Chapter 20

Amica went down on her knees to give Dammit a warm hug when they were introduced. That won the dog over completely. She wouldn't leave Amica's side as AJ gave her a tour of the house leaving the guest foom for last. Placing her bags on the bed AJ asked if she might like to take a shower or bath while he started making dinner.

"Maybe tonight before bed, but right now I would like to spend the time with you. We could make dinner together."

"Alrighht, that sounds like a great idea," he agreed.

The walked into the kitchen with Dammit sticking to Amica's side like she had treats in her pocket. Amica couldn't help but be tickled at the affection the dog was showing her.

"So what are we making for dinner?" Amica asked as AJ pulled open the fridge and looked inside.

"How do you feel about meatloaf?" he asked.

"That sounds wonderful! What can I do to help?"

"Do you like onions and mushrooms?"

"Oh yes," she told him.

"Then why don't you chop some of both up while I get the meat, crackers, and eggs mixed up."

After being shown where AJ kept his knives she got busy on the chopping. Before long the meatloaf was in the oven and AJ asked what vegatable she would like to go with it.

"Do you have carrots? They're my favorite."

"They're a favorite of mine too. So I usually have them on hand. While I get them cleaned and chopped would you make a salad to go with our dinner?"

"I'd be happy to. Do you have tomatoes to put in the salad?"

With a smile he pointed to the window ledge over the sink where there were several ripening. Before long they were ready to sit down to the dinner they had worked on together to prepare. Even though Amice was still eating light as her system adjusted to solid food. After so long she still had some of everything and enjoyed both the food and the company.

Smiling at Dammit who had not left her side since they met Amica asked AJ, "Do you let her have table food?"

"No, the vet I take her to recommended that she only get food made for her. So the only 'people' food I let her have is the stems you cut off of brocolli. I dropped a piece one day when I was cooking and she gobbled it up in a flash. After checking with her vet I let her have that whenever I'm having brocolli she can have the stems. The vet said the occasional ruffage is good for her."

'A dog that likes brocolli!" Amica giggled. "That's funny."

"I thought so too. She is a very unusual animal," he laughed with her.

They worked together to clean up the remains of their dinner. Putting away the leftover meatloaf and doing the dishes. AJ tried to get her to take it easy but she countered by saying he should be resting too since he was still stiff and sore from his accident. So they took it slow and easy as they did the work together.

AJ suggested that thye watch a movie after dinner but Amica told him, "I'm so sorry AJ but I am more tired then I thought I would be. Would you mind terribly if I just took a hot bath and went to bed for the night?"

"Not at all Amica. You've had a big day after when you have been through."

"I hate to bother you with this but I don't have anything I sleep in. Might you have a spare T shirt I could borrow?" she asked with a shy grin.

"Of course! Why don't you go and start your bath and I will leave the shirt on your bed?"

"Okay thank you AJ," she stood on tip toe and kissed him on the cheek. Turning away she headed to the bedroom.

After placing the gray T shirt with the logo NAVY on the front on the bed AJ went into the living room and turned on the evening news on the TV. An old eppisode of Bonaza was just starting after the news when Amica came into the room wearing his T shirt. Getting to his feet AJ stood there staring at the lovely vision she presented.

To be continued…