That drawl travelled through her body as she pulled the car up in front of the barn.
“Okay, buddy, let's go buy you a dog.”
Brad was out first, and Billy second. Macy followed as her son ran beside the tall Texan.
The barn was big, and Mac was standing beside a small pen. Seeing Macy, he raised a hand.
“You go on in the pen now, Billy, and see which one takes to you.”
“How will I know which one, Mac?”
Macy felt it again, that rush of love that always sneaked up on her when her son did something sweet, or showed his vulnerability. Touching his curls, she reassured him that she was close.
“You'll know, boy.”
Macy opened the pen, and Billy slipped inside.
“Sit on the floor now, Billy, and let them come to you.”
Mac talked to him, as he settled on the floor. Macy moved to stand beside Brad and watch her son.
“He's a special boy.”
“He's my life.”
Brad lookedat the woman beside him. He saw the love she felt for her son written all over her face.
“He's lucky to have a mother like you.”
“I'm lucky to have him.”
She didn't accept compliments well, and Brad wondered who had made her that way. Maybe that mother of hers, and definitely the husband.
He'd meant what he'd said in the car. She was beautiful, like a Botticelli angel. Lush curves, soft curls, and skin as smooth as silk.
She wore shorts again, cutoffs this time, and a loose cotton top. Her feet were in sneakers.
“Mom!”
Billy's squeal drew his eyes. The pups were white with black patches, and one of them had staggered toward him and was attempting to climb up one of his sneakers.
“He picked me, TJ!”
“I can see that, bud.”
“Give him a pat now, Billy, and let him get your scent,” Mac said. “I’m sorry you both went through that incident on the Buchanan land. Must have been scary for you two.”
“Thanks, Mac.” Brad looked at the man. His eyes were moving from Brad to Macy and back, and he saw the question there. He was wondering what was between them.
“Shorts are a good fit. I got them in tan if you're interested.”
“Thanks, but two pairs will do for now. I won't be here much longer anyway.”
“Shame for you to leave so soon, now you and Ethan are getting along so well.”
That he wasn’t surprised that the owner of the general store thought he had a right to pass comment on Brad’s relationship with his brother told him he was adjusting to life in Lake Howling. It was definitely time to leave.
“We'll still talk. They have these things called phones now.”
