Page 34 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

“Oh, yes, Brad. It’s good to see you. How’s little Caesar?”

Brad chuckled. “He’s fine, in charge as usual.”

Mickie reached over the fence and picked up the dog Morgan had tried to touch. “This little guy is Blue, aptly named because he’s a blue and cream dapple. He’s the favorite at the moment, but it’s time for him to have a true home of his own.”

Mickie handed the dog to Morgan.

Wiggling in her arms, the dog reached up and licked her cheek.

Morgan tightened her grip and then lifted him in front of her. They locked gazes again, and it felt to Morgan as if he was saying, “I choose you.” Thrilled, she hugged him.

“You’ll find he’s very bright, very stubborn, and full of life. Like all Dachshunds, he’s a bit of a clown and will keep you laughing at some of his antics. You mentioned you have a large yard for him to play in.”

“Yes,” Morgan said. “The house where I live has a big fenced-in yard where he’s welcome to play. Don’t worry, he’ll be very spoiled.”

Mickie laughed. “I don’t doubt it. Blue will make sure of it. Come inside. I have some paperwork for you to sign. Though he’s from excellent lines, I couldn’t sell him as a dog to breed. As we discussed, he has a malformed leg that we think was caused by his crowded position in his mother’s womb. She had seven puppies, which is two too many for a dog her size. But Blue has no problem running or using his leg in any way.”

“I noticed. He ran around with the other dogs.”

“Do you usually keep so many dogs?” Brad asked.

“No,” said Mickie. “You may have noticed that we have four pups in the group that greeted you. They will leave us in another week. I like to keep them until they’re nine weeks old to be sure they’re off to a good start.” She shrugged. “Besides, it’s always sad to see the little ones go.”

###

After the paperwork had been signed and the dog paid for, Morgan put on Blue’s collar and showed him his travel bed before strapping him inside it.

“Excellent,” said Mickie. “Thank you, Morgan, for promising to take care of him. Let me know if you have any questions. You have all of his medical data. He’s going to make a special pet for you.”

Morgan gave her an impulsive hug. “He’s going to continue to be spoiled. I promise you.”

Mickie laughed. “Have a safe trip home.”

As Brad pulled the car out of the driveway, he said, “I’m not sure what it is about Dachshunds, but once you own one, you become a loyal fan.”

“They were all so lovable. But, of course, I like Blue the best. He and I had a connection from the start. Now that we’re away from the house, I want you to stop the car, please.”

Brad gave her a questioning look.

“You’ll see,” she said.

He pulled over to the side of the road.

Morgan got out, opened the back door, unhooked Blue from the travel bed, and lifted him into her arms. “There.”

Holding the dog, she slid back into the passenger’s seat. “I can’t think of a better time to cuddle and get to know one another,” she told Brad.

He grinned. “Spoiled already, huh?”

“You bet,” said Morgan, laughing when the dog kissed her cheek.

###

Back at Brad’s house, she let Blue out of the car. “We’ll come back another time so he can make friends with your dogs. Now, I think I’d better load him into my car and take him home so he can get comfortable there. Thank you so much for taking me to pick him up. Would you like to come to my house for spaghetti and a salad so you can see for yourself if I have everything right?”

“Thanks. That would work. After driving all day, I don’t feel like cooking for myself.”

“Okay, see you in a little while.”