A firm knock sounded on the door.
Cody jumped up. “I’ll get it.” He ran to the door and flung it open.
Pete stood there, his arms laden with three grocery bags.
“Oh, my. What did you buy?” Keira took the center bag. “Come in.” She closed and locked the door behind him, then met him in the kitchen, suddenly embarrassed by the humble space. She looked at the galley kitchen and cringed, imagining it through the eyes of someone who enjoyed cooking. The stove top had only two working burners and the oven was smaller than standard. The fridge was apartment-size and the counter space was limited. At least there was a small eating bar and a window above the sink so she could enjoy the view outside. “It’s not much, but it’s served us well.”
“It’ll do.” Pete pulled penne pasta and chicken from a bag, among other things. “Since you’re not a cook, I wasn’t sure what you’d have on hand.” He chuckled softly. “I bought everything but the salt and pepper. I figured everyone has that.”
Keira’s face heated. “Umm. I hate pepper, so I never buy it.”
He smacked his forehead dramatically. “Just teasing. No big deal. We’ll do without.”
“Are you sure? I know how you cooks can be.” A teasing grin touched her lips.
“Would you like to help?”
Keira noticed Susan and Cody building a castle with blocks. “Sure.”
“Great. I need a pot of water for the pasta and a pan to brown the chicken.”
She opened the cupboard next to the stove and pulled out a stockpot and skillet. “Will these work?”
He grinned. “Perfect.” He’d already started chopping the garlic and shallots.
“What’re we making?”
“Chicken Piccata Pasta. I saw it on Rachael Ray.”
She chuckled.
“What?” He glanced her way, still chopping. “I’ve gotten some of my best recipes from her show.”
Laughing, Keira held up her hands in surrender. “You’re not what I expected, Pete.”
He shrugged and took the pan while she filled the pot with water. “There’s a baguette in the other sack, along with the fixings for a green salad. Would you slice the bread while I brown the chicken?”
“Sure thing, but you’re using my only cutting board.”
He scraped the shallots and garlic to the side. “Another crisis averted.” He waggled his brows.
Keira laughed. “Again, you are not what I expected.” Working shoulder to shoulder with Pete felt comfortable, but at the same time her heart raced. She reminded herself that he only wanted to see if they’d make good pet owners. There was nothing romantic about cooking with him. She sighed, unable to deny the truth—cooking with Pete was very romantic.
Cody dumped a box of blocks onto the floor, creating a crashing sound and startling Keira from her thoughts. She’d barely noticed Susan and Cody playing in the living room. Ah, reality. Pete wasn’t interested in her, only in finding her son a dog.
“Everything okay?” He turned concerned eyes toward her.
“Fine.”
“You sighed.”
“Habit.” It wasn’t a lie. She sighed frequently, especially in winter. “Should I start the salad now?”
He dumped pasta into the boiling water. “Good idea.”
She cleaned off the cutting board, washed the veggies and got down to business. “One chopped tomato coming up.” She stabbed the fruit.
“Whoa! You’re going to mutilate it, cutting like that. Let me show you.” He took the knife and slid it through the tomato. “Now you try.” He stood behind her as she placed the knife on the tomato. “Like this.” He covered her hand with his. “Balance the tip on the cutting board and use a smooth rocking motion.”
She held her breath, unable to breathe with his nearness. Following his instructions, she sliced through the red flesh.
“Good job.” He removed his hand and stepped back to the stove. “The sauce is almost done and so is the pasta. Do you have a serving bowl?”
Afraid her voice would give away her nervousness, she pointed to the cupboard above the fridge where she stored the dishes she never used.
He pulled a yellow pasta bowl out and placed it on the counter beside the stove. “This looks brand-new.”
She ducked her face and kept chopping. “I usually keep things simple. Serving dishes are extra work when it’s just Cody and me.”
A few minutes later they all sat around the table. Keira had to admit, her apartment had never smelled so good. She’d always loved the scent of cooked garlic.
“What is it?” Cody wrinkled his nose.
“Chicken and pasta.” Keira took his little hand in hers. “Let’s pray.” She caught her breath when Pete’s warm hand found hers for the second time that night. “Would you do the honors, Pete?”
He prayed and then they dug in.
In spite of Cody’s disdain for the dish at first, he devoured his dinner. “May I be ’scused, please?”
Keira nodded. “Put your plate on the counter.”
Susan cleared her throat. “This was delicious, Pete.” She looked to Keira. “I hate to eat and run, but I need to head out.”
Keira’s stomach dropped. No way did she want to be alone with Pete. “Do you really have to go?”
“Sorry. I promised Josh I’d stop by tonight.” Susan pushed back and reached for her plate.
“Don’t worry about that.” Keira stood and gave her friend a hug goodbye, whispering in her ear, “I can’t believe you’re leaving me alone with him.”
“You’re doing fine.” She stepped back, said her goodbyes to Pete and Cody and then left.
Pete moved alongside Keira as she cleared the table. “Let me help.” His hand brushed against hers.
A tingle zipped though her fingers up her arm. “I got it. You cooked.”
He grabbed the serving dishes. “So did you.”
At a loss for words, Keira allowed his help.
“I’ll wash, you dry?” Pete filled the sink.
“Sure. Thanks for tonight, Pete. I honestly didn’t expect you to show up this afternoon.”
* * *
Maybe he’d been too hasty in declaring he never wanted to date a single mother again. No, he’d made the right decision, but he just wished he hadn’t hurt Keira. He sensed she was still leery of him. At least she’d let her guard down a time or two tonight.
He finished washing the salad bowl and handed it to her. “That’s it.” He emptied the sink and sprayed the suds down the drain. “I’d planned to make dessert, too, but—”
“I couldn’t eat another bite. Dinner was delicious and it didn’t look too difficult, either. I think I might be able to make it on my own some time.” She held up a finger. “I almost forgot. Stay right here.” Keira disappeared through the doorway that led down to the store and reappeared a minute later with a box in her hand. “Chocolate, as promised.”
Pete grinned and took the candy. “I thought maybe you’d forgotten. Thanks.”
“My pleasure, and thank you for the wonderful meal.”
“You’re welcome.” He looked at his watch. “It’s getting late, I should head home.” After packing up the supplies he’d bought, he turned to Keira and kept his voice low so Cody wouldn’t overhear. “I’m assuming you want the dog for Christmas.”
“Yes, thanks. But if you don’t think Blondie will work for us, we’ll have to figure out a backup plan.” She walked with him to the door.
“We’ll see. Once I’ve had her a little while longer I’ll be able to tell if they’d be a good fit or not. And her owner might still turn up.” He looked down at her and searched her clear green eyes. They were filled with uncertainty. He wanted to reassure her that everything would work out. She’d had enough bad stu
ff in her life. It was a good thing he held a bag because he was tempted to pull her into his arms. That would be a big mistake.
“Well, thanks again.”
“Sure. I’ll be in touch.” He stepped down the stairs. One way or another he’d find a dog for Cody. That boy and his mom were growing on him in a big way and the sooner he found them a dog the sooner he could stop thinking about them. Maybe he should just give them Blondie. The dog was on the timid side, but Cody wasn’t rough.
His cell rang. He pulled out his phone. “Hello.”
“Dr. Harding, I’m calling from the shelter. A woman is here asking about a dog matching the description of the one you found.”
His heart dropped.
Chapter 6
“I’m telling you, Susan. Pete is a mystery to me. I can’t figure the man out.” Keira balanced the phone between her shoulder and ear while she finished stocking a shelf of prepackaged candy.
“What do you mean?”
“He says he won’t date women with kids, but I feel a connection with him and I don’t think I’m alone. Then again, he did say he’d do about anything to make sure he matched a dog with the right people.” She placed the last bag and strode to the door, flipped the sign to Open and unlocked the store. “I’m so confused.”
“Has he called since Friday night?”
“No.” Not that she expected to hear from him, but it would’ve been nice to know about the dog. She really did need to work on a plan B in case the beagle didn’t work out.
“Hmm. I don’t know what to tell you, Keira. Josh says Pete felt horrible about asking you out and then rejecting you because of Cody. Maybe he’s just feeling guilty and is trying to be nice.”
“Could be.” She sighed. “I should probably just forget about him and his d-o-g.” Cody played in the storage room and might be listening. She lowered her voice. “I wish I could get over to the animal shelter and see what they have, but with my work schedule, it’s impossible.” Keira looked toward the window and shut her eyes to the snow. Maybe it would warm up soon.
“Why? You closed early to attend the festival. Why not do the same and go to the animal shelter?”
“I don’t know.” Christmas was still three weeks away. She had plenty of time. Then again, maybe Pete would come through after all. The bells on the door jingled as it breezed open, ushering in a woman talking on her cell phone. “I have to go.”
“Okay, but Cody’s going to have a wonderful Christmas with or without a dog.”
“I know. Bye.” She set the phone on the charger and smiled at the woman who bent to study the array of dark chocolates in the display case. Maybe Susan was right. She could close the store early on Tuesday since that was usually a slow day. But if she got his gift so soon, where would she keep it until Christmas?
* * *
Pete bumped into the dog crate on his living room floor and rubbed his shin. Blondie’s owner had been ecstatic to have her back. Turned out Blondie’s name was Lexie. He missed her. He eyed the crate again, remembering how the little dog had snuggled into his arms. It’d been a year since his German shepherd died. Maybe it was time to get another dog. Of course he still needed to find Cody a dog and phone Keira with an update. His stomach knotted at the thought of making the call. Would she be upset he couldn’t give her son Blondie?
He had noticed a couple smaller breeds at the shelter in Wenatchee, but neither of them seemed right for the boy or his mother. Keira slipped into his thoughts way too often this weekend. A knock at his door startled him. He never had visitors.
Pete strode to the door and opened it. Two snowballs smacked him in the stomach. “Hey!”
Laughter filled the air.
“Come outside and play.” Josh’s older boy, Trent, hollered from his position behind his dad’s Jeep.
Josh came around the corner of the house and reamed a couple snowballs Pete’s way.
“Truce!” Pete shouted. “I’m not dressed for a snowball fight. How about you come in and I’ll make hot cocoa?”
Josh walked over to him and a grin spread across his face. “Sorry. The boys and I have always wanted to surprise someone like that and we hoped you wouldn’t mind.” He turned back to his kids. “I’ll only be a few minutes. How about you play for a bit?”
The boys immediately ran for the biggest snowbank and started packing snowballs.
“We missed you at church today.” Josh stood in the entryway. “I tried calling you, but it went straight to voice mail.”
Pete stopped brushing bits of snow off his shirt and looked at Josh. “Yeah. I had an emergency at the clinic and forgot my phone.”
“Sorry to hear that. I hope everything turned out okay.”
Pete rubbed the back of his neck and looked away. “Not this time.”
“I’m sorry. Sounds like a rough morning.” Josh looked past him farther into the house. “Where’s the little dog you told me about?”
“Her owner turned up.”
“I suppose that’s good.” Josh rubbed his chin. “There’s a family at church whose cocker spaniel had puppies a few months ago. They still have a couple and are anxious to sell them.”
Pete raised a brow. “Really? Did you get their information? I’d like to contact them.” Maybe he wouldn’t have to give Keira bad news after all.
Josh grinned. “I figured you might. I left everything on your cell.” He reached for the doorknob. “Looks like things are okay here, so I’ll be on my way. Laura has a roast in the oven. You’re welcome to join us.”
“Thanks, but maybe another time.” Pete followed Josh outside. He’d call and see about checking out the puppies later this afternoon. Maybe he’d get one for himself as well. A puppy would be more work, but there was something to be said for being able to train a dog from the start and not having to undo bad habits.
* * *
Two hours later Pete picked up a cute cocker spaniel puppy with light brown floppy ears and a white body with markings that matched her ear color. Her brother pawed up his leg. His coloring was slightly darker with similar markings. Pete put the dog down and the puppies rolled together in a tangle of paws and tails.
The owner stood off to the side. “Those two are practically inseparable.”
“They do seem attached. I’m a vet. Do you mind if I do a quick exam?”
The owner shook his head. “Go ahead. They’ve had all their shots and the vet we use in Wenatchee said they’re in excellent health.”
Pete crouched down and scooped up the female again and performed a routine check of her eyes, ears and round belly, then repeated the process with her brother. Both dogs appeared healthy.
“Oh, I forgot to mention they’re housebroken. Since it’s so cold, we decided it’d be best to keep the critters in the house instead of the garage or outside.”
“Good thinking.” He stared at the pair and wondered if he should call Keira. Then he thought better of it. “What kind of deal will you give me if I take the pair?”
They agreed on a price. With a grin he pulled out his wallet. “I have a feeling one of these two will make a little boy very happy.” He thanked the man and he walked out to his car with both dogs tucked under his arms. If Keira decided she didn’t want one of them he’d keep the pups for himself.
After a trip to Wenatchee for supplies, he drove back to Leavenworth and parked behind Keira’s store. He checked his watch—nearly six. She would be closing soon. He pulled out his cell phone and she answered on the second ring. “Hey, it’s me, Pete. I’m parked behind your place and have a couple little friends I’d like you to see. Any chance you could come without Cody?”
Silence greeted him. “Umm. Hold on a sec.” She spoke to someone in the background. “Okay, Cody’s covered. I’ll be right there.”
Two minutes later Keira trotted down the
snow-cleared steps from her apartment.
He tucked the female into his jacket and stepped out of his SUV. “Over here, Keira.”
Coatless, she hustled over, rubbing her hands up and down her arms.
“You must be freezing. I have a blanket in the car.”
“Thanks, but I’m fine.”
The puppy yipped and poked her head further out of his jacket. “The beagle’s owner claimed her, but Josh told me about someone selling these cocker spaniels. They’re three months old, and the owner gave me a good deal. I bought the brother and sister and thought you might like one for your son.” He named the price and handed the pup over.
“I didn’t realize dogs were so expensive.” The puppy licked her chin. Keira made a face, but giggled. “She’s adorable.” She handed her back. “You mentioned two dogs. Where’s the other one?”
He opened the car door and allowed the male to leap out. He sank like a lead ball in the snow. Laughing, Pete picked the puppy up. “Careful, little fella.” He held him out to Keira. “What do you think?”
“I prefer female dogs.” Keira cradled the male to her chest and rubbed her cheek to his head. “But he’s a sweet boy, isn’t he?” She sighed. “I love them both and so will Cody. Whichever one you don’t want, I’ll buy from you.” She bit her bottom lip. “It’s supposed to be a Christmas present.”
“No worries. I’ll keep them both and deliver your choice on Christmas Eve.”
Her eyes widened. “Really? That’s so nice of you.”
“No problem.”
“Well.” She looked toward her apartment. “Holly is closing the store and watching Cody for me. I should get back inside.”
“Okay. I’ll call you later.” He watched her run up the stairs and wondered at the disappointment he felt. Now that he’d found Cody’s dog, he wouldn’t be seeing them much anymore, if at all—unless... An idea formed in his head and a smile lifted his lips.
* * *
Keira whispered into the phone and kept a close eye on Cody’s door. He’d been in bed for an hour, but sometimes he didn’t fall asleep right away. “Susan, you should see these puppies. They’re adorable. I was a little surprised at the price, but after doing a search online I realized they were a bargain.”
The Christmas Promise (Heartsong Presents) Page 6