Chapter 22
Chapter Twenty-Two
Cody
“Iknow Christmas is tomorrow, but I really want you to give you your present now. Possibly because if you don’t like your present, then I need to know right away so I can make other arrangements.”
Lorcan cocked his head. “Other arrangements?”
We’d settled in for the night.
“Cody, there’s an awful lot of snow.”
“The roads are clear. And anyway, we’re only going about half a mile.”
He frowned. “And it really can’t wait?”
I tried not to show my nervousness. “Um…well other people will be busy Christmas Day, and they’re not busy now—”
He rose. “I don’t want to disturb anyone’s Christmas. Plus, we’re having your aunt for Christmas lunch. Again, I don’t want to disturb anything.”
“Well, okay, then. Let’s take my SUV.” Because if you agree, I have everything I need in the back.
“Sure.” He got his wool coat out of the front hall closet, then handed me the coat I favored when the temperature dipped. Wool and warm.
When we were in the SUV, I programmed the GPS with the address of the house fairly nearby.
Lorcan studied the map. “We almost could have walked.”
“Sure…but we might be bringing something home with us.”
“Too heavy to carry?”
“You could say that.”
He arched an eyebrow. “You’re being very mysterious.”
“I’m nervous. I’m worried you won’t like my surprise.”
“Cody, whatever it is, I’ll adapt. You taught me that. Together we can tackle anything.”
That had been the theme in our counseling session with Justin when we’d all three met. And Lorcan had come home last night, from his appointment, with the same mentality. Last weekend, he’d handed in the keys to his old apartment.
An older man, down on his luck, had promptly moved into the rundown space.
Grateful that Lorcan was willing to leave the furniture—uncomfortable couch and all.
To someone who had nothing, that was like a Christmas miracle.
We might’ve accidentally filled the pantry with staples and left a gift card to the grocery store.
Oh well. Nothing to be done about that.
I smiled to myself as I drove out of the underground garage.
We were going to be okay. Riley had added Lorcan to the supplemental health insurance, so he could get access to medical things not covered by the universal healthcare program run by the province of British Columbia.
She’d also added him to her permanent roster and asked him if he could take point on the new project starting in January.
This was a huge responsibility—but nothing Lorcan hadn’t done before.
Slowly, step-by-step, he was regaining his confidence.
No news from the authorities as to when the money Stephen had stolen might be repatriated. We didn’t need it—but Lorcan was entitled to whatever was left after the victims received restitution.
Snow fell in quiet flakes.
I mused, “I think it’ll be nice to hunker down tonight.”
“Yep.” He held his hands in front of the heater. “What a crazy winter. Early snow. Then melting and mild temperatures. More snow. More melting. Now this huge dump.”
The streets had been plowed, but if much more fell, they’d need to be done again.
A bing informed us that we’d arrived at our destination.
Lorcan gazed out the window. “Nice house.”
“Byron and Carter like it.” I undid my seatbelt. “Well, actually, they love it.”
“Ah.”
Before I could ask if he remembered them, his gaze shot to mine. “Are we here to adopt Mei?”
I held my breath. Slowly, I nodded.
After meeting with Champ, Lorcan had been so excited. He’d talked about what a great dog Champ was.
Rayne had given us the dog’s history—that he’d been called Sarge and raised as a guard dog. That his owners had dropped him off at Zephyra Dixon’s vet clinic—one of the eight Dixon sisters, of course. How Torah, the sister who was a trainer, was struggling with the dog who disliked women.
Rayne had rescued the dog, even though his own situation was quite precarious.
Something about people trying to kill him?
Whatever.
Champ was such a great dog—proof that rescuing even the most dire of dogs, could work.
Then we’d veered into a discussion about what might be involved if we decided to get a dog.
Living with two people in the condo was tough, but we’d have an added responsibility with another creature.
We both had jobs outside the home, so how would that work?
Lorcan also expressed fears about being responsible for someone else.
Someone not capable of always letting their needs to known.
He was still shaken by Stephen’s betrayal, and questioning his ability to take care of someone.
Finally, given Mei’s age, we were facing a commitment of about ten years.
Our relationship was so new, what would happen if things didn’t work out?
Yet I’d still read the yearning in his expression. The deep-seated need to be needed. I could rely on him, but his soul called for something more. To, in his words, give back because of the grace he’d been shown.
Lorcan threw himself into my arms. A little awkward with the center console between the two of us. But clearly he didn’t care. He shook. “And we can keep her forever?”
I kissed his temple as I held him tight. “If she’s a good fit. Carter and Byron are prepared to take her back—but they’re not suitable for her as a permanent home.”
“Rosebud?” He said the name on a laugh.
“Yep. Turns out she’s super jealous. Who knew?”
“She’s a cute dog. They’re all cute dogs.”
“And, if she’s a good fit, then Mei will come home with us.”
“I’ll take care of her, Cody. You know I will.” He pulled back to meet my gaze. His eyes were extra dark with only the crappy pink halogen light from the streetlamp.
“I know you will, sweetheart. I don’t have a single doubt. But know this—she belongs to both of us. I’ll do just as much. She’s a present for both of us.”
“To make us a real family?” He blinked.
“Yes, a real family.” He rarely spoke of anything that had come before Stephen and, as time passed, he spoke less of his ex.
I’d told him I didn’t mind if he did—twenty-eight years was a fucking long time. Turning off those memories would be impossible.
He pointed out that now that Stephen was dead—and a real resolution was at hand—he could truly move on.
Whatever moving on looked like.
“Are you ready?”
“Yeah.” He vibrated with excitement. So often he had this wonder about life—as if he’d never seen things this way before. Which made me briefly wonder about the life he’d led. But that didn’t matter—he was with me now, and I’d make his life the best yet.
We hopped out of the car and hustled to the house.
Byron was at the door, holding it open for us.
I gave him a quick hug, then moved to give Carter another one. “Merry Christmas.”
“And to you.” The young man grinned. “Glad you were able to make it.”
“The snow’s been nuts.” I winced. “We should’ve brought dessert or something.”
“Of course not.” Byron closed the door. “We have everything we need.”
“We’re out of eggnog.” Carter arched an eyebrow.
“As I said, we have everything we need.” Byron gave him a small smile.
“Oh, eggnog’s the best.” Lorcan grinned. “Heated? With nutmeg? Oh God, how perfect!”
Which was why we had several containers in the fridge—enough to last at least until the new year. I met Lorcan’s gaze. “We’re ready to see the hounds.”
None had come to greet us, but that was partly because Rosebud would occasionally do a runner—more so now Mei was in the house. Byron hoped those impulses would disappear once their houseguest did. For now, they kept them safe whenever the front door was open.
Once we were safely inside, Carter opened a door that appeared to lead to the basement, and three dogs barreled out.
Sheffield immediately rubbed against Byron’s leg.
Rosebud yapped excitedly and circled around Carter continuously.
Mei slowly advanced, skirted the chaos, and approached Lorcan.
He lowered himself to her level and gently held out his hand.
She approached cautiously.
Does she remember him? It’s been a month. She’s been through such upheaval.
She licked his hand.
He rubbed her ears.
She moved toward him and leaned against him as he gave her scritches all over.
Carter gave a little gasp and pressed his fingers to his lips. His eyes glistened. “I told you.”
Byron chuckled. “You did. And I’m glad I listened.” His gaze shot between Lorcan and me. “Are you ready for a visit?”
Torah, the dog trainer, had suggested we have a low-key visit and spend time with Mei in her familiar surroundings.
“Yes, a visit would be lovely.” I met Lorcan’s gaze. “So you can get acquainted.”
“Too bad I can’t offer any eggnog.” Carter pursed his lips. “So how about some hot chocolate? Or a coffee? Byron has some fancy machine.”
Byron laughed. “Like you don’t make yourself a cup every morning.”
“Well, I’d hate for the machine to feel unappreciated.” Carter winked.
“Hot chocolate would be delightful.” I continued to watch as Mei leaned against Lorcan.
“Why don’t we go into the family room?” Carter gestured. “I like to sit on the carpet with the dogs.”
Rosebud pranced.
We headed in that direction while Byron headed to the kitchen to make the hot chocolate.
Lorcan and Carter sat on the floor while I perched on a couch.
Sheffield eyed me for a long time.
“We used to be neighbors, you know.” I smiled at the dog.
After a moment, he leapt onto the couch beside me. I was well-aware Byron didn’t mind his pooches on the furniture. They were like children for him.
Lorcan continued to stroke Mei and croon to her softly. Telling her what a brave girl she was. How amazing she was.