“You sounded as if you had something very specific in mind,” he said, seizing on her slip of the tongue.
“No,” she protested. “Just the usual worries any parent has.”
His piercing gaze was unrelenting. “Why don’t I believe you?”
“Because not believing me has become second nature to you.”
He continued to study her intently, then finally sighed and relaxed. “Okay, maybe my cop’s instincts have been on overdrive since we met. I’ll try to let up.”
Patsy recognized it for the futile promise it was. Rather than debating it with him again, she poked at the bag she’d dropped on the floor. “Okay, where’s my surprise?”
Justin picked up the sack and carried it into the living room. “Close your eyes.”
She did as she was told and waited with as much anticipation as she might have the promise of a kiss. Her heart skipped a beat. Her pulse pounded.
“Hold out your hands.”
She held them out in front of her. A second later she felt something soft and fluffy being placed in her hands. She opened her eyes and saw a toy dog that looked so real she was certain it would begin to bark at any second. The terrier look-alike was caramel colored and had a pink tongue so real looking she expected him to lick her fingers.
“He’s wonderful,” she said, hugging him to her.
“Billy said you liked dogs. I figured I shouldn’t try getting you a real one without discussing it with you, but this looked like the next best thing.”
“He feels real,” she said, running her fingers through the curling plush hair. “And look at these eyes. He’s staring right at me.”
“Have you ever had a dog?”
She shook her head. “My parents both worked. They didn’t think it was right to leave a dog home alone all day.” And Will hadn’t wanted anything that might mess up the house and spoil his image if a reporter happened to drop by unexpectedly.
“You could have one now,” Justin suggested.
She gestured toward the cats that were curled hither and yon in the living room. “What about them?”
“They’re used to every kind of animal under the sun. Dani’s a vet, remember? She’s spent her whole life taking in every stray that wandered by. She might have one next door even as we speak.”
“Several,” she conceded, thinking of the cacophony of sound they’d set off earlier. She grinned. “There’s always Punk.”
“That’s not a dog. That’s a beast.”
“He has his own home, anyway. His owners are due back any day now.”
“You sound sad about it.”
“I’ve gotten used to him. Punk and I have an understanding. I sneak him treats and he doesn’t lick me to death.”
Justin grinned. “See what I mean? You’re a natural pet owner. Think about it,” he encouraged.
Getting a dog of her own would make a statement of sorts, she realized, if only to herself. It would mean that she intended to stay right here, that she was beginning to put down roots. It would also finalize her decision never to return to Will.
“I’ll think about it,” she said, then stroked the toy dog in her lap. “In the meantime, Chester here will do just fine.”
“Chester?”
She shrugged. “I have no idea why. The name just came to me.”
He grinned. “Don’t expect me to argue with divine inspiration.” He stood and headed for the door, then paused. “I’m glad you like the surprise.”
“I love the surprise,” she said emphatically. It was the very best one she could remember.
* * *
With Sharon Lynn’s wedding only a few days away, the burden for running Dolan’s fell on Patsy’s shoulders. She was grateful for the responsibility. It kept her so busy she didn’t have time to think about how much longer she could continue with this charade before Justin found out the rest of the truth.
“You’re sure you can handle things if I’m gone today?” Sharon Lynn asked for the umpteenth time.
“I can handle it,” Patsy repeated, also for the umpteenth time.
“You remember how Mrs. Jenkins likes her eggs?”
“Scrambled moist,” Patsy dutifully recited.
“And Tate prefers—”
“Rye toast, not plain.”
“What about Doc Dolan?”
“He likes egg salad on white for lunch with a scoop of potato salad on the plate.”
Sharon Lynn nodded. “Yes, perfect.” She started for the door, then turned back. “I won’t be back from Dallas before seven. I’ve got the fitting for the wedding dress, then a meeting with the florist and a late lunch with two of my bridesmaids, women I went to high school with who’re living in Dallas now.”
“I can close up,” Patsy reassured her. “I’ll