Chapter 28
Lettie gave Spud a cuddle and took hold of his collar so that he wouldn’t charge at poor Thistle when he was let out of Brodie’s car. She led the way out of the barn trying to hide her delight that Brodie hadn’t intended blanking her at all. Now that she thought of it, he did look slightly different but it hadn’t occurred to her that it was because he wasn’t wearing glasses.
She stopped to let Brodie go ahead to let Thistle out of his vehicle, watching as he attached a lead to the dog’s collar, which she noticed seemed to be a new one.
‘I like the pale blue,’ she said. ‘The colour suits him.’
‘I’d like to take credit for it,’ Brodie said as Thistle jumped down. ‘But it was Bethan who fitted him with one.’
‘She’s chosen well.’
Brodie pointed at Spud. ‘Do you think we should let them check each other out?’
Lettie grinned. ‘Yes, let’s see what they think of each other.’ He stroked Spud’s black and white furry head. ‘Gently now, Spud. Be nice.’
She held on to him, unsure what he would do and hoping the greeting would go well as she waited for Brodie to lead Thistle to them.
They stood silently as each dog sniffed the other. Spud snarled once then seemed to calm slightly. ‘I think he’s showing Thistle who’s top dog here.’
Yes, she thought. ‘He probably is. Spud had always been an only dog and can be rather territorial.’ She smiled, happy to see that Spud appeared to like Thistle. ‘I think they’re going to be friends.’ She caught Brodie’s eye.
‘Like us,’ he said smiling.
She was reluctant to agree. ‘Yes, like us.’ She would like to be so much more than just friends, but as she looked into his eyes she knew she would rather be something to him than nothing at all and would simply have to be satisfied with that. Although, going by her earlier reaction when he had upset her, she suspected she was going to have to make more of an effort to cover up her feelings for him.
‘When shall we take these two to the nearest beach for a walk? I know Thistle loves running on the sand and I took him this morning.’
She enjoyed walking and the thought of going for a long walk with Brodie and the dogs appealed to her. ‘I’m sure Spud will do too.’
He pushed his hands into his pockets and looked a little sheepish, she thought. ‘It’s a beautiful evening, but you said you’re already doing something. I think the forecast is fine, so how about tomorrow evening then?’
‘OK.’
‘I’ll look forward to it,’ Brodie said whistling for Thistle to follow him. ‘I’d better get back to the practice before Bethan needs to show in my next patient. I don’t want to be late.’
‘We’ll both look forward to seeing you two tomorrow evening then.’
Lettie watched Brodie and Thistle leave and crouched down to give Spud a cuddle. ‘Good boy. I think you and Thistle are going to be good friends.’
She pushed away the thought that it would only happen if the stray’s owners didn’t contact Brodie and claim him. As she returned to the barn, Lettie pictured how happy Brodie had been with Thistle and could tell he was already besotted with the dog. She didn’t like to think how he would feel if he was claimed and he had to part with him. Even though Brodie was from here and had a family there was something very lonely about him. She wondered if maybe he had been hurt in the past, or if he simply enjoyed his own company most of the time.