“Nothing. You don’t owe me anything for that.” He scowls as if my offer is preposterous. “You did what you had to do to get here to help Reed, and I appreciate it.”
An awkward silence lingers as he rests his forearms on my door, keeping me there, as he peers over his shoulder toward the barn. “You know what’s freaky? They have the exact same big, brown eyes. Sometimes, for like a split second, it feels like Mila’s watching me.” He turns back on a deep inhale. “I got caught up in the moment, and I didn’t think.” He shifts his stance, leans in a little more, his head resting against the door frame, his voice softening as he says, “It’s just that, when I’m with you, I forget about everything else. You make me feel like myself again.” He studies my mouth like he wants to kiss me again.
And I would allow it, I silently accept, watching raindrops cling to the ends of his hair. “You’re getting soaked. You should get in my truck so we can talk.”
His crooked smile is roguish. “If I get in your truck, you and I both know we won’t be talking.”
Blood rushes to my ears as I hear the promise in those words and weigh their truth. He’s right, and we both know it, and I won’t bother denying it.
Tank comes trotting out of the barn, his head on a swivel as if searching for Tyler. Seeing him, he barks and speeds up. Nymeria follows closely.
“Look at that. They’re coming to keep me in line.” With a pat against my door, Tyler takes a wide step back. “You should get to that appointment. I don’t want you to lose anyone else on my account.”
“Jed’s not going anywhere.” He’s one of the most easygoing men I’ve ever met, an Iditarod musher who’s happy just to cross the finish line, no matter which place. He’s earned himself two Red Lanterns over the years—the award that goes to the last musher to pass under the Burled Arch.
Tank reaches Tyler, and rather than stopping at his side, he leaps into the air, his paws landing on Tyler’s shoulders. Tyler was ready for the move and holds the amorous husky against his body.
Reed pokes his head out the barn door and upon seeing me still in the driveway, ducks back in.
A thought strikes me. “Hey, if you’re serious about hiring help, I might know of someone. Her name’s Mabel. She doesn’t have any kennel experience, but she loves dogs.” She’s fascinated by Roy’s wolf dogs when they come lurking around. “She’s fourteen, so she shouldn’t be too intimidating for Reed. And I’m guessing she’ll do anything to avoid working for Muriel.”
Tyler grunts with understanding as he releases Tank to the ground. “Let me know.”
“I will. I’ll see you on Monday.” I ease down the driveway in my truck, my attention constantly flipping to my rearview mirror as my mind hangs tightly on to his words and the feel of his lips.
Is it possible? Could Tyler finally be looking toward the future, instead of lingering in his past?
Or am I just a child toying with a lighter in a room full of kindling?
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
“Dad, not so much! She just had those tubes put in!” Vicki scolds as our father bounces Molly on his good leg.
“It’s been a week. She’s fine. But are you sure they gave you the right kid back? This one’s way more fun. Aren’t you, Milly Molly?” He caps it off with a silly singsong voice that has her screeching with delight.
I smile as I set plates out for Sunday dinner. He’s not wrong. Whether it’s the ear tubes or the move here, or that she’s finally settling into life, it’s like a switch has flipped in that child.
“Were you expecting someone, Marie?” Mom’s focus is out the kitchen window.
“I wasn’t, but maybe someone is hoping I’m open?”
“I don’t think it’s for the clinic.”
My heart skips a few beats as I spot the familiar green truck parked next to mine and the figure standing inside my porch. I’m driving out to Tyler’s kennel tomorrow evening after his shift, an appointment I’ve been looking forward to all weekend. Maybe something has happened with Nala or the puppies. But he would’ve called, and my phone has been with me all afternoon.
“I better go see what that’s about.” Setting the rest of the dishes aside, I promise, “I’ll be back in a minute.” I rush for my boots and the door, yanking my hair free from the topknot I threw it into while preparing the potatoes.
By the time I reach the mowed path that connects the two sides of the property, Tyler is almost back to his truck. “Hey!” I holler, my hands cupped around my mouth, hoping my voice will reach him as I trudge forward. The worst of the rain is over, but a thick blanket of cloud still smothers any glimpse of the sun. “Tyler!” My boots sink into the soft ground, collecting mud with each hurried step.