“Your sister got herself into another predicament,” John said.
“Not again,” Snow said with a chuckle.
“You don’t even ask if I’m all right?”
“You’re with John, of course, you’re all right as well as safe,” Snow said.
With his manhood still poking at her, she could debate how safe she was, but then John had been the one to end the kiss. He also had let her know how much he wanted her, not love, wanted. And yet, he had stopped himself, even though she had eagerly welcomed him. Why?
“What happened?” Snow asked.
Sorrell explained while John freed her, and when he was done and helped her to her feet, the heated desire in his eyes just beginning to fade, she gave thought to what might have happened if someone other than Snow had approached the cottage. What would someone have thought if they had seen John crouched over her and them kissing?
“What is it you want?” Sorrell asked.
“James says the pups recently born are weaned off their mum and suggests I should go pick one for myself. He told me of a woman he met who cannot speak and of her dog that protects her. He believes a faithful dog could benefit me as well. Willow waits in the stable to help me pick out a pup, and I thought you would like to join us.”
John was familiar with the person James had told Snow about. It was Dawn, the infamous Cree’s, Lord of Carrick, wife. He had seen it himself when he had sheltered there for a couple of days. Cree was a powerful warrior and not one to cross, though one to respect. And from what John had seen, Cree loved his wife and family beyond measure.
“I think that’s a wise suggestion and I would love to help you pick out a pup,” Sorrell said.
“You come too, John, I would like a man’s opinion as well,” Snow said. She reached a hand out to him, not taking no for an answer. “Besides, I’d love to hear your version of the bed incident.”
That had John taking her hand. “And I’d love to tell you.”
“It wouldn’t be as good as mine,” Sorrell said and the three of them laughed.
John watched the three sisters talk and laugh as they played with the adorable pups and he envied their close relationship. That they loved one another proved obvious more and more as he had watched them together. And though they were different in many ways, they were the same when it came to loving one another and being protective of one another.
“I think you should pick this fellow. He’s all black and has an aggressive nature. He’d protect you,” Sorrell said, smiling at the small pup tugging at the end of her garment. “He’s a little warrior.”
John had his own opinion after watching the pups. There was five of them, the black one, two brown ones, females, with a few patches of black to them that were rolling around and nipping at each other, another female that was completely brown and was playfully nipping at Willow’s fingers, and a tiny male, brown with black paws who had taken shelter under Snow’s garment as soon as she had sat on the overturned bucket.
The little pup had claimed her. He was the one for Snow.
“This female is a bit aggressive as well,” Willow said.
“No, she’s playful. This black one is determined,” Sorrell said. “And those two brown females rolling around wouldn’t benefit Snow.”
John liked the way Sorrell and Willow detailed the pups for Snow since she couldn’t see them, though he didn’t think it mattered to Snow. She had picked up each one, hugged them, and played a moment with them.
“That one that crawled under Snow’s garment would be of no help to her. He would scurry off and hide at the sound of laughter,” Willow said.
“You’re right,” Sorrell agreed. He hasn’t poked his head out from under there once to see what’s going on. It’s like he expects Snow to protect him.”
Snow reached down and scooped the little pup out from where he had curled himself to sleep on her feet, and rested him against her chest. He looked up at her, yawned, curled against her and went to sleep.
“No, no, no,” Sorrell begged. “You can’t choose the runt of the litter and one that looks like he’ll sleep his life away. You need to choose one who will protect you, not you protect him.”
“Thaw and I will do just fine,” Snow said.
“She’s named him. She’ll never let him go now,” Willow said.
“Thaw? What did he do melt your heart?” Sorrell asked.
“He did,” Snow said with a nod and kissed the top of his small head. “He needs me as much as I need him.”
“It’s for Snow to choose,” John said, taking Snow’s side and pleased with her choice.