Ryder swallowed a couple of times before replying. “Thank you. He’s perfect for her. Shall we do the adoption paperwork?”
Once Milo had legally been adopted by Ryder and Ebony and they’d paid their registration fees, Jake watched her load him into the truck. He perched up happily on the back seat next to Ebony with his head out the window ready to sniff the breeze.
Loath to say goodbye, Jake made another suggestion. “If you want, I can sit in the car with them both while you load up on dog food supplies at the supermarket. You’re going to need a fair bit to keep this guy happy. Then I can walk back to work and grab my car.” He looked at his sister and his employee, noticing the glance that passed between them.
“Hey, just trying to be helpful. What with leaving kids and dogs in cars and everything, I’m being responsible. People will hardly look up to either of us if I leave you with no option but to go into the shop leaving a dog in the car. I don’t need to remind you its against the law, do I?.”
“Thanks Jake. If you don’t mind, I’d appreciate it.” Ryder bit down on her bottom lip and turned back to Gail. “Thank you so much for letting us take Milo. I’ll keep in touch so you can pass onto his old owner how he’s going. I bet she’s worried sick over him. I sure would be, he’s a beautiful dog and I’m thrilled you chose us for him.”
“She would be so don’t worry, I’ll let her know he’s in safe hands. Keep in touch, Ryder. Laters, Ebony, and you be a good boy, Milo.” She waved. “You too, Jake.”
He glared at her while she laughed louder. As they drove away, he dropped his tough guy stance and waved goodbye.
“You and your sister seem pretty tight.” A wistful note tinged her voice and he turned to look at her, but her sunglasses shaded her eyes, shutting him out.
“Yes, we are I suppose. She can be the annoying little brat though, as you’d expect, and she’s plays on the baby of the family card when she wants to.” Images rolled through his mind. “But I’m glad I have her.”
“Married?”
“Yep. I’m the only one left to tie the knot as I’m sure my mother will no doubt get around to telling you.” And not totally by choice either.
* * *
Ryder parked outside the grocery store and glanced at Jake. “Thanks for this. I won’t be long.” She looked over the back of her seat. “Want to come and help choose Milo’s food, Eb?”
Ebony ran a finger down the big dog’s nose, stroking the unusual grey and white blotches that made up the pattern on his skin. “Nope. I want to stay here with Milo.”
“She’s fine with me, don’t fuss.”
Heat raced up her cheeks and she turned away from Jake and hurried into the shop. Ryder pulled a trolley from the rack and headed to the pet food aisle. May as well get everything in one hit. Into the trolley went food and water bowls, dry food and assorted cans of meat, plus a couple of toys for good measure. He may be past the puppy stage, but the dog still had to have some fun and she didn’t want it to be at the expense of anything of value. Better a ten dollar chew toy than her work shoes.
A rumble came from her stomach and Ryder checked her watch. Getting late and I don’t have anything planned for dinner. Good work, Mum. Taking a quick run past the frozen food section, she picked up a couple of heat and eat pizzas. It would have to do tonight. Not like it would be the end of the world if she didn’t cook meat and three veg one night this week.
By the time Ryder pushed the trolley out to her truck, the tension had taken over her shoulders again. What would she find at home when she arrived? The kittens had been locked inside for safe keeping and Ebony’s peace of mind. She wondered if she’d gone overboard with getting a dog but it was too late now. Better safe than sorry and with her daughter at stake, she’d do anything it took.
“Here, let me help.” Jake opened the car door and reached for the big bag of dog biscuits. He picked it up and placed it in the tray of her truck. When he reached for the bags of tinned food she gave a small laugh. “Kind of went a little bit overboard considering I don’t know what he’ll eat. I figured a bit of everything would be the best bet.”
Jake raised his eyebrows. “Pizza?”
“Uh, yeah look, about that. I was thinking since its getting late and everything, you might like to join us for dinner. Obviously nothing too flashy as you can see, but if you don’t want to, I understand. We’ve taken up enough of your time and I kind of thought it’s the least we can do after what you’ve done for us.”
“Thanks, Ryder. I’d like that.” He took the trolley from her and pushed it into the outside trolley bay. “I was thinking of sending Dad over to make sure the yard is secure for Milo but I can do that myself now if I’m going to be out there.”
“You really don’t have to go to that much trouble. I’m pretty handy around the house myself, but thanks.” She climbed in the front and started the truck. “Want me to drop you off at work so you
