Harlequin Special Edition March 2023--Box Set 2 of 2 by Christine Rimmer

Author:Christine Rimmer
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2023-05-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

Charlotte’s heart was in her throat as she sat in the passenger side of Declan’s SUV, racing back to the cabin. Trees were a blur outside the windows since Declan had put the cop siren on the roof of his vehicle. She had her brother on FaceTime, trying to calm him while keeping a visual on Rosie.

Because truth be told, she was worried. Really worried. Rosie’s muzzle was swelling so much the end of her nose was as wide as her face. “Hang on, Rory. We’re only a couple of minutes away.”

“Rosie’s face is swelling up really bad.” He cradled the dog in his arms, pacing around the kitchen. “I don’t know what to do.”

“I’m checking Google. Hold on.” She pulled up the search engine, careful not to disconnect the call.

Declan stayed silent and focused beside her, taking the turns with speed and care, his experience in the cop car apparent. At a sharp bend in the road, a coffee thermos rolled in the floorboards and his dog tags hanging from the rearview mirror swayed in and out of her line of sight, but he never lost any degree of control.

Scrolling through the article on her phone, Charlotte searched for best tips to give Rory. “If you can see the stingers, pull them out.”

“Rosie’s really upset and wriggling. I don’t know if I can...” Pausing, her brother sat on the floor, parting fur with one hand while petting the dog in soothing strokes with the other. “Okay, got one. Working on the others. Rosie, you’re gonna be alright. Just be still. I’ve got you...”

His voice was so sweet and worried, her heart melted. This was her baby brother that she remembered. He was in there underneath all that hurt and anger. “You’re doing great, Rory. Once you’ve finished that, get some ice and hold it against the swelling. If she won’t let you do that, then get a very cold wet cloth and use that instead.”

“I’m on it. But keep driving fast—” His jaw quivered. “Charlotte, she’s gasping. I think her throat is closing up.”

“Rory?” Declan called from behind the wheel. “We’re turning on the road to your cabin. Be ready to pass over Rosie so we can take her to the emergency vet clinic. It’s going to be okay.”

Charlotte’s hands shook as she searched for the information on the closest open veterinary hospital. Declan floored the accelerator, his jaw set, steady, dependable. There for her in a crisis.

And she knew without question, he wouldn’t bail on her and the baby. She was grateful for that certainty for their child, especially when so much of her world was upside down right now. Declan would support her and their baby. But she also knew she needed—deserved—to be more than an obligation.

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