Begin Again: A Stay Novella

by Jennifer Probst

  Shocked, Chloe watched Owen kneel in front of the boy. The kid wore ripped shorts, an old Mets baseball jersey, and a dirty blue hat. His face was a bit gaunt, his dark eyes sad and solemn as he stared back. “Sam, my name is Owen. Do you have one dog that births all the puppies? Or many?”

  “Just one. She’s old, though, and Mama said she may not be able to have any more litters. I wanted to keep one but I can’t. Mama said we need to sell them.”

  “I understand. Does anyone ever hurt the puppies?”

  The boy shook his head hard. “No, but this one was super little and jumped out and hurt his leg. Now he don’t walk good. But I’m glad you’re taking him 'cause I don’t want him to go into the woods like the other ones. I’m afraid he’d get cold.”

  A sob trapped in her throat, Chloe kept still and listened. “Okay, listen to me, Sam, this is important. I’m going to give you my card. If your dog has anymore puppies, or your mom gets another dog that keeps having puppies, I want you to call me. You see, baby animals need a lot of extra care and I can find good homes for all of them.”

  “You mean even the sick ones don’t have to go to the woods?”

  “That’s right. I’ll take care of the sick ones too. Are you able to use the phone on your own?”

  The boy puffed up. “Sure, I’m seven already! I have a phone to do video games on but I know how to make a call.”

  “Good. Take this card and put it someplace safe. I’d like it to be our secret, but I understand if you need to tell your mom. I don’t want you to get in trouble.”

  The boy nodded. “Okay, but I don’t need to tell Mama everything. I don’t think she likes the puppies like I do, anyway.”

  “I don’t think so either. When you grow up, you’ll take care of your animals, right? They depend on us to treat them good and then they love us forever.”

  “I promise.”

  Owen gave him the card and Sam tucked it in his pocket. Then he took out fifty dollars and pressed it into the boy’s hands.

  The woman rushed back, a big smile on her face. “All set?”

  “Yes.” Owen didn’t thank her. Just nodded at Sam and scooped the puppy gently out of the box, cradling it against his broad chest. “Bye, Sam.”

  “Bye, mister.”

  They walked a few feet away and watched until the woman packed up and left with the boy. The puppy mewed in distress, pressing against Owen, who stroked his head with gentle fingers and murmured soothing phrases. His face reflected a fierce focus toward the vulnerable animal, a man intent on righting a wrong, a warrior and protector rolled into one. Like his grandfather.

  And Chloe realized she still loved Owen Salt.

  Maybe she’d never stopped.

  “I think I just got myself a puppy,” he slowly said, looking at her with slight shock. “I wasn’t sure what to do, but I couldn’t let her take him back.”

  “Neither could I.” She leaned in, creating a tight circle. “You were amazing, especially with Sam. We really had no other choice, did we?”

  He sighed. “No. Let’s go introduce our new addition to the rest of the family and get a vet to look at that leg.” He shook his head. “But damn, he’s a cute one. And special. I can feel it.”

  She stared at Owen, torn between hysterical laughter and tears as the walls she’d carefully built to keep him away crashed down around her. “Yes, he certainly is.”

  They walked toward Mia and Ethan, and Chloe wondered why she already felt like they were a family.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “I can’t take the cuteness,” Harper said, watching the puppy toddle around the blanket, peering up at them. “Ophelia, please can’t we take him inside?”

  “No. I’ve told you over and over, Harper, no animals in the inn. Guests can be allergic and dog hair gets everywhere. You know the rules.”

  Owen swallowed a laugh as Harper gave a pissy grunt, eliciting Aidan to laugh and tug playfully at her hair. “Mo gra’ you’ll have all night to cuddle with him. Did you settle on a name yet, Owen?”

  Harper had already volunteered to take the puppy overnight so Owen and Chloe could sleep at the inn. Jonathan and Alyssa were staying with Mia and Ehtan. Owen knew the pup would be in perfect hands.

  “No. Figured Chloe can give me a hand with such an important task.”

  “It has to be a Disney name, of course,” Chloe said. “To stay with tradition.”

  All of the rescue animals at the Bishop farm were dubbed with names from Disney characters they all loved. They took the naming seriously, knowing once an animal received a name, the new identity represented a chance at a new life of happiness and care.

  And a rebuilding of trust.

  Harper had gone into full rescue mode and after a thorough vet visit, found the puppy had carpal hyperextension syndrome, caused by poor muscle tone. The condition was common in certain puppies. Thank God, it was nothing serious and would eventually heal on its own—the idea that a perfectly healthy puppy would’ve been dumped without thought burned through him, but he had to make peace with it or he’d explode.

  It was something he’d learned well in animal law. So he rescued the ones he could, and that made a difference.

  It had to be enough.

  He felt a hand on his shoulder and glanced up. Chloe gave him a smile, and he realized she sensed his thoughts and distress. She’d always been completely in tune with his emotions, a woman who truly understood him from the inside out. He gave a small nod in thanks, took a breath, and stood.

  “I’ll get him settled in the barn while we eat,” he said.

  “The birthday girl is going to freak if she sees him,” Ethan said, glancing toward the porch where Mia was playing with Evie. “Better keep him hidden or it will be like playing with Hei-Hei all over again.”

  “Oh, stop, she’s an angel with the animals,” Harper said. “She’s just fascinated with the chicken’s head feathers.”

  “Personally, I’m glad Hei-Hei found his match,” Owen announced. “Let him be the one running away and terrified.”

  Aidan arched a brow. “Still have issues with him, Owen? One day, you two will need to form a truce.”

  “Only truce we’ll ever have is when he’s on the table for dinner.”

  “Owen!” Chloe gasped. “That’s terrible.”

  “Just kidding, babe. Meet you inside.”

  Laughter scattered behind him. He realized he’d used the familiar endearment without thought, but somehow, it felt right. Today, they’d made progress. The farm was definitely helping strip back the layers so they could re-discover each other all over again.

  He set the puppy up in a small crate, next to the horses in the barn for company. The black furball settled right in to sleep, exhausted by the stressful day. He gave Flower and Bambi a stroke on the nose and fed them a carrot. “Keep watch on him, okay? I’ll be back.”

  When he got back to the inn, everyone had gathered in the dining room for the party. The guest of honor wore a red sparkly party dress, red Dorothy-like shoes, and a birthday crown. Her highchair was decorated with balloons and wavy sparkly flags that fascinated Evie. She waved her chubby fingers, watching them float and fly in delight.

  The table was filled with all the comfort foods he loved. Salted, maple cured ham sat amidst cut apples and bacon, and endless side dishes of mashed potatoes, biscuits, vegetable quiches, and creamed spinach. He ate heartily, relaxing into the familiar banter of the family, a twist of compliments amidst good-natured teasing and insults between the men. Kyle’s father, Patrick, was at the other head of the table, grunting now and then, but basically concentrating on his full plate. Jonathan held his own, even when Ethan pushed at his politics, and Mia hotly defended her PR client against her husband, to everyone’s amusement.

  He watched Chloe shine amidst the people she loved, her face open and happy, her laughter loud and quick. Longing washed over him with a mind-blowing intensity. God, he wanted this with her. To be her lover and husband, part of this
amazing clan who gathered for celebrations and held each other up during the hard times. He finally wanted forever, and he had to believe it wasn’t too late.

  They all helped clear the table and clean up. Mia brought in the cake decorated in bright unicorn colors, topped with one candle. She snapped endless pictures of Evie’s wonder at the colorful creation before her. They sang Happy Birthday, and the toddler dove in hard to her first piece of cake, smushing it over her mouth and fingers while she screamed with happiness.

  “I brought champagne,” Chloe said, corking open the bottle and grabbing glasses and pouring generously.

  “None for me,” Ophelia said with a smile.

  Kyle blinked. “You love champagne. Come on, sweetheart, there’s no guests to worry about tomorrow. We cleared this weekend months ago.”

  “None for me either,” Mia said.

  Chloe gave a sigh. “Really, guys? I thought we’d get a bit giddy tonight. Stay up late watching Disney movies, right?”

  Jonathan groaned. “Who needs a Disney movie? Every time I step on the farm I feel like I’m dragged into one.”

  Mia laughed. “It’s okay, Jonathan. I always loved your grumpy side. It’s why we work so well together.”

  “Come on, Dad. If you watched more movies, you could help us name the new pup. You need more information.”

  Alyssa grinned and touched her husband’s shoulder. “I think your father is better suited to political thrillers.”

  “Definitely. The only movie that sticks out is Cinderella—something about the glass slipper and Fairy Godmother, I guess. Oh, and that fat mouse with the T-shirt!”

  “Gus-Gus?” Chloe asked.

  Jonathan shrugged. “I guess, I don’t know the name. I liked him. He was funny, loyal, and kind of a misfit.”

  Immediately, Owen met Chloe’s gaze.

  “Gus-Gus,” they said together, as if lightning had just struck them both.

  “Dad, you did it! What a perfect name for the puppy!”

  “Agreed,” Owen said, watching Jonathan’s shocked face.

  “Yeah? You like it?” he grumbled, trying to act cool.

  “We love it,” Chloe reassured him.

  “I’m proud of you, honey,” Alyssa said, shooting Chloe and Owen a wink from across the table.

  Jonathan puffed up and nodded. “Yeah, it’s definitely a great name.”

  They were just making arrangements to open up Evie’s gifts in the living room when Ophelia spoke. “Actually, I wanted to make an announcement tonight. It’s a cause for champagne.”

  “Then why aren’t you drinking it, Tink?” Ethan joked.

  A flush suffused her face. She glanced at Kyle, and suddenly, Kyle’s father slammed his hand down on the table. “Holy shit, she’s pregnant!”

  Everyone whirled around to stare at Patrick, then Ophelia.

  Ophelia burst into laughter, blue eyes sparkling. “Well, thank you, Patrick, for helping me out here. Yes, I’m pregnant!”

  Owen watched Kyle’s face change from shock, to surprise, then finally, pure delight. “A baby?” he whispered, cupping her cheeks with a trembling hand. “We’re going to have a baby?”

  “Yes. We’re going to have a baby,” Ophelia said, pressing a kiss to his lips.

  “So am I.”

  Owen shook his head, his brain about to explode. He looked at Mia, who’d made the announcement, and Ethan jerked back, staring at his wife. “What did you say?”

  Mia jumped up and down in her seat. “I’m pregnant, too! We’re going to have babies together!”

  The table exploded and Evie bounced in her highchair, echoing her mother’s moves. Hugs and kisses and congratulations went around. Chloe distributed the rest of the champagne and called for a toast, replacing Mia’s and Ophelia’s with sparkling cider.

  Aidan glanced suspiciously at Harper when she didn’t grasp the glass immediately.

  Everyone fell silent.

  Harper rolled her eyes. “Hell, no, not even close. I’ll take the bottle, please.”

  They laughed and toasted while Evie threw the rest of her cake in the air.

  And Owen watched Chloe, his heart full, knowing it had been a perfect day.

  * * * *

  Chloe stared at the floral papered wall that was the only barrier to Owen.

  Sighing, she glanced around the familiar room. She’d spent an entire summer here, mandated to community service, stuck with Mia, who’d been a stranger, estranged from her father as she tried desperately to process her mother’s death and all the feelings that came with it.

  She’d healed here. It had been the beginning of a second chance for her.

  Today, she realized she wanted that with Owen.

  Even though she was still scared. Scared to re-open herself to that type of emotion, especially knowing how deeply he had the power to hurt her. He swore he was ready for a full commitment now, but there were never guarantees. Another job opportunity could lure him away. He could get bored with the pressured lifestyle of being in the public scrutiny twenty-four-seven. He could fall out of love with her.

  Yet, she’d been taught by all those people at the dinner table love was worth the risk. It had to be her choice this time. She knew Owen would never come to her. Chloe believed it would have taken months to build up to taking a leap, but right now, in this moment, her heart craved only one thing to fulfill the empty, aching need inside.

  Him.

  She glanced in the mirror. Boxer shorts. A worn V-neck T-shirt. Definitely not an outfit for seduction, but Chloe knew the stakes were bigger than sexy lingerie or carefully crafted words. This needed to be stripped to the bone raw, and hell if she’d try to hide behind surface appearances.

  She tiptoed down the hall, paused in front of his door, and turned the knob.

  It opened soundlessly. She stepped into the dark room.

  “I hoped you’d come.”

  He was sitting on the edge of the bed. Bare-chested. A pair of low-slung pants clung to his hips. Blonde hair tousled and wild, falling over his brow. Even within the shadows, the heat in his pale blue gaze was like twin laser beams, drilling deep to the core.

  Heart hammering in her chest, she walked toward him. The air sizzled between them. Anticipation rolled through her, and her lungs practically burned as she tried to drag in a breath. He stood up. His gaze traveled over her body slowly, appreciatively, and he reached out a trembling hand to touch her cheek.

  “How did you know?” she asked.

  “I didn’t. I hoped and I prayed and you came to me.”

  The words ripped through her, causing a slow shudder. She pressed her open palm against the back of his hand. “I couldn’t stay away. Maybe I never could. All I know right now is I don’t care about the past or the future—I want you.”

  “Good, because I crave you, Chloe Lake. I’ll try to go slow but I’m on the edge here.”

  She stepped into his embrace and thrust all ten fingers into his hair. “I don’t need slow. I need us.”

  With a low growl, he took her mouth. The kiss was deep and soulful, with no polite re-introductions, just a slow, deep drag into pleasure and the bliss of how they fit together. His tongue dipped, tasted, plunged. He nipped at her lips, sipped like she was a sweet fruit, and stripped her naked with deliberate motions that made shivers break over her skin.

  His hands roved everywhere, exploring, relearning, sliding over the curve of her hip, her tight nipples, the wet heat between her legs demanding more. He pushed his pants down and spread her out on the bed, where his mouth repeated every move of his fingers, and she was a twisted, writhing figure underneath him, begging for more.

  She scraped her nails down his back, hooked her ankle around his, and arched up. His erection pressed against her inner thigh, and he gave a low laugh, tugging on her nipple, then licking with his tongue. “Not done with you yet. Not even close.”

  She gripped his pulsing length and squeezed. “We’ll catch up later.”

  Owen groaned,
growing bigger within her grip. “You don’t fight fair.”

  “Never did.”

  “Neither do I.” With one quick motion, he pushed her knees up, spread her legs wide, and dipped his mouth to her weeping center.

  “Oh, God!”

  He licked her, long and slow and sweet, murmuring sexy words as he pushed her straight to the edge. Curling two fingers, he pushed into her tight channel while his tongue played her like a beautiful instrument.

  “Come, Chloe.”

  His lips wrapped around her throbbing clit, and he sucked hard.

  She came with a scream ripped from the back of her throat. Pleasure broke over her, tearing her apart at the same time she flew to ecstatic heights. He murmured his approval, still tasting her, then quickly donned a condom and surged inside.

  Blinking, her mind foggy from the orgasm, she stared into his hungry blue eyes, treasuring the familiar quirk to his lips. “You’re so damn beautiful,” he said, dropping a kiss on her swollen lips. “I’ve replayed this a million times in my head—the image of you and your orgasms, the way you give me everything you are. You’re in my blood, babe. In my very soul.” Buried deep, cock pulsing in demand, he uttered the words that brought her right to the brink, as she softened and opened to him, the final barrier laying in rubble around her heart. “I’ve never stopped loving you.”

  Then he began to move, each stroke claiming her all over again. She clung to his shoulders and arched upward to meet him stride for stride. Her clit scraped against his erection, her nipples rubbed against the rough hair of his chest, all while his mouth took hers in a wild, passionate kiss, his tongue repeating the motions of his driving hips, and then she exploded again, letting the orgasm wash over her and claim her in its grip.

  He followed her over with a groan, his head thrown back as he released, and then he was gathering her in his arms, holding tight, and the past met the present and merged together, finally at peace.

  Chapter Fourteen

  He pressed slow, sleepy kisses over the sensitive curve of her neck. “Was it the dog?”

  Chloe stretched her leg against him and let out a soft laugh against his damp chest. “No, but it helped.”