Epilogue
KEZ
One Year Later
“Ready!” Charlotte cheers next to me, already shifting the boxes hiding in the back closer to our feet.
I reach under the tree and pull out two boxes wrapped in paper covered with tiny corgi butts. The same kind we used for Ember’s birthday. Ember immediately recognizes the print and starts dancing in place, her nub tail spinning.
“Your turn, Ember,” I say, mouth full of sugar cookie and pet Ember between her ears.
Charlotte wraps her arms around my neck, and we watch Ember tear into her first gift. “I still can’t believe you almost gave her up when she was first assigned to you. Can you even imagine how boring our lives would be?”
“I’m glad I didn’t.” That’s an understatement. I chuckle, recalling last year’s butter heist. Charlotte’s right. Ember has brought so much joy to my life. I turn and face the woman of my dreams and peck her lips. “And thank you for being here. I love you.”
Something squeaks, and Ember pounces on the scrap pile, digging until a plush sock-shaped dog toy with her name embroidered on the side tumbles out.
She grabs the toy and starts twisting her head, squeaking it like her life depends on it.
“I think she likes it.” Charlotte laughs, scratching behind Ember’s ears.
“Open the other one, Em. I’ll help you with this one,” I say.
When Ember tears the paper from gift number two, I open the small box and hold up the K9 pendant. Ember’s badge number is engraved next to Duke’s. Warmth spreads through my chest at the jewelry I thought I’d lost last year. Turns out the raccoons gave me a Christmas miracle.
Charlotte rubs my back as I clip it onto Ember’s collar.
“I’m honored to have you as my partner. I love you,” I tell Ember, voice full of emotion, meaning every word.
Ember drops her toy in my lap long enough to lick my face, then goes right back to squeaking like a maniac.
I shake my head with a smile, and we play tug-of-war.
Ember’s nothing like what I wanted originally, but over time I realized she’s everything I needed in a partner. I’m proud to have her by my side.
Charlotte wipes her eyes. “I’m so glad you found your necklace.”
I squeeze her hand. “Me too.”
Charlotte’s phone dings, and her face beams when she checks the screen. “I just received another client email thanking us for their incredible experience at Bed )
Bonus Epilogue