And Mama Makes Twelve

By Terry O'Reilly

Arnie Whitehall finds a stray dog during a snow storm and brings her home, where she promptly gives birth to eleven puppies. Over his partner Jason Feldman’s objections that they’re breaking their lease, Arnie is determined to keep Mama and her brood.

Arnie feels an instant attraction to Dr. Collin O’Connor when he takes Mama and the pups to the vet’s. Although Arnie resists, it soon becomes obvious the feeling is mutual. And where’s the harm? Arnie and Jason have become more like roommates than boyfriends over the years.

Will Arnie, Mama, and her babies be left homeless when their landlord finds out? Or will Collin come to the rescue and offer them a home and much more?

• Language: English
• Publisher: JMS Books LLC
• Release date: Jul 2, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685502119

Terry O'Reilly

TERRY O’REILLY, the winner of hundreds of international advertising awards, is the bestselling author of The Age of Persuasion and This I Know. He is also an in-demand speaker. His highly awarded radio programs O’Reilly on Advertising, The Age of Persuasion and Under the Influence have been broadcast on CBC Radio since 2005, and his podcast has been downloaded over forty million times. Terry O’Reilly lives outside of Huntsville, Ontario.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Arnie Whitehall vigorously kicked the door of the townhouse he shared with his partner, Jason Feldman.

Jason! Jason! Damnit…Jason! I need your help!

From inside, Arnie could hear Jason grumbling over the sound of the television. For fuck sake, Arn, just open the damn door!

Arnie kicked once more, harder this time. Jason!

The door swung open. Jason stood there for a moment, glowering at Arnie. Then his jaw dropped.

Move! Arnie commanded as he struggled to get past Jason with the load he was carrying.

Jason stepped aside. What the fuck is that?

What does it look like? It’s a dog, genius! Help me get it inside and then get some towels. It’s soaking wet and freezing from this snowstorm.

Number one, our lease says no pets and two, I’m watching a Knicks’ game. Three, you know how I feel about…

Shut up! Get the damn towels.

Arnie laid the dog down on the rug before the gas fireplace in which orange flames were gayly dancing. He turned the fire up a notch.

Arnie took off his coat, flung it over the dog, and knelt beside the shivering pooch. He gently patted its head.

It’s gonna be okay, you’re safe now. Arnie’s gonna take good care of you, Arnie said, soothingly.

The dog responded by licking his hand.

Jason stood with his hands on his hips, scowling at them.

Jason! The towels!

Jason snorted, and, grousing some more, he left the room.

When he didn’t immediately return, Arnie called out to him again.

Patience is a virtue, Jason said sarcastically as he re-entered the room with a pile of towels which he dumped next to Arnie, who immediately grabbed one and started to rub the dog dry.

Are you going to help? he asked.

No!

Then go get the leftover meatloaf from the fridge. It’s probably starving.

The fridge isn’t starving, Jason said in a mocking voice.

Arnie shot him a look. You know what I meant! Now go!

I was gonna have that for lunch tomorrow! Look how fat the dog is. Doesn’t look like it’s starving to me.

Jason!

Okay, okay! But it’s outta here tomorrow! Jason left the room again.

Arnie continued to massage the dog. Don’t pay any attention to him. I’ll make sure you’re okay. Arnie’s gonna take good care of you, don’t you worry.

The dog whined, reached out a paw, and laid it on Arnie’s leg.

That’s right, I won’t let big, bad Jason toss you out!

Jason returned carrying a bowl filled with the food. Didn’t know if it’d prefer catsup or A-1 with its repast, so I brought both.

What? Arnie stopped his massaging and looked up at Jason.

Never mind. Where should I put this?

Give it to me.

Arnie laid the towel he’d been using to dry the dog aside and took the bowl. The dog rolled onto its stomach and raised its head, eyes bright with anticipation.

Looks like you’re ready for a good meal, Arnie said and put the bowl on the floor between its front legs.

Without getting up, the dog dove into the food.

Didn’t your mama ever teach you not to eat so fast? What are you, a common cur? Where are your manners? Jason asked the dog derisively.

Arnie shot him another look.

Jason shrugged. Is it a boy or a girl?

Arnie checked. A girl.

What kind?

I dunno. With those ears and that long, silky coat, she looks like a golden. But goldens are a solid color. This little gal is red and white. My guess is she’s mixed.

What do you mean little? I bet she weighs sixty pounds at least. Does she have a collar and tags? We can call her owner to come pick her up.

Arnie pushed back the thick hair from her neck. Nope, no collar.

Of course she don’t, Jason said with a sneer.

When the dog had finished eating, she got up and sat next to Arnie, leaning against him.

What should we name her? Arnie asked, putting an arm around