A Home by the Sea Read Online Free

that’s what he would do. I’m Grace, by the way.”
    â€œGlad to meet you, Grace. And if anyone did the saving tonight, it was you. I’m surprised you saw them near that Dumpster.”
    â€œJust luck. I was…walking slowly. Thinking.”
    Her mouth tightened. She blew out a little breath.
    A story there, Noah thought. But it wasn’t any of his business.
    He drove with extra care, alert for sliding cars and patchy ice. The snow was getting deeper, and the streets were nearly deserted except for an occasional snow truck or ambulance.
    He glanced over at Grace, who was holding the box protectively at her chest. Now they had the heat covered, but what were they supposed to do for fluids? Noah was fresh out of baby bottles or eyedroppers.
    But he knew someone who wasn’t.
    He pulled out his cell phone and hit speed dial. His older brother answered on the third ring, sounding breathless. “McLeod’s. Reed here.”
    â€œHey, big bro. I’ve got an emergency on my hands. Can you meet me at Dad’s shop in ten minutes? And bring baby blankets—or clean towels.”
    There was a potent silence. Then Reed McLeod cleared his throat. “Baby blankets?”
    â€œThat’s what I said, big bro.”
    â€œDo I want to know why?”
    â€œProbably not. I don’t have time to explain anyway. There’s zero visibility out here and this storm is just starting. Gotta go. And be sure to bring the big car, will you? I’m not taking chances with these drifts that are forming.”
    â€œThis is an emergency?”
    â€œYeah, it is.” Noah glanced down at the kittens and frowned.
    â€œI was just sitting down to Myra’s amazing dumplings, but I figure the story you’re going to tell me will be worth it. You’re usually good for a story.”
    He hung up before Noah could give him an earful.
    Noah was a careful driver, but he barely missed getting hit three times in the whiteout. A layer of ice had formed beneath the fresh snow, and by the time he reached the meeting point at his father’s shop, he was ten minutes behind schedule.
    He knew that Grace was worrying about the animals, though she didn’t pester him with questions or complaints.
    â€œHow are your guys doing?”
    â€œTwo of them are moving around. I think they just started nursing, thank heavens. But the other two look very lethargic. The mother needs fluids. And I’m afraid that—” Her breath caught. “Wait. No way.”
    â€œWhat?” Noah wanted to look over at the kittens, but he didn’t dare take his eyes from the road given the icy conditions. “What happened?”
    â€œYou are not going to believe this. I mean really not going to believe it.” Grace’s voice filled with a husky wave of tenderness.
    The smoky sound did something odd to Noah’s pulse. “Tell me, Grace.”
    â€œI thought there were four kittens. But now I can see that this cat has three kittens and one puppy.”
    â€œA puppy?” Noah swerved to avoid a Volvo, skidding sideways over a patch of black ice. “Damn.Okay, now would you say that again? You can’t mean—”
    â€œI’m sure of it. The mother is treating them all the same, grooming them in turn, but I know a puppy when I see one. This looks like maybe a collie-retriever mix. He’s licking my finger in search of food. At least I think it’s a he. You’re a big sweetie, aren’t you, honey? So soft.” Her face was radiant when she looked up. She reached over and squeezed Noah’s shoulder. “I couldn’t have managed this without you. How can I possibly repay you?”
    As her hand skimmed his arm, Noah felt a stab of heat. He knew a few ways, but they didn’t bear thinking about. Head out of the gutter, pal.
    â€œLet’s say you thank me by giving me at least one of these guys. Preferably two. I’d really like that puppy