wednesday.”
Her face beamed. “You’ll take me? Seriously?”
“Sure. We’ll take the SUV, since it has more room in the back for a carrier. Wouldn’t want to mess up your Volvo.”
“Can I come, too? I want to come.” Jordan tugged on his hand.
Grinning at her, he teased, “But don’t you have school?”
“Sometime you let me stay home when you don’t work.” Her pout was extremely potent.
“Think we should let her come, Mama?” he asked Chelsea. Her laugh filled him with an emotion so powerful, he couldn’t name it.
“Are you good at picking out dogs, sweetheart?”
“Yes, yes, yes. I can be weally good. Please, let me come.”
Theo winked at Chelsea. “All right. I guess we’ll let you help.”
The child danced around the room, singing a little dog song. He edged nearer to Chelsea and touched her arm. “You’ll be okay until we get the dog, right?”
Her head bobbed up and down.
