Chapter 46
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
The space beside me is empty, sheets already cool.
I stretch, feeling my muscles pull and release in a way they haven't in what feels like forever. After weeks of carrying tension in every part of my body—my shoulders bunched up near my ears, my jaw constantly clenched, my spine rigid even in sleep—I finally feel loose. Relaxed.
My slippers are right where I left them, tucked against the nightstand on my side of the bed.
I slide my feet into the worn pink fuzzy things—they're ridiculous looking, but they're comfortable as hell, and Julian never judges.
I shuffle out of the bedroom, padding down the hallway toward the kitchen.
Julian's at the stove, spatula in hand. He glances over his shoulder.
"Well, well. Look who decided to join the living."
I flip him off. "Coffee."
He grins, already pouring. Hands me a mug. "Lazy bum."
"I earned it."
"Fair."
I take a sip. Perfect. He knows exactly how I like it—two sugars, splash of cream. I lean against the counter, watching him flip eggs with practiced ease. The morning light catches the silver rings on his fingers.
"I think I'm ready," I say.
"For?"
"To go back to work. I kind of miss it."
His eyebrows lift. "Yeah?"
"Don't sound so shocked."
"I'm not. Just..." He slides the eggs onto plates. "Guess that leaves me holding down the fort."
I smile at that. "You'll survive."
He brings the plates over. Rye toast, perfectly toasted. Scrambled eggs. Sliced avocado. My stomach actually growls.
We sit.
But something's off. He's too... cheerful. Too awake. He keeps glancing toward the hallway.
"What?" I ask.
"Nothing."
"Julian."
"What?"
I narrow my eyes. "You're acting weird."
"I'm not acting weird."
"You got up at six. I heard you."
He pauses mid-bite. "Couldn't sleep."
"So you...?"
"Went for a run. Picked up the bread." He gestures to the toast. "See? Productive."
I study him. Something's definitely going on.
We finish eating in comfortable silence. He collects the plates, starts running water in the sink.
That's when I hear it.
A weird sound. Faint. Coming from the studio.
I freeze.
Julian's studio door is closed. It's never closed. He always leaves it open—says he likes the light from the hallway, that it inspires him.
"Julian?"
He doesn't turn around. "Hmm?"
"Why is your studio door closed?"
The water keeps running.
"Julian."
He shuts off the tap. Turns slowly.
His face breaks into the widest grin I've ever seen.
"Go look."
My heart slams against my ribs as I cross the hallway.
The sound gets louder. A rustling. Something toppling over.
I push open the door.
And there, in the middle of Julian's studio, surrounded by a toppled lamp, torn fabric and pillow stuffing, and complete chaos. is the most beautiful German Shepherd puppy I've ever seen.
"Amadeus!" Julian rushes past me. "You're destroying my pillow!"
I burst out laughing.
The puppy's ears perk up at the sound. He bounds toward me, all paws and floppy ears, tail wagging so hard his entire butt wiggles.
I scoop him up. He's heavier than I expected, all solid muscle beneath soft fur. He immediately licks my face, his breath warm and puppy-sweet.
I bury my face in his soft, fluffy coat— he smells so good. His ears are so adorable, floppy, not yet standing upright. He stares at me with dark curious puppy eyes, as if to say, "Who the heck are you?"
"Oh my god." I bury my face in his neck. "Oh my god, Julian."
"Surprise."
I look up at him through tears I didn't realize were there. "You didn't."
"I did."
"When?"
"This morning. Six this morning. Picked him up from a breeder about an hour outside the city." He steps closer, scratches behind the puppy's ears. "Figured you deserved him."
"I can't believe you remembered."
"Of course I remembered." His voice goes soft. "You told me all about Milo. And it’s about time for another Milo in your life.”
Amadeus squirms in my arms, licking every inch of my face he can reach. I'm laughing and crying at the same time.
"And you named him already?" I ask.
"It's temporary," he tells me. "If you don't—"
"I love it!"
Julian wraps his arms around both of us.
"This is real for me, Liza."
I look up at him.
"You. Me. Amadeus." His eyes are so dark, so serious. "I want us to be a family. I'm in this for the long run… if you'll have me."
My throat tightens. "God, I want that too… so much."
He kisses me. Slow and deep, his hand cupping my jaw.
I melt into him, the puppy pressed between us.
The kiss deepens. His fingers thread into my hair. My free hand grips his shirt, pulling him closer.
Amadeus yelps.
We break apart, laughing.
"Sorry, buddy." Julian takes him from my arms, sets him on the floor. The puppy immediately attacks his shoelaces.
I wipe my eyes. "I've never been this happy."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah."
He pulls me close again. Kisses my forehead, my nose, my lips.
"Good," he whispers against my mouth. "Because we're just getting started."