Because of the Baby(52)

Lark drove home in a somber mood. She couldn’t get Nicki’s keen gaze out of her mind and couldn’t shake the certainty that she and the dog had made some sort of instant connection. Surely she was simply bummed that soon Grace would leave and Keaton would have no reason to keep living with her. A dog wouldn’t fill the void created by their departure, but it would keep her house from feeling empty.

Keaton was in Grace’s room as Lark entered the kitchen. She could hear him talking to Grace as he fed her. Usually this would make Lark smile, but today her heart was too heavy.

Baking had always been a solution for whatever ailed her, so Lark pulled out the ingredients for a rich chocolate cake and began to measure. This particular recipe was a family favorite, something she’d always made for her father’s birthday. Maybe she would take it over later. It had been over a week since she had any contact with her parents. The last conversation had been stilted and cool. Her parents were still unhappy that Keaton was helping her with Grace.

“You’re home.” Keaton sounded surprised as he emerged into the great room, the bright-eyed infant cradled in his arms. “How did it go?”

“Fine.” She tried to inject a light note in her voice, but wasn’t completely successful.

“What happened?”

“It was just so sad. All those dogs without homes.”

“You didn’t have any fun?”

“Oh no. It was great. There was one dog in particular that I absolutely fell in love with.”

“Have you thought about adopting a dog?”

She shook her head. “It wouldn’t be fair to leave one home all day while I work. Besides, the one I liked is a trained herding dog who is used to being busy and gets destructive if left alone.”

“What sort of herding?”

“Sheep and cows. Although Megan told me Nikki had worked with ducks to earn some of her titles.”

Keaton looked thoughtful. “I’ve never worked with dogs before, but I know other ranchers who have.”

This seemed like an opening. “You should meet her. She’s the most amazing dog. Smart. Focused. If she’s titled, I’ll bet she’s really well trained too.”

“I’ll do a little research tonight. Is she any particular breed?”

“Australian shepherd. I gather she was bred as a herding dog.”

“Maybe I can go by the shelter tomorrow on my way to the ranch and meet her.”

Lark was so excited she was close to bursting. “I’ll let Megan know you’ll be coming.”



Keaton was surprised that Lark rose with him the next morning. Usually she took whatever opportunity she could to sleep after her four twelve-hour shifts. While he showered, she made coffee and a hearty breakfast of eggs, bacon and toast. He watched her while tucking away the meal. Her eyes were clear and bright. Her body hummed with energy.

She’d been even more passionate than usual the previous night. Although her innate shyness had never manifested in the bedroom, she’d taken a while to trust him completely. Last night, she’d seemed determined to smash any lingering barrier between them.

Was all this because of a dog she felt sorry for? It amused him that she was so easy to please. He’d dated women who expected expensive dinners and elaborate birthday presents. Not one of them would be delighted with a dog. It was part of Lark’s charm that she was so grounded. And focused on what was truly important.

“Call later and let me know what you think after you meet her,” Lark said, following him to the door. “I don’t want you to feel pressure or anything.” But her eyes glowed with fervent eagerness. “I’m just really curious about your opinion.”

“Sure.” He slid his palm into the small of her back and pulled her close for a leisurely goodbye kiss. His heart was thumping enthusiastically by the time he lifted his lips from hers. “I’ll call you when I’m headed to the ranch.”

On the way to the animal shelter, Keaton caught himself humming along with the radio and shook his head in bemusement. He couldn’t remember ever feeling this content. Living with Lark wasn’t without its challenges, but he looked forward to coming home to her and Grace every evening, to their quiet family dinners, the passionate lovemaking after they put Grace to bed.

He liked doing whatever it took to make Lark smile. Even though he hadn’t known much about her when they were kids, he suspected that she hadn’t enjoyed the happiest, most carefree upbringing. It made him look for ways to bring her joy. Like going to meet the dog she’d fallen in love with. He wanted to be Lark’s knight in shining armor. If that could be accomplished by rescuing Nicki, that was what he’d do.