Best of My Love (Fool's Gold, #20)(31)

“He’s really small,” Aidan said doubtfully. “I don’t want a puppy.”

“Charlie’s nearly five,” Carol said. “He’s full-grown. He’s a bichon frise. They’re friendly, happy dogs. Their history is as entertainers. A lot of bichons worked in circuses.”

Shelby giggled and Aidan winced. “I don’t really want that kind of pet.”

Carol pulled a small dog treat out of her pocket and handed it to Aidan. “Give him this. Have him sit first.”

Aidan took the piece of dried meat and held it in his hand. Charlie immediately sat.

“Good boy,” Aidan said. “Can he do any other tricks?”

Charlie raised both paws and waved them. When Aidan didn’t give him the treat, he waved them faster as if asking, “What else do you want from me?”

Aidan grinned and handed over the bit of food. Charlie took it politely and swallowed it, then jumped on the sofa, next to Aidan.

Man and dog looked at each other. Aidan let him sniff his fingers before petting him. Charlie’s coat was soft and his body was solid. His eyes were dark brown and he had a happy, doggy grin.

Shelby hugged him and got a quick kiss in return. “He’s really friendly. That’s good for when you take him into your office. I’d be worried that a dog like Jasper would scare customers, but Charlie would totally charm them.”

Aidan had to admit the little dog was cute enough and seemed pleasant to be around, but he was so small...and kind of girly.

“I don’t know,” he admitted. “I was thinking of something more...”

“Macho?” Shelby asked, raising her eyebrows. “You are such a guy.” She turned to Carol. “Can we take him for a walk?”

“Sure. Let me get his coat.”

Aidan held in a groan. “He wears a coat?”

“He’s small and short. The snow would cover him. It’s fifteen degrees outside. Of course he needs a coat.”

Carol returned with a blue cape thing with Velcro straps. She showed them both how to put it on Charlie. The dog stood perfectly still, except for his wagging tail. When he was covered, he jumped down and led the way to the door.

Once they were outside, Charlie took charge and followed what must be a familiar path. He sniffed a lot, stopped to pee a couple of times, then marched on purposefully.

“I couldn’t take him skiing,” Aidan said.

“You couldn’t take any dog skiing.”

“Okay, but what about snowshoeing? He’d disappear in the first snowdrift.”

“Put him on a sled and pull him.”

Aidan frowned at the mental image that suggestion planted in his brain. “I thought dogs were supposed to pull people—not the other way around.”

“When life gives you lemons, or in this case, small dogs, compromises must be made. He’d be fun camping. He wouldn’t take up much room. He could sleep in your sleeping bag or next to it in summer.” Her expression brightened. “Cleanup would be easier. Small dog, small poop.”

“There’s a selling point.”

Charlie barked at a couple of birds. They walked on for a few more minutes, then Aidan called to him. Charlie immediately stopped and turned. Aidan picked him up. The little dog’s paws were damp and nearly frozen and Charlie was shivering.

“Hey, why didn’t you say something?” he asked. “You’re freezing.”

He unzipped his jacket and tucked Charlie inside against his chest. Shelby helped him zip the jacket closed around the dog. Aidan supported his butt with one hand. Charlie shivered for a couple more minutes, then snuggled close and closed his eyes.

“He would have just kept going,” Aidan admitted. “I can’t decide if that’s crazy or brave.”

“Maybe it’s that he would be up for an adventure.”

“Carol said he comes from a line of circus dogs.”

“No one has to know.”

“Now you’re making fun of me.”

“Not only now,” she teased. Her smile faded. “What do you think?”

Aidan wasn’t sure. Charlie wasn’t anything he’d been looking for. He’d thought he would end up with a Lab or maybe a German shepherd.

“He’s kind of ridiculous,” he said. “But I think I like him.”

They got back to the shelter. After Aidan took off the dog’s coat, Charlie dropped to the ground and rolled on his back, as if scratching an itch. The pure joy of the moment—all four paws waving in the air, his stocky little body writhing in pleasure—pretty much sealed the deal.

Carol said they could take as much time as they wanted with Charlie. Aidan led him back into the faux living room. Charlie ran around and sniffed the toys, then drank some water. When Aidan and Shelby returned to the sofa, Charlie jumped up next to them before settling on the back of the sofa. He gazed at Aidan as if he knew what was being decided.

“Well, hell,” Aidan muttered. He stroked the side of Charlie’s face. The dog licked his hand, then put his head on his paws and closed his eyes.

He was a good little guy, he thought. Friendly, eager and easygoing.

“I suppose a trial run wouldn’t hurt.”

Shelby smiled. “Silly man. There is no trial. If you take him home there’s no way you’re bringing him back.”