Brody scowled.
“Cal?” Amberleigh piped up. “Cal’s my friend.”
“Poor Cal and Tanner.” Marilyn sighed, her little face drooping.
“Tanner’s better,” Suellen jumped in. “Doc said so.”
“Who is Tanner?” his father asked. “Are we talking about Cal Boone again? You seem to be spending a lot of a time with that Boone girl and her boy.”
“Friends,” Amberleigh said.
“Yup.” Suellen nodded.
“Poor Tanner.” Marilyn sighed again.
“Who is Tanner?” his father asked again.
“Cal’s dog. He saved the girls from a copperhead yesterday,” his mother said. “But the poor dog was bitten in the process.”
His father stared at them. “And no one thought to mention this to me?”
“Everyone is fine. There’s no need getting worked up over what could have happened.” His mother smiled at him.
“Poor Tanner,” Marilyn mourned.
“Is the dog dead?” his father asked, frowning.
Brody shook his head. “No. He might lose an eye. But that’s it.”
“Hmm,” his father said, nodding. “Sounds like a damn good dog.”
“Damn good,” Amberleigh repeated with feeling.
Brody was stunned silent by Amberleigh’s earnest declaration. She didn’t know better. But his parents did. His mother was covering her mouth with a napkin, but he could tell she was smiling. And his father? His father was laughing so hard tears were pouring down his face.
And that, right there, was enough to let Amberleigh’s bad word slide—this time.
Chapter Thirteen
India headed to Click and Tandy’s place as soon as she’d showered and had some coffee. Sitting here worrying over what she’d done, how she felt and whether or not it was all a mistake was pointless. But, without distraction, that was exactly what she’d do. Besides, she wanted to see Cal. She could count all the nights they’d spend apart on one hand.
“You’re here bright and early.” Tandy greeted her on the porch, coffee mug in hand. “In time for breakfast. Click’s got Pearl and Cal helping him make biscuits.”
India could only imagine Click and Tandy’s toddler and Cal making biscuits. More likely they were making a mess. She smiled at the thought. “How’d it go?”
“Cal is good as gold, India. You know that. He’s so sweet with Pearl.” She smiled. “You look good—you’re practically glowing this morning.”
“Am I?” she asked, touching her cheek.
“You are.” Tandy’s eyes narrowed.
“I...I got some extra sleep,” she lied.
“Oh?” Tandy asked. “Interesting. I thought maybe it had something to do with Brody Wallace taking you home last night?”
She stared at her cousin.
“Small town,” Tandy said.