Page 88 of Cowboy Needed

Ellis chortled, then came to put cold hands down the pajama pants he had on.

“Holy moly! That is going to make me pee.”

“Da-aaaad! Come on!” That was Michael, right outside their door. “Grandpa Joe is making coffee.”

Ellis looked panicked. “Never let that old cowboy make the coffee.”

“Tell him I’ll be right there. Wake up your brother!”

“He’s awake! Comeon, Dad!”

“Coming. Lord have mercy.” He swatted Ellis’s butt. “Go rescue my coffee.”

“You got it.” Ellis stomped into slippers and pulled on a huge sweater that had to be his. “Dad! I’ll make thecoffee.”

“Dad! Come on! It’s so cool out here, and there’s something on the porch!”

“I’m coming!” Good lord and butter.

He finally got enough warm clothes on and then ran to the bathroom before heading out. He yawned, but the girls caught his hands as soon as he stepped into the hall, dragging him to the front room.

“Daddy. Daddy, Santa brought puppies. We hear-ed them!”

“PUPPIES!” Chrissy’s eyes were as big as saucers. “Daddy! Sanfa! Bob-a-Joe! Bell! PUPPIES!”

She was going to pee herself, if she wasn’t careful.

“Do you think so? I’m not sure…” He winked at Ellis, who bit back a grin.

“Should we see? If there are puppies, I bet Mavis is with them.” Ellis headed to the front door. He hoped his cowboy had saved the coffee first.

Everyone headed to the door, and both puppies stood there, little tan bodies wiggling and wagging, black muzzles making them seem as if they’d put their lips in ink.

Allie sat down on the floor and Chrissy squealed, Michael stared, and Zane shook his head.

“Dude. Dad. They’re…they’re puppies.”

“They are. Be ready for months of chaos, kiddo.” He winked at Zane, who sighed and grinned at the pups.

“They are cute.”

“Mmm. There’s something out there for you too. Not on the porch, though.”

Ellis nodded. “You boys both have things in the barn.”

Ichabod glanced at Joe. “Do you mind keeping an eye on the girls?”

“Of course not, son. Y’all go on out.”

He pulled on his coat and his wellies, watching Zanestomp into boots in order to race outside. Michael followed more slowly, still rubbing sleep from his eyes.

Ichabod opened the barn door. Michael’s horse was in the barn, and Zane’s car was parked behind the barn.

Michael followed Ellis, while he motioned to Zane. “Come on, you. Come with me.”

“Dad. I don’t want a horse,” Zane murmured under his breath. “I’m sorry, but?—”

“Son. Trust me. I know you.”