Tank walked over to her, and Laylee picked him up. “At least this one doesn’t growl at me.”
“Look at Maybelline’s eyes,” he encouraged. Her eyes were soulful, full of worry and hope, and a desperate need to be loved. She saw how Laylee held the littler dog and badly wanted to take part.
Inhaling a shaky breath, Laylee glanced at Maybelline—then away, her discomfort palpable.
Ford’s heart broke a little. How many people had reacted that same way to poor Maybelline? She couldn’t help her appearance, and to him it didn’t matter.
To him, she was beautiful.
Seeing his disappointment, tears welled in Laylee’s eyes. “I’m sorry.”
Skye nodded her understanding. “It’s okay, Laylee. I’ll figure out something else. You don’t need to watch Maybelline anymore.”
Those words, letting her off the hook, only seemed to upset Laylee more. Ford could tell she wanted to be there for her sister. But as she’d said, she wasn’t as strong or courageous as Skye. Not as compassionate or intuitive either.
“I have dinner ready, if you’re hungry.”
That was Laylee’s way of trying to make up for the things she couldn’t do. Ford said, “In a bit.” For now, he just wanted to give the dogs the attention they needed.
“Okay, well, I’ll get you both a drink, then.” Fleeing into the kitchen, maybe to cry a little, Laylee disappeared with Tank.
Ford sat on the chair behind Skye. In a low whisper so Laylee wouldn’t hear, he said, “You see. Massive differences between you two.” He brushed his nose against her hair, breathing in her scent and grateful to have her in his life, sharing his love of their dogs. “I saw those differences right off.”
Tipping her head back, she accepted the soft, upside down kiss he gave her. With her hand to his jaw, she promised, “Wewillfigure this out. We’re in this together—for both dogs. They’ll get the love and attention they deserve.”
Every day, in a new and different way, Skye showed him how special she was. He was still smiling at her when a brisk knock sounded on the door. Maybelline lifted her big head, alert but not alarmed.
Laylee, a little red eyed, stepped back into the room. “Who—”
She didn’t get out another word before Tank launched himself from her arms. Skye gasped, Ford made a wild grab but missed, and Tank hit the floor like a furry cannonball. He rolled, shot back to his feet, and prepared to demolish whoever came through the door.
Hand to her heart, Laylee said, “Ohmigod, I’m so sorry!”
Of course, Skye rallied. “It’s okay,” she said a little too fast, still shaken. “He’s okay. I’m okay. We’re all okay.”
Maybelline got up and snuffled close to Tank. Oddly enough, that calmed the little dog, at least enough that Ford could take a breath.
Bedlam, he decided. It was all bedlam instead of the paradise he’d imagined. But looking at Skye, composed instead of overwhelmed, and her sis, devastated at her perceived shortcomings, and the two dogs, so strongly bonded, he knew he’d rather be in bedlam here, with Skye and her sister and the two best dogs in the world, than back in his peaceful single lifestyle.
He managed a smile. “Skye, can you restrain Tank?” She leaned forward enough to catch the rascal and cradle him protectively in her arms. “Laylee, calm down. No harm done.” Laylee drew in a slow breath, but it was a shuddery sound, still very close to a sob. “Maybelline, good girl.” He gave her ear a gentle rub and, with everyone as calm as he could manage in the moment, opened the door.
Knox stood there with Paul, a guy Ford had met several times. “Hey, what’s up?”
Knox didn’t reply. He stared beyond Ford into the house, and when Ford turned, he saw nearly the same expression on Laylee’s face. Huh. Their connection was so electric, static danced in the air.
Paul grinned. “He’s gone into a stupor.”
“Seems so.” Ford opened the door wider. “Come on in, Paul, before the dogs get out. See if you can drag Knox along.”
Suddenly Laylee gasped, put a hand to her falling hair, and went bright red. “You didn’t say we’d have company!”
“It’s not company,” Ford reasoned. “It’s just Knox and Paul.”
“That’s the definition of company!” Pivoting sharply, she went down the hall at a fast clip. In a more moderate tone, she said, “I’ll be right back.”
Skye snickered. “Well, that was interesting.” Still with Tank held close, she offered her hand. “Hi. I’m Skye Fairchild.”
Paul did a double take. “Twins?”
