Choo-choo

When dawn came creeping over the horizon, she dragged herself out of bed and, holding Choo-choo, she went into the parlor.

Eternity Jude Deveraux 1992

Sniffing around her legs, Choo-choo pulled to be free, and when she unsnapped his leash, he went immediately to the children, both of whom looked down at the animal in astonishment.

Eternity Jude Deveraux 1992

“Choo-choo,” Carrie answered brightly, making Jamie groan at the infantile name, just as she knew he would.

Eternity Jude Deveraux 1992

By the time Josh, Carrie, and both children, as well as Choo-choo, were once again assembled in their pretty little house, it was almost noon.

Eternity Jude Deveraux 1992

At about four, when Choo-choo was getting restless and Carrie was beginning to feel her own hunger, one of the old men who worked in the chandlery came into the boathouse.

Eternity Jude Deveraux 1992

Choo-choo, who seemed to think Josh was hurting the children, snipped at him again, so Josh, still holding the kids, went after the dog.

Eternity Jude Deveraux 1992

Wiping her hands on her traveling skirt, Carrie listened to the stage driver unloading the bags from the top of the coach, but still she sat where she was, holding Choo-choo on her lap and looking out at Josh.

Eternity Jude Deveraux 1992

Squealing in pain as Josh released her, Carrie saw him go after Choo-choo with his hands made into claws.

Eternity Jude Deveraux 1992

Running from the bedroom, Carrie made a dash for her dressing room, Choo-choo in her arms.

Eternity Jude Deveraux 1992

While Carrie fried the eggs, Tem put cans of things in a bag and a jar of pickles in the bag too, then the three of them and Choo-choo set off to the fields where Josh spent all day every day.

Eternity Jude Deveraux 1992