Christyne Butler - Puppy Love In Thunder Canyon

“I’m so sorry!”

Annabel quickly wound the dog’s lead around her palm. “Here, let me help you!”

Dropping to her knees, she started grabbing the loose pages and the manila folders, but the man in front of her mirrored her actions. Their heads collided with a resounding crack.

Annabel swore and fell backward, landing on her butt. She rubbed hard at the stinging at her temple, hoping to erase the pain.

Suddenly, the warmth and strength of male hands, one capturing her rubbing fingers and the other cupping her jaw, caused a shiver to dance over her skin.

“Look at me. Are you all right?”

Annabel blinked hard as her world tilted. She could swear she saw a dizzying array of stars.

Forcing her gaze upward, she found icy blue eyes, serious and probing and perfectly matching his shirt, staring intently back at her.

Forget the stars.

This was a full-blown meteor shower.

Dear Reader,

Have you ever met someone who seemed to show up in your life just when you needed them? Well, Dr Thomas North might not realize it, but he’s been waiting for Annabel Cates, and her beloved golden retriever, Smiley, all his life. What he’s going to do with this vivacious blonde spitfire, her pup and the upheaval they cause to his well-ordered days is another question!

From the moment Annabel literally runs into the sexy and serious doctor, she knows what this man needs is a strong dose of love, both the human and puppy variety. Finding ways for these two very different, but perfectly matched people to fall in love is what made this story so much fun to write!

Being a fan of the Montana Mavericks for years, it was an honor to be asked to be a part of this amazing series that pays great tribute to the heart-and-home creed of Mills & Boon ®Cherish ™with the wonderful families of Thunder Canyon, Montana.

I hope you enjoy their journey to happily-ever-after and please visit me at www.christynebutler.com or e-mail me at chris@christynebutler.com!

Christyne

CHRISTYNE BUTLERfell in love with romance novels while serving in the United States Navy and started writing her own stories six years ago. She considers selling to Mills & Boon ®Cherish ™a dream come true and enjoys writing contemporary romances full of life, love, a hint of laughter and perhaps a dash of danger, too. And there has to be a happily-ever-after or she’s just not satisfied.

She lives with her family in central Massachusetts and loves to hear from her readers at chris@christynebutler.com. Or visit her website, www.christynebutler.com.

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And to Susan, Charles and Jennifer … you all know why

“Do you understand everything we talked about during the drive here?”

Annabel Cates pulled into an empty spot in the Thunder Canyon General Hospital parking lot. “I know these visits are routine by now, but it’s important we cover the dos and don’ts every time.”

She cut the engine, turned to the backseat of her practically new lime-green VW Bug and was rewarded with a sloppy kiss.

“Smiley!” Annabel pushed at the wet nose of her three-year-old golden retriever, her constant companion since she’d brought him home from the local shelter when he was just a pup. “You could’ve just nodded!”

An excited bark was her pet’s answer.

“Yes, I love you, too.” Releasing her seat belt, Annabel grabbed her purse and Smiley’s leash and got out of her car, pausing to hold the driver’s seat up to allow her dog to exit.

Kneeling, she latched the leash on to his collar then straightened the bright blue bandana around his neck, her fingers lingering over the black lettering on the material. “Just think, buddy, a dozen more sessions and we can switch this In Training bandana for one that reads Certified.”

Smiley did the exact thing that earned him his name: he smiled. Many told her it was the natural curve of his mouth, a trait common in golden retrievers, but Annabel could tell when her fur baby was happy.

Which was just about all the time.

Smiley’s outgoing, friendly personality, to both humans and other animals, made him a great therapy dog. The two of them had completed the required training, registration and certification over the past few months, but the American Kennel Club required fifty visits before being awarded the title of AKC Therapy Dog.

And Annabel wanted that title for Smiley, which didn’t explain this particular visit.

“But this one is special, isn’t it, boy?” Annabel gave Smiley a quick scratch to the ears then rose, and they walked across the hospital’s parking lot.

Once inside, she stopped at the directory near the elevators. The geriatrics and children’s areas were the most familiar to her and Smiley, but today they were headed for a specific doctor’s office.

Smiley padded along beside her, staying right at her knee, despite the comments, grins and hellos that greeted them. Then a little boy sitting alone on a bench came into view and Annabel felt the familiar tug on the leash.

Almost by instinct, Smiley was drawn to those who were injured and hurting, but not all injuries were visible. A low whimper and the quickening of his wagging tail made the little boy look up. The beginnings of a smile crossed his face. Annabel slowed and allowed Smiley to work his magic.

After a few minutes visiting, Annabel continued on her way, energized by the boy’s improved mood and excited chatter to his mother. They stopped outside the elevators and she eyed the hospital directory on the wall.

“Can I help you?”

Annabel turned and found a pretty nurse standing beside her dressed in scrubs, a short-sleeve shirt and loose cotton pants featuring a dizzying pattern of colorful flip-flops. Perfect for a warm August morning in Montana. “Yes, I’m looking for Dr. North’s office.”

The woman’s eyebrows rose, disappearing into her perfect straight bangs. “Dr. Thomas North?”

“If he’s an orthopedic surgeon, then yes, he’s the one.”

“Is Dr. North expecting you?” Her gaze shifted to Smiley for a moment. “Both of you?”

Living by the motto “it’s better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission,” Annabel smiled. “We’re here to visit with one of his patients.”

“Oh. Well, his office suite is on the second floor, far left corner. I could show you if you’d like.”

“That would be great, thanks.”

The elevator dinged and seconds later the door opened. Annabel and Smiley waited for everyone to depart before they followed the nurse inside. Once on the second floor, they turned a few corners and moved into an office area. At the end of the long hallway Annabel finally spotted the nameplate for Dr. Thomas North.