Chapter 2 #3
He glanced away and didn’t comment. They both knew he was only here because of Charlotte.
Because of a promise he’d made to Jeff and Sherry.
She wondered if he would actually stay in Bear Valley once Charlotte settled into his guardianship.
Or would he pack her up and head back to Montana?
Since she didn’t know the answer to that question, every sensible instinct she possessed screamed that she should keep her distance.
Because her roots were here in Bear Valley.
“I’ve put in an offer on some property just outside of town. It’s perfect for my training facility.”
“I didn’t realize you’d planned to move. Aren’t you happy here on the ranch?”
“Of course. It’s beautiful here. But I told your grandfather it’s only temporary. I intend to buy my own land rather than leasing.”
“Well, no sense in getting in a hurry. We’ve got more than enough room. And I heard Joe talking about looping you into the dude ranch operations.”
She smiled. “Yeah, he spoke to me about putting on training demonstrations for the guests. I’ll still be around a while.
The property I’m looking at is tied up in probate at the moment.
Meanwhile,” she gestured to the dogs who’d begun to wander off in search of interesting smells nearby.
“I’ve still got a whole batch of troublemakers to put through their paces, and the day’s heating up. ”
Lyle chuckled, the sound rich and warm. “Fair enough. I’ll let you get back to it, Firefly.”
The nickname lingered again, curling around her like the faintest of breezes even as Lyle tipped his hat and started to walk away. But before he could get far, Charlotte’s voice called out from the direction of the main house.
“Uncle Lyle! Miss Heather!” The little girl came barreling toward them from across the field, her blond curls bouncing as she clutched something against her chest. Heather squinted and realized with bemusement that it was Pudge, the kitten she’d seen Charlotte holding the other day.
“Easy, sweetheart,” Lyle called, his voice carrying a mix of affection and concern as he crouched slightly to meet Charlotte halfway. Although the main house wasn’t in direct sight of Heather’s cottage, it wasn’t far. Still… “What’s the rush? And why are you by yourself?”
Charlotte came to a halt in front of them, cheeks flushed and breathing hard. “I’m not alone. I have Pudge,” she declared, holding the kitten up for dramatic effect.
Lyle smiled and cupped the back of Charlotte’s head. “I’m happy that Pudge is with you, but next time maybe wait for me or have Uncle Joe come with you?”
“I know the way.”
“I can see that,” he said softly. “I just get a little worried.”
She gazed up at him, then glanced toward Heather. “Sorry. But Pudge really wants to learn.”
Heather blinked, then laughed. A genuine, full laugh that made the little girl’s face light up with pride. “Oh, does she now?”
“Uh-huh,” Charlotte said with a firm nod. “You said maybe Pudge can help people like your dogs do. Like helper dogs!”
Heather exchanged a glance with Lyle, who was clearly fighting back a grin of his own.
“Well,” Heather said thoughtfully, crouching so she was closer to Charlotte’s level. “Pudge might not be able to sniff out missing people like my dogs do, but you know what she’s really good at?”
Charlotte’s eyes widened. “What?”
“Snuggling.” Heather reached out to scratch Pudge behind the ears. “Some helper animals are really good at just being there for people who feel sad or lonely. Like your grandpa Quentin, or even you. Maybe Pudge could be your special helper cat.”
Charlotte considered this seriously, her small arms tightening around the kitten. “Pudge likes to snuggle,” she admitted quietly.
“Then that makes her one of the best helpers already,” Heather concluded with a wink.
Lyle’s chest tightened at the way Charlotte’s lips curved into a soft, genuine smile, the first he’d seen in what felt like weeks.
He knew she still ached for her parents in a way that words couldn’t mend, but seeing a flicker of joy in her eyes—even over something as simple as a kitten—felt like a step toward healing.
“I think you might be onto something,” he said, his tone light. “Pudge, the official snuggle ambassador of Bear Valley.”
Charlotte giggled, the sound a balm to the unspoken worry that had been weighing heavily on Lyle’s shoulders.
Heather shot him a sideways glance. “Guess that makes you her first client, seeing as you could use a snuggle ambassador yourself.”
Lyle raised a brow, playing along. “That an offer?”
“Only if you can pass Pudge’s background check.”
Charlotte giggled again, looking between the two of them with the perceptiveness of a child who knew there was more happening than anyone was saying out loud. “Pudge says Uncle Lyle is okay.”
“Well, that’s good enough for me,” Heather replied, standing and dusting off her knees.
But as she turned back toward the training yard, her face softened just slightly.
“Good enough for all of us.” Then, with a whistle, she signaled her waiting dogs and stepped forward, taking Charlotte’s hand and leaving Lyle to follow—or not.