Single Dad To The Rescue

“My dad hugged me and the bear at the same time.” Ben scratched his chin. “Then I went back to sleep.”

Evie wiped at her own eyes and busied herself rearranging the muffin container. “Well, I have reasons not to overindulge in chocolate and your dad has reasons not to have a pet even if he isn’t allergic to them.”

“Not a very good reason,” Ben muttered.

“I bet there is one very good reason.” Evie cut the tags off the dog vest, her gaze soft as she eyed Ben.

Evie’s love for the children was more than obvious. Dan’s love for his son would be just as strong. Just as protective. Ben was no doubt the reason for Dan’s white lie. Was Dan’s love only reserved for his son? Love. Where had that come from? She’d fallen in love before. The head-over-heels kind. The once-in-a-lifetime kind. She’d be too greedy to consider a second chance. Brooke reached for that invisible pause button to stop her tumbling thoughts.

A strong hand landed on Brooke’s lower back and settled as if to catch her when she fell. Brooke glanced over her shoulder. Dan stood just behind her, his smile gentle.

“Can I please meet Brooke’s pets?” Ben asked.

Dan shifted his attention to his son. “Before we disrupt Brooke’s evening, we need to make dinner and concentrate on your homework.”

“What about Archie?” Concern widened Ben’s eyes. “We can’t leave without Brooke and Archie.”

“Archie is going to spend the night here with Dr. Iain.” Brooke was going to spend the night in Dan’s rental apartment. He’d be a shout away. Only a short run would take her to his back porch.

A small shift and she’d be under his arm, within his protective embrace. A small shift and she’d be a welcome part of the pet store.

Perhaps in another lifetime she’d risk again.

“Well, Brooke needs a ride home,” Ben argued.

“I can take a cab,” Brooke said. She worked better alone. She was safe alone. “I want to see Archie before I leave.”

“Ben can start his homework with me upstairs,” Ella suggested.

“Then Brooke can sit with Rex until Dr. Iain lets her see Archie.” Ben touched his dad’s arm to keep his focus on him. “Rex is really scared, Dad.”

“Fine. We’ll stay until Brooke has visited Archie.” Dan ruffled Ben’s hair. “But then we’re going home.”

Ben nodded and guided Ella out of the storefront, as if the pair wanted to avoid his dad offering another suggestion.

Dan shook his head. “They are quick when they want to be.”

Brooke had to be quick, too. Otherwise she might find herself discovering even more to like about Dan.

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