Free Anna's Courage (Rose Island Book 1) by Kristin Noel Fischer Page B

dogs?”
    He shook his head. “Nobody wants to be a charity case.”
    I understood that sentiment. Bianca had helped pay for beauty school, but I had returned the money as soon as I could. And each month, I gave my in-laws a check for rent, even though they’d offered the beach cottage free of charge.
    I studied Nick carefully. “I appreciate what you’re saying, but more responsibility is the last thing either one of us needs right now. Don’t you have enough going on in your life without adding all these puppies to the mix?”
    He gave me a sly smile. “That’s why I was hoping you’d take another one.”
    “What?”
    His grin spread across his face, and I knew he was joking. I smiled back at him and shook my head. “I’ll keep Yoda, but I’m not taking another dog, so don’t get any ideas.”
    He nodded. “Look, if you don’t want Yoda, I’ll take him back. What’s one more puppy when you already have three?”
    I sighed. “No, I told Travis he could keep him, especially since he insisted that means I’m no longer obligated to give him anything for Christmas, his birthday, or any other holiday for the rest of his life. And he promised to feed and take care of Yoda without my nagging.”
    “It sounds like a good deal.”
    I gave a grunt of disbelief. “We’ll see. But do you have any idea the amount of work a puppy requires, let alone three of them?”
    My question caused Nick’s face to fall, making me regret offending him. But seriously, what kind of person bought three puppies when they were in the middle of a crisis?
    “My father used that excuse whenever Ethan and I asked for a dog,” he said. “And the thing is I have no idea how much work a dog requires because I’ve never had one before. I’m sorry I gave Travis a dog without asking you, but I don’t regret buying them, so please don’t lecture me.”
    “You’re right,” I conceded, remorseful. “I’m sorry.”
    He looked at me with those penetrating eyes. “We had a rough weekend, and I wanted to make Hailey and Gabby happy. You should’ve heard them giggling on the way home. Hailey hasn’t giggled since the accident. And tonight, she fell asleep without me having to lie on the ground beside her bed.”
    I pictured Nick keeping guard as Hailey slept. I could’ve used someone like that after Marcus died.
    Even though buying four mutts was overkill, how could I fault him for trying to make his nieces happy? I smiled up at him. “Are you sure you’re in the military? You’re kind of a softie.”
    He laughed, the sound rumbling in his chest and making my knees weak. “I’m not a softie. I’ve been called all sorts of insulting names, but when it comes to Hailey and Gabby, I can’t say no. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for those girls.”
    “I understand.”
    We turned our attention back to the puppies and watched them play for a little bit. Then he asked if Travis had told me about Gabby’s ear infection.
    “No,” I said.
    “That’s why she’s been crying so much. I feel horrible I didn’t take her to the doctor sooner, but I thought she was crying because of her parents. I’ve never taken care of a baby before, and I didn’t know.”
    “It’s all right,” I said. “She can’t tell you her ear hurts. Lots of parents would’ve missed that. Is she on antibiotics now?”
    “Yes.” He exhaled and gave a hopeless look. “Taking care of the girls is overwhelming.”
    “I’ll help you,” I offered before I could stop myself.
    “You will?”
    “Of course. That’s what neighbors do. They help out each other.”
    He took my hand and gently squeezed it.
    I looked down at our entwined hands, remembering this was exactly how our last kiss began. Why, why, why did I have to be so attracted to this man? “I better get back to Travis.” Reluctantly, I slid my hand from his and walked toward the front door.
    I’d made my point, and now it was time to go home before I did something foolish. When Marcus