Chapter 12
Norah
Amélie starts my introduction and training with the dogs by just sitting on the porch steps and letting the dogs smell me. When Vader nudges my hand for a pet she smiles and nods her approval.
“Normally I’d spend a couple weeks letting the three of you get comfortable. But I know Silo is in a rush. He’s trained with me and he’s met these dogs at our other camp and training ground. With him here as part of the pack it will speed things along.”
When Shiva joins us and licks my hand Amélie seems pleased.
“Okay, now you and I and the dogs are going to take a walk down your road and back. We’re teaching them their territory. They’ll catch on quickly but reinforce daily for a while.”
I don’t even realize a couple hours have gone by or how much walking we’ve done.
We’ve gone up and down the road teaching them where to stop.
Around Twila’s cabin and then the path to Rake’s and back.
Each dog definitely has their own personality.
Shiva is a little control freak and bossy.
Vader is almost comical at times but seems to have attached himself to me.
We stop after each round for snuggles. I’m already in love with both of them by the time the men get back. I smile at Rake. “They’re awesome. I... thank you.”
He grins back.
“So, let’s get their food inside and show them around their new home,” Amélie says.
“Oh.” Oh no. I never thought of that. I guess I’m moving back into Nana’s cabin. My heart falls. “Rake?”
Arms crossed Rake stares at me for a few minutes while smoothing his beard. “Sheriff, I know you need to talk to her for a few minutes. Can you give us five first?”
He nods.
Taking my hand, he walks me inside. “What do you want, Norah?”
“I...”
“Close your eyes and tell me what you see in your heart.”
I look around the cabin then do as he asks and close my eyes.
Nana?
Be brave sweetheart. And always be honest.
I look at him. “I want to be with you. This cabin is almost twice the size of yours and it has the half loft as extra storage. It would give the two of us more room especially with the dogs. But being with you is more important to me than where I’m living.
I’d stay in your cabin. If—if that’s what you want, too. ”
He steps closer and brushes a thumb down my cheek.
“What I want is to be with you, too. You’re right, with the dogs this is better.
But you need to promise to be honest with me.
If you change your mind...if you want me out of your life.
.. I will give you anything you ask for.
I’ve never lived with anyone but my brother Bram or my team. I want to try us together.”
“Yes. But Rake, you’ll never fit in my bed or Nana’s. Can you bring yours here.”
“What’s in the half loft?”
“Just my twin bed and a small dresser.”
“Let me see if Patch can help and we’ll move Twila’s stuff up there in case you change your mind. Then he and I will grab my bed and bring it here.”
“Perfect.”
“I’ll have Amélie bring the dogs inside and you can meet with the sheriff on the porch.”
I’m numb after hearing the sheriff imply that Faron may have killed Nana.
I’ve known he was a selfish bastard since the day he tried to grope me.
Did my mother know about Nana? Was she part of it?
Will she just deny it like she denied when I was attacked by her husband as a foolish girls’ fantasies.
I’m not even sure how to, or if I can, digest it all. So lost in my thoughts I don’t even realize that Rake is squatted down beside me. “Hey Sugar. We’ve got everything moved. You want to come check it all out. See if you want anything rearranged.”
“Oh god, I didn’t—”
“Shush, you needed the time.” Taking my hand, he leads me inside.
His supersized bed fits much better here with more room to walk around.
They repositioned the couch and rocker and scooted the table over a little bit.
His dresser sits perfectly next to Nana’s.
When I open the drawer, I see that someone has moved my clothes from the loft to Nana’s.
I glance up at Amélie and she winks. “Let’s take the dogs out and then the guys have promised, us food that we don’t have to cook. ”
We walk the dogs around the cabin reinforcing their perimeters and jobs. Vader seems to sense my mood because he constantly nudges my hand and doesn’t stray far from my side.
Shiva seems more alert to the hunt. Amélie assure me they’re both bonding to me appropriately and doing their job.
As we head back to the cabin, she stops me and gives me a hug.
“I’ll be heading home tomorrow. Silo knows what he’s doing and I’m completely confident these two are your dogs.
Give me your phone, I want you to have Patch’s number in case there’s ever trouble.
“Silo also promised to bring you to meet the rest of the family when things settle down. I can’t wait to introduce you to our motley crew outside of Annapolis.
He gave me your number, I hope that’s okay.
I always do follow-up calls when I place the dogs.
If you agree, I’ll text you so you can save mine.
Call or text any time with any questions about the dogs or anything.
“I know we just met. But, well, I was betrayed. I know how it feels. I’m here if you need to talk. Friends support friends. I’m a little older but, hell age is just a number.”
I laugh. “That’s the same thing I told Rake.”
“Men can be so dense.” She shakes her head.
Nodding, I swallow down the tears, managing to mumble thank you before she pulls me into her arms. Friend, god, it’s been so long since I’ve had one.
The cabin door opens. “Everything okay?”
“Yes, Silo, we’re just hungry. Are you ever going to feed us?” Amélie says.
Patch slaps his belly. “Yes food.”
Rake rolls his eyes and whistles for the dogs. They bound into the cabin, and he closes the door behind them. Meeting me in the yard, he wraps his arms around my shoulder and looks at Patch. “We’ll get my truck and you can follow us. I know the best burger place.”