The Lewis Legacy Series Box Set: 4-in-1 Special Edition

by JoAnn Durgin

  “Amy!” Cooper called from behind. “What are you doing? Promise I’ll gargle at the next stop!”

  The crispness in the early afternoon air was refreshing, and she’d never been so thankful she’d stepped up her recent workouts. Catching another glimpse of her target, she headed east, easing into her stride, praying she wouldn’t stumble. At least the dog had veered away from the highway. “There she is!” Pointing as she ran, not stopping or looking over her shoulder, she heard the pounding of his boots on the ground behind her.

  As she closed the distance between her and the dog, Amy slowed to a fast walk. “Here, girl!” She slapped one hand on her thigh. A hard shiver ran through her, but it wasn’t as much the cold as fear for this beautiful creature running wild. “Come here, Lassie,” she said, employing her most soothing tone. “What a gorgeous girl you are.” Stopping, she caught her breath and projected her voice to carry across the field. “Come see me, pretty girl, and I’ll give you a special treat.”

  Cooper stopped beside her, hands on his hips, breathing heavily. “Thanks for the workout, but Lassie? Really?”

  “Please don’t mock me.”

  “Have you ever had a dog, Amy? That’s probably an insult.”

  “Rin Tin Tin, then. Toto. Cujo. Whatever.”

  “Did you know Lassie was supposed to be a girl, but only male dogs played the role—if you can call it that—because their coats were thicker and looked better on camera? Not to mention males are bigger and it took longer for child actors to outgrow—”

  She rolled her eyes and moved her hands to her hips. “You’re just a walking encyclopedia, aren’t you? Keep your facts to yourself. I have a dog to round up here.”

  “I’m here to help.”

  Cooper followed as she moved forward, being careful to be as nonthreatening as possible. Above all, she didn’t want to spook the dog.

  “Sure. Hand me one of those granola bars you’ve got stashed in your jacket,” she said.

  “How’d you know . . .”

  “Hand it over.” Amy held out her hand while keeping one eye on the dog. “It’s been sticking out of the top of your pocket most of the day.” The dog sat on the hard ground, panting, brown eyes wide.

  Digging into the ground with the toe of his boot, Cooper handed over one of the bars. “I’m sure you have a plan. So, where do you suggest we take her . . . or him?”

  “This dog’s definitely a female.”

  “I thought females aren’t as predisposed to running away as males.”

  Amy shot him a quick glance. “Depends on the company she keeps, I’m sure.”

  “Tell you what. Let me handle this one.” Walking in the dog’s direction, Cooper pulled out another granola bar. “Ten to one I’ll have her in my arms in ten seconds or less.”

  She grunted and stalked after him. “I never wager, but I imagine that’s pretty much a personal challenge for you around any female, isn’t it?”

  Halting his progress, he turned back toward her with a slow, easy smile. “Jealous?”

  “Keep walking.”

  “I don’t believe it. You’re jealous.”

  “Of a dog? That’s absurd, and you’re overly competitive.” She watched as he approached the dog, stooping at even level as he outstretched his hand, offering the granola bar. Although she couldn’t hear his words, Cooper murmured sweet enticements. Within three seconds, the dog was eating out of the man’s hand. Traitor.

  “Can you come over here and get a good grip on her collar?” he asked.

  Amy’s boots crunched on the hard, cold ground. “She sure is a beauty, isn’t she?”

  His eyes shifted to hers as she stooped low and curled her fingers around the well-made leather collar. “Yeah, she is, but I doubt she knows it.”

  She led herself right into that one. “Not very original, mister.” Amy leaned closer and inspected the collar. “What do you know?”

  “Something interesting?”

  “This collar was sold through a chain of leather stores here in Texas owned by Dean Costas, one of the TeamWork guys. He was at the wedding. Lives outside of San Antonio.”

  “Eliot’s buddy? Nice guy. Quiet. It’s interesting how so many different people from all different walks of life and from all parts of the country are involved with TeamWork.” He paused until she looked up at him. “Isn’t it?”

  She averted her gaze, but her pulse picked up speed.

  “Amy?”

  “Hmm?” She bent close, studying the dog’s tags. “Cooper, meet Anson.” She smoothed one hand over the shiny, clean coat. “She’s obviously not a stray. Poor baby must have wandered away.”

  “With a name like Anson, she probably belongs to some yuppie couple in the suburbs.”

  She laughed. “Suburbs? Right, of Nowhereville?” Leaning forward, she kissed the side of the dog’s nose and ruffled behind her ears. Leaning into her touch, Anson’s long, pink tongue emerged again. “Don’t be scared, sweet baby. We’ll take good care of you.”

  Rising to her feet, Amy surveyed their surroundings. “I’d say it’s time to move her to the car. There’s a phone number for a veterinarian on her tag, but unless you have your phone, mine’s in the car. Hopefully, we can reach someone who can tell us where to take her.” Cooper didn’t budge. “Fine.” She shifted Anson and slid both arms beneath her. Gritting her teeth, she bent her knees and started to lift the dog.

  “You’re too impatient. Give a guy a half-second, will you? Allow me.” Coming around to the other side of Anson, Cooper scooped her in his arms in one swift movement and headed toward the car. “Do you attract this much trouble everywhere you go?”

  She huffed. “Usually. It’s one of my primary goals in life. It would be unconscionable to leave this beautiful dog roaming alone out here. Someone’s bound to be looking for her.”

  “No doubt. I need you to open the door for me. The car key’s in my right front pocket.” Anson squirmed as Cooper halted beside the car; he hugged the cumbersome canine closer to his chest. “The sooner the better. This girl’s pretty heavy.”

  “Okay, but not a word out of you.” Feeling awkward, Amy reached into the front pocket of his jeans and quickly pulled out the key. She unlocked the door and watched as he lowered Anson to the backseat.

  “Hop in,” he said, angling his head. “Let’s keep Anson between us while we figure out what to do so she’ll be less inclined to lead us on another chase.”

  “I don’t think she’s going anywhere. She’s pretty tuckered out, aren’t you girl?” Doing as he asked, she climbed in the car. Amy stroked the top of the dog’s head. “I’ll call the vet. Can I borrow your phone? Mine’s in my purse up front.”

  “It’s in my overnight bag.” His tone sounded a bit wary. What did he have to be nervous about? Climbing out of the car, he was back in less than thirty seconds. “Give me the number, and I’ll call.”

  As she read the number from the tag, Cooper dialed. A few seconds later, listening, he frowned. “It’s an answering machine.” His frown deepened. “I’ll leave a message and pray Dr. Patsy checks and answers her messages on Sundays.” After leaving his name and the basic facts, he disconnected. “I say we give her ten minutes to call back and then we find the local police station or state trooper’s office.”

  “Okay, sounds like a plan,” Amy said. “Thanks for being a good sport about this.”

  “Wouldn’t miss it. Ever had a dog?” He stroked the retriever’s thick fur.

  “We had a couple growing up, both labs, one yellow and one chocolate. And we had one cat. You?”

  “A few dogs, all mutts. They’re more affectionate, I think. I’m not home much now, so it wouldn’t be fair to a poor dog. My parents have one. Goes by the name of Buster.” He chuckled and scratched behind Anson’s ear. “Buster sure knows how to make a guy feel loved and appreciated.”

  If he was expecting a comeback, Cooper wasn’t getting one from her. She was content to sit and watch him with Anson. The dog brought out t
he softer, more gentle side of him, one she liked very much.

  “Want me to turn on the car for warmth?” he said.

  His question startled her from her thoughts. “I’m warm enough for the moment. Besides, I can always cuddle with Anson.”

  Surprising her, he started to sing. Warble was more like it. “I’m sittin’ in the backseat with a beautiful girl and a big old dog between us on a cold December day. Startin’ a romance made in Texas Heaven. What a thrill it is for this heart of mine.” He paused, laughing, and started in again, exaggerating his crooning. Closing his eyes, he moved one hand over his heart. “Her love and this old dog’ll keep me warm all the rest of my days.”

  Amy listened to his nonsensical lyrics and meandering country tune—complete with an affected twang—and burst into laughter. “Shhh,” she said when Anson startled. “It’s okay, girl. Cooper’s being silly, but beneath that flippant exterior, he’s a pretty good guy and means well.”

  “It was the first thing I could think of to keep us entertained.”

  “Mission accomplished. Of course, if it was a legitimate country song, you’d make mention of heartbreak, beer, a horse or a pickup truck and somebody done wrong.”

  He laughed. “As opposed to what, an illegitimate country song? To my knowledge, that’s what half of them are about, anyway. Not that they don’t have their place.”

  When the corners of Cooper’s eyes crinkled, Amy’s breath caught in her throat. He looks so much like Landon right now. It was enough to drive a girl batty. She couldn’t help but wonder how the other man would react to the situation with Tam and now with a runaway dog. Lost in her thoughts, she jumped when his phone rang.

  “Hi, Dr. Patsy. Thanks for calling back.” He listened and nodded a few times. “Right. We found her on the side of the highway. Tags with your phone number and the name Anson. Where are we, Amy? Can you see that next mile marker?” He pointed toward the front window.

  She squinted against the sun’s glare and gave him the number. After he repeated it, his eyes grew wide. “Yes, ma’am. We’ll find it. Thanks a lot. Lord willing, we’ll see you in a few minutes.” Shoving the cell phone in his pocket, Cooper slid out of the backseat and slammed the door. In lightning speed, he hopped behind the wheel and started the engine. “Strap yourself in and keep one hand on Anson.”

  “What’s the emergency?” Amy half-laughed but did as he asked. Feeling playful, she couldn’t resist teasing him. “Don’t trust yourself in the backseat of a car with me?”

  “Yeah right,” he said, buckling in and pulling back onto the road. “I had my chance but restrained myself, if you noticed. Maybe another time.”

  Her eyes grew wide and she held onto Anson as they both slid across the seat, leaning to the left as Cooper made an illegal U-turn in the middle of the highway. She gulped as he floored the accelerator, headed in the opposite direction. “I pray a state trooper didn’t witness that,” she mumbled under her breath, burying her face in the soft, sweet-smelling fur of Anson’s neck. At least the dog seemed calm. Amy raised her head as the car accelerated. “If you’re auditioning for the Indy 500, don’t bother. No one’s out here to clock your speed.”

  “As I suspected—but didn’t want to alarm you—this dog’s about to give birth, Miss Dog Rescuer. Since I don’t want to pay a whopping fee for cleanup of this rental car, I’m getting Anson to Dr. Patsy as fast as humanly possible.”

  No comeback came to Amy’s mind. “Carry on, then. To Dr. Patsy’s!”

  Cooper glanced at her in the rearview mirror, his eyes meeting hers for a split second. “Like I said, you invite trouble.”

  “Admit it. You love it.”

  “Didn’t say I didn’t.”

  Although he drove fast, he was a skillful driver. Thank you, Lord. Amy continued to soothe Anson and they both stayed quiet. A few minutes later, he pulled into the driveway of a small, one-story white clapboard house. The sign out front read Patsy’s Vet & Pet Care. Stopping the car, Cooper opened the back door and swept the dog in his arms. He shoved the door closed with one knee and headed up the walkway.

  Grabbing her purse, Amy scrambled out of the car and followed him. Before they reached the front door, it opened and a kindly, middle-aged blonde woman wearing oversized glasses and a white coat with Dr. Patsy embroidered inside a red heart, welcomed them.

  “I can’t tell you how thankful I am you called. Please bring her right back here.” She led them down a hallway and into an adjacent room then gestured for Cooper to put Anson on a table. “I need to examine her and then we’ll let nature take its course. Interested in a puppy, folks?” She pulled on protective gloves and gave them a bright smile and a wink. “A nice young couple like you could give one of them a good home. Good experience before having a little one of your own.”

  Amy grunted and looked the other way. “We’re not . . .” She closed her mouth.

  “They’re purebred and show quality. Worth a fair price, and I’d give you one in exchange for your kind efforts.”

  “Thanks, Doc, but we’re not in the market for a puppy yet, are we sweetums?” Cooper glanced at his watch. “As a matter of fact, we need to get back on the road now since we’re supposed to be in Austin sometime today.”

  “I know her owners will be extremely grateful for your kindness,” Dr. Patsy said. “If you want to leave your names and contact information, there might be a reward in it for you.”

  “Knowing Anson’s safe and where she belongs is all the reward we need. Thanks.”

  “Merry Christmas to you both.” Patsy turned her attention back to Anson. “I’ll let you find your way out, if you don’t mind.”

  “Of course. Take care, Anson. Come on, honey.” Draping one arm around Amy’s shoulder, Cooper steered her down the hallway and out the front door.

  “Honey?” Amy couldn’t stop her grin as he closed the front door behind them. Her giggle escaped.

  Cooper chuckled as they walked to the car. “I like ‘sweetums’ better. People seem to think we’re a couple, anyway, so I figured why not go with it? The thought keeps me all warm and toasty inside.” He ushered her into the car.

  “I’m exhausted or I’d offer to drive,” she said, leaning against the headrest as he started the car. “Are you okay?”

  “Just great.” He gave her one of his infectious grins. How easily she could get used to them—all shiny with straight white teeth. Plus an honest-to-goodness twinkle in those blue eyes and what she suspected was more than a hint of mischief.

  Chapter 24

  “So, tell me what a lovely young journalist from New York City wants for Christmas.”

  “I haven’t had time to think about it, but I really don’t need anything. Certainly not from a man I don’t know very well.”

  He snorted. “To be clear, I asked what you wanted, not what you needed. And while it’s true we haven’t known each other long, we’ve already shared some unique experiences. I’d venture to say you know me better than a lot of dates you’ve had. Am I right?”

  She pushed herself farther up on the seat. “Now you’re suggesting I date men I barely know?”

  “No, are you?”

  Closing her eyes, she counted to three. Opening them, she found his eyes on her. “Are you trying to get us killed here? Eyes back on the road, please.”

  “You caught me in a moment of weakness. I’m sure you give gifts all the time to people you don’t know, have never met and will never meet.”

  “What kinds of gifts are we talking here?”

  “The gift of time, for one. You help build houses with TeamWork, and I imagine you help out at your church in some volunteer capacity—Sunday school, kids’ ministries, nursery, Bible study.”

  “I try to help where there’s a need,” she said.

  “That’s the best kind of gift. I can think of one thing you’ll need.”

  She shot him a curious glance. “What’s that?”

  “If you’re not too tired tonight, I’d like to take
you to the mall.”

  “It’s Sunday, remember. They’ll be closed.”

  “Oh, right. What time do stores normally open on Monday?”

  “Depends on whether you’re talking about a drugstore, a twenty-four hour supermarket or a department store.”

  “Somewhere nice. One thing I’m not is cheap,” he said. He sounded a tad defensive. “Discount stores are fine and dandy when I need antifreeze or fishing equipment. Although,” he said, darting a glance her way, “thawing and reeling is a pretty good idea right about now.”

  She smirked. “Don’t get your feelings all twisted in a snit. I wasn’t implying you’re cheap, but I’m not touching the rest of that statement with a proverbial ten-foot pole.”

  He angled his head in her direction. “Touché. You’re a quick study, but you still didn’t answer the question.”

  “I think the department stores open by ten, but you really don’t—”

  “Then we’ll go tomorrow morning. Humor me. This is something I’d really like to do for you.”

  “I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about, but since I’m more or less at your whims or mercy, I suppose I don’t have a choice.”

  “You always have a choice, Amy. Remember, my mama told me a woman has the right to say no to anything.” He gave her chin a quick tap before returning his focus to the highway. “You can’t get respect if you don’t first give it. Most importantly, when a woman says no, you respect her wishes.”

  “Your mother is a very wise woman. In all honesty, I imagine it’d be hard for most women to say no to you regarding most anything.” Maybe she shouldn’t have said it, but it was true. Can you ever learn to hold your tongue?

  “Sounds like a backhanded compliment. Are you including yourself in the ‘most women’ category.”