The Prodigal Cowboy by Brenda Minton

Author:Brenda Minton
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2020-02-07T16:27:44+00:00

Chapter Nine

“Would you do me a favor?” Kylie asked.

Holly studied her friend’s face, wondering at the slightly sneaky expression. “What are you up to?”

Kylie grinned at the question. “I want you to adopt Cooter. He’s a sweet dog. I’ve been training him for a year and he’s somewhat silly, but he’s housebroken and sensitive.”

Kylie, in addition to being a therapist, raised service animals. They were well-trained animals taught to comfort, to recognize different situations in their owners’ lives, and some were guide dogs for those with physical challenges. Holly should have recognized Cooter as one of Kylie’s animals.

Colt’s niece Allie suffered from seizures, and she had a special dog that had been trained to sense when a seizure was coming on and to protect her if she fell during a seizure.

“Didn’t you have him for someone?”

“Not really. Jack was going to take him but now he worries about the dog not getting enough exercise. I think he also worried that he might trip over an animal.”

“Dixie needs him.” Holly glanced back at her daughter and the sweet dog that had remained close by her side. “Is that what you’re saying?”

“Maybe he needs her,” Kylie offered. “And if school was tough for her today, maybe give her a day or two with you. Call the school counselor and let them know that she’s struggling, that you can do schoolwork at home and she’ll be seeing me. If you want her to see me.”

“I do think she needs to talk to someone,” Holly agreed. “If you have the time, we’ll make an appointment.”

“I always have time for Dixie.” Kylie paused. “And for you and Colt if needed. This has been a huge change for all three of you.”

“It has, but we’re working through it.” Holly glanced back at her daughter.

“Is there something more, Holly? None of us know the entire situation with Dixie’s custody.”

“She’s only here with us for two months, then she’ll choose where she wants to go. That was the way Becky’s will laid out the question of guardianship.”

Kylie cringed. “Wow, that’s tough. I’m not sure that’s in Dixie’s best interest. Her having to choose is going to put a lot of stress on her.”

“I agree, but what can we do? Some days it feels like Daisy and I will be the two women going before King Solomon, both claiming that the baby is ours. I won’t tear her apart and make her choose. If it comes down to it, I’ll give custody to Daisy.”

“What if that isn’t what Dixie wants?”

“I don’t know, Kylie. I know that it isn’t fair to Dixie to have to make this choice. But it also isn’t fair that she’s been taken from everything familiar just weeks after losing her mother. I’m basically a stranger to her.”

“I know.” Kylie gave her a quick hug. “With that all in mind, let’s start having weekly talks. I’ll come over to the house to talk to Dixie, so she feels comfortable.”

“Thank you.”

Kylie nodded in the direction of Dixie and Colt.

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