Chapter Seven – Doreen
Doreen closed her eyes, letting the first sip of coffee work its magic through her system, erasing the foggy remnants of last night’s sleep. Last night had been wonderful—seeing Sorcha again, meeting Christopher for the first time… and James.
Especially James.
She exhaled slowly, a sigh that was far too dreamy for a woman who kept insisting to herself that she was not here to fall for anyone.
But ever since she had arrived in Bear Creek, she’d felt as if she were walking through a dream. The cabins were cozy and comfortable, and the way morning light filtered through the frost-edged windows—scattering soft patterns across the floor—only added to the spell of it.
Doreen finished her coffee, rinsed the mug, and headed down the short hallway to check on Jake before getting herself ready for the day.
She nudged his door open gently. Jake was sprawled across the bed sideways, one arm tossed over Bash, who was lying on his back like a fluffy golden rug, four paws in the air. Both of them were snoring in perfect harmony.
Doreen smiled, filled with so much love and affection for her two sleepy companions on this unexpected little journey.
“Boys,” she whispered. Bash’s ears flicked first, followed by Jake lifting his head just enough to squint at her before collapsing back onto the pillow. Both stirring but not ready to give up sleep, she backed out of the room, her smile widening.
She dressed quickly—jeans, a soft green sweater, warm socks—telling herself she was just trying to avoid the morning chill. Not because James would be here at nine for Bash’s training session. Not because she cared what he’d think.
Definitely not.
By the time she made it back to the kitchen, she heard shuffling behind her. Jake stumbled in, hair sticking up like a startled hedgehog, Bash trotting at his heels.
“Morning, Aunt D,” Jake mumbled before brightening instantly. “Is there cereal?”
“There is,” Doreen said, opening a cupboard to reveal brightly colored boxes. “Sorcha stocked your favorite.”
Jake gasped dramatically. “She did! She got the Frosted Snowflakes! She’s the best!”
Bash wagged in agreement.
Doreen poured cereal into a bowl while Jake talked a mile a minute.
“Do you think Bash will do well in the dog show at the festival? I’ve been practicing with him! I taught him to spin. Sort of. He spins when he feels like it.”
“He’ll get better with practice,” Doreen said diplomatically. “You just have to persevere.”
Jake nodded proudly. “And I’m thinking about the fancy dress contest! You think Bash should be Santa? Or maybe a reindeer? Or—ooh!—a bear! Because it’s Bear Creek!” He cackled at his own joke.
“That is a fantastic idea,” Doreen said, unable to stop a smile. “Or maybe he could enter one of the obedience classes.”
Jake’s eyes widened. “Do you think there’s one where you get a rosette just for finishing the course? Even if you do it slowly. Or sideways. Or badly!”
Bash barked as if volunteering for “bad.”
Jake leaned closer, lowering his voice dramatically. “I want him to get a rosette. Just one. Then he’ll know he’s a real good boy.”
Doreen’s chest tightened with affection. “He already is a good boy. And I’m sure there’s a fun class where he can win a rosette. Most dog shows have them.”
“Hear that, Bash?” Jake practically vibrated with excitement. “James will help! He’s the best dog teacher ever. And he said Bash has potential.”
Her heart gave an unexpected flutter at hearing James’s name. She tried to ignore it.
But then she glanced at the clock.
8:49.
Oh goodness. James would be here in eleven minutes.
“It’s just dog training,” she muttered to herself as she smoothed her sweater. “Not a date. Definitely not a date.”
Jake didn’t seem to hear her, too busy stuffing spoonfuls of cereal into his mouth while Bash waited hopefully for dropped pieces.
“Okay, finish up,” Doreen said. “Then take Bash out for a quick bathroom break before Deputy Pike gets here.”
Jake gulped down the rest of the cereal, practically launched himself off the chair, and scrambled for his boots. The moment the door clicked shut behind them, Doreen grabbed the lip balm from the counter, hesitated, and quickly put it on, anyway.
For moisture.
Totally for moisture.
She had just tucked it back into her pocket when the cabin door flew open with Jake’s usual dramatic flair, letting in a gust of cold air and a boy who looked as if he’d already lived three adventures since breakfast. His cheeks were pink from the cold, his breath puffing out in little clouds as he rushed inside.
“Aunt D! It’s almost time! I need my hat. Do you know where it is?” He darted across the room like a wind-up toy wound too tightly.
Bash padded in behind him, tongue lolling, golden fur fluffed from rolling in the snow, looking far less frantic about his upcoming training session than his small handler.
“It’s on the hook by the door,” Doreen said, trying and mostly failing to hide her smile.
Jake grabbed the navy-blue hat and jammed it onto his head at a distinctly heroic angle. He crouched down in front of Bash and cupped the dog’s face in his small hands.
“Today is the big day, Bash,” he whispered with reverent seriousness. “Today we become champions. Well… eventually. But today we start.”
Bash responded with a happy huff and a wag that nearly knocked Jake over.
Doreen watched the pair with utter love and pride in her nephew and the way he poured his whole heart into whatever he was doing. He reminded her so much of Pauline. Her sister was bright, wholehearted, certain the world was full of good things waiting to be found.
And just like that, the familiar ache brushed her ribs, soft but sharp.
If life had gone differently with Walt, maybe she’d also have a child who adored her with that same unwavering devotion.
But she pushed the thought aside before it could take root.
This was her life. She couldn’t change the past.
And for now, her life centered around Jake and Bash.
A sudden shift in Bash’s posture pulled her from her thoughts. His ears pricked, body tensing as his tail wagged with gathering speed.
“What is it, boy?” Jake whispered, following the dog’s gaze toward the door.
Bash froze for a moment, his attention beyond the door, before he leaped forward, whining as he pawed the door.
“He’s here!” Jake knew Bash well enough to interpret his actions. He swung around and launched himself toward the window like a missile.
“Jake…wait…” Doreen warned, but he was already plastered against the glass.
Her stomach dropped.
Oh no.
James was here.
Right now.
She caught her reflection in the hallway mirror on her way past. Yes, she’d really nailed the casual I am absolutely not trying to impress Deputy Pike look.
Of course, that didn’t stop her from circling back for a second glance.
Her cheeks were already a little flushed from the warmth of the cabin, her eyes bright with a nervousness she had no business feeling. She smoothed her sweater, tightened the ponytail, and tucked a few rebellious strands behind her ears.
The soft sheen caught the light. Lip balm. For dog training. Was that too much?
Before she could wipe it off, a sharp knock sounded at the door.
Too late.
Jake raced to the door and flung it open with dramatic enthusiasm. “Deputy Pike! We’re ready! Bash practiced his spin this morning! Well… half of it!”
Doreen shoved her lip balm back in her pocket and turned around. Oh my!
James filled the doorway, framed by soft falling snow and early morning light. Snowflakes clung to his dark hair and shoulders, glittering like tiny stars, and the sight stole her breath.
“Good morning,” he said, his voice warm but a little rough as his gaze settled on her and lingered just a little too long. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything. You look…” He paused and swallowed once. “Really nice.”
The compliment was slightly awkward, utterly genuine, and made her stomach flip.
“Are you saying I looked better than yesterday?” Doreen teased. “When I was chasing Bash through the woods like a maniac?”
His grin was immediate and boyish. “Actually, yes. You looked pretty great doing that, too.”
He laughed, and she laughed too, hoping it didn’t sound as high-pitched to him as it did to her. Why did he make her feel so nervous?
In a good way, of course. But she was usually calm and unflappable.
“We should head outside,” Doreen said quickly, reaching for her coat before she melted into a puddle at his feet. “Jake has great plans for the dog show.”
“Then let’s get started.” James stepped back to let her pass, his eyes darkening as she brushed by him.
Outside, the cold air kissed her cheeks, sharp and refreshing. Overnight, a fresh layer of snow had transformed the clearing into a pristine white canvas. Jake barreled ahead, Bash spinning around him in delighted circles.
“We’re ready!” Jake shouted, snapping himself into a soldier-stiff posture before wobbling sideways when Bash bumped his knee.
James chuckled. “All right, first step…we need Bash to focus. Jake, do you think you can help me with that?”
Jake puffed up proudly. “I can do anything.”
“Mmm,” Doreen murmured. “Except remember where you put your gloves.”
“That was one time!” Jake protested.
James kneeled, his voice calm and patient. “Bash. Sit.”
Bash paused, tail a fast metronome, then—slowly, like he had to consider it—lowered himself to the snow.
“Good boy,” James murmured, giving him a gentle scratch behind the ears.
Doreen’s gaze settled on James’s hands—steady, capable, strong but never harsh—and warmth curled through her. How she would love to feel those hands on her body… stroking… caressing…
Dangerous, whispered a part of her. But lovely, murmured another.
James must have felt her watching; he glanced up, caught her eye, and offered a slow smile that made heat rise in her cheeks.
“Doreen,” he murmured, rising, “want to try?”
“Oh, I don’t know,” she started, already flustered. “He might not…”
“Let’s find out.”
James demonstrated the gesture again. A simple downward motion of his palm, and then he nodded for her to try.
She mimicked it as closely as she could, aware of him watching her.
“Almost,” he murmured, stepping close enough that she could feel his warmth seep through the cold air. “May I?”
Her breath caught, but she nodded.
He moved behind her, his hand wrapping gently around hers, guiding her wrist in one smooth, controlled arc.
“Like this,” he said near her ear, voice pitched low enough to warm every nerve ending she possessed. “Firm. No jerkiness. Confidence.”
Her stomach flipped; her breath stuttered; her entire body went warm despite the chill.
“Aunt D, your face is red!” Jake shouted helpfully. “You can take your coat off if you’re hot!”
Mortification swept over her like a tidal wave.
She stepped away from James so quickly she nearly slipped. “I’m fine, Jake. Just… the fresh air.”
James tried—and failed—to hide the laughter dancing in his eyes.
“Let’s try again,” James said gently, giving her the moment to recover without crowding her. “Jake, bring Bash over?”
Jake hauled Bash forward, though the dog was very distracted by a rogue squirrel rustling in the undergrowth.
“Bash, sit,” James said.
Down went Bash immediately.
“Your turn,” James urged, soft and encouraging.
Doreen inhaled and steadied her wrist. “Bash, sit.”
Bash looked straight at her, tail sweeping through the snow…and then sat.
“He did it!” Jake shouted, bouncing around in the snow. “Aunt D, he did it! He listened to you! He’s going to win a rosette, I know he is!”
Doreen laughed, the sound bubbling out brighter than she expected. “Good boy, Bash!”
James locked eyes with her. “You’re a natural. Jake trusts you. Bash trusts you. You’re remarkable.”
The words hit her square in the chest. Doreen swallowed hard as she murmured, “Thank you.”
James crouched beside Jake again, explaining the next command with quiet patience. The sunlight caught the silver strands in his hair, and she ached to run her fingers through it.
Then James looked up at her, that small half-smile appearing again, catching her off guard. “I brought something for later. If you’re up for it.”
She tilted her head. “What is it?”
He just grinned, a hint of mischief lighting his eyes. “You’ll see.”
Her pulse flickered with something warm and bright and hopeful.
And just like that, the morning, the training, the snow, the world around them—all of it felt like a chapter turning toward something she hadn’t expected to want again.
Something she wasn’t sure she could stop wanting now.