Epilogue
Danny
“You’re certain we should be bringing Trouble?” Rob eyed our pooch as she sat at the front door.
Clearly, she understood we were going out. Clearly, she believed it was her right to come with us. Clearly, she would not take well to being left behind. She wasn’t destructive, per se, but she made it very clear she didn’t enjoy being abandoned.
Serious drama queen.
Jordan, our trainer, assured us that she needed to learn to cope on her own. That as much as usually someone was home, there would come times when we went out as a family and she’d need to self-soothe.
Today was not that day.
I got her into her harness, hooked up her leash, and grinned at Rob. “All set.”
“All set.” Hallie repeated my words. She wore a little canvas knapsack she’d gotten for her fifth birthday last week. Because, dear Lord, she was starting school in September. She’d also declared she wanted to wear it to the wedding. Engaged two weeks ago and getting married next Christmas. Mama’d taken Rob’s request for a quiet ceremony, and we intended to have only immediate family. I wanted to get married the day Rob’s divorce was finalized, but he wanted to wait a few months. Not because he didn’t love me and didn’t want to make it official. No, he just wanted there to be a decorous distance between the two events. He wasn’t marrying me because he was no longer married to fuck-face. He was marrying me because he loved me and wanted to spend the rest of his life with me.
I was okay with that. Christmas in SoCal was a beautiful time to wed—not too hot and not too cold. And, if Mama’s discussion with Mother Nature went as planned, not too rainy either.
Today, on a beautiful May afternoon, the sun shone and we were headed to the Safe Haven Animal Rescue opening. Hallie sat in her car seat behind the driver, Thomas was opposite, and Trouble sat harnessed in the middle. Although she enjoyed being between the kids, her true goal in life was to stick her nose out the window. The SUV Colin insisted on buying me fit our family perfectly. I’d transferred my old car into Rob’s name. She ran well and had been cared for. Good safety features. The perfect vehicle for Rob to get around—once he got his full license. He was well on his way.
“Dad?”
I glanced in the rearview mirror as I pulled out of the driveway. “Yeah, Hallie?”
“Are we getting another dog?”
Rob sputtered in the front seat while Thomas clapped. Whether out of agreement with his sister or just because he was happy, I couldn’t tell. I cleared my throat as I pointed our vehicle toward Marina Park. “We’re going to support Uncle Arthur, Uncle Colin, and Uncle James.” For a child who’d spent the first four years with just Rob, she was figuring out this extended family thing quickly. Like how to get special attention. Mama lavished the same love as if Hallie were a blood grandchild. And Hallie lapped up the love and attention.
“Is Widget going to be there?”
“I’m certain she will. Although your uncles aren’t looking to adopt any more dogs either, so don’t try to pressure them.”
“Okay.”
I glanced in the rearview mirror when I stopped at a red light. “You’ll be good?”
She sighed. “I’m always good.”
Rob chuckled. “You walked right into that one.”
I laughed right back. “I did.”
Within five minutes, we were at the shelter. Mylar balloons in animal shapes were probably the biggest indication something was going on. As well as people milling about. We had to park down the street because the lot was full, but that wasn’t a bad thing, since we were able to organize the kids and Trouble before we pushed through the front doors and waded into the crowd.
James grinned, waved, and headed our way. As always, he crouched down to greet the kids first.
I didn’t mind.
He and Hallie engaged in a very solemn conversation while Colin made his way over with Widget.
Her little tail wiggled with excitement when she spotted her favorite canine friend as well as her two little buddies.
Thomas, having no sense of propriety, threw his arms around the bulldog.
In return, she licked his face continuously.
We had some wipes in the car, and we’d clean everyone up before heading out to the boardwalk for lunch. Of course, Trouble might sneak a lick. We were constantly dealing with happy animals who loved showing affection.
“Oh hey,” Colin turned toward two approaching men. One was slim and about Colin’s height, with blond curls and clothes that fit so well they had to be expensive. The other was my height, lean and angular, with straight amber hair falling into his eyes. And, startlingly, an orange-and-white cat draped around his neck like a scarf. “These are Theo and Shane, who helped Arthur start the shelter.”
The blond stuck out his hand. “Theo. You must be James’s brother.”
I grinned. “Yeah, and this is my fiancé, Rob.”
Another shake of hands. Shane, meanwhile, was dealing with Thomas who tugged at his pants and was pointing at the cat. “Hey there.” He glanced toward me. “Cute kid.”
Probably thinks he’s mine.
Wait…he is mine.
People would make assumptions about both Hallie’s and Thomas’s parentages. Rob and I had the discussion. The kids would always know they were adopted and loved—and that we were their fathers in every single way that mattered.
Before I could speak, though, Arthur hustled over. “Great to see you folks. I can’t believe how busy it is. We’ve already had some possible adoptions.”
Rob’s gaze clearly took in the old wine tasting mansion Arthur had told us about converting. “This is quite a place.”
I noted the marble floor and chandeliers, and big plate glass windows. “Pretty fancy.”
“And no better use than to house all creatures looking for a home.” Something dark crossed Theo’s face momentarily, then he gazed affectionately at Shane. “Or a better person to help run it.”
Shane’s running it? I’d sort of thought that was going to be Arthur’s work, but maybe he wanted to keep his medical transcriptionist job to earn some bucks. Regardless, hopefully he wouldn’t have so many strays at his small house anymore. I’d visited once with James, and the place had been pure chaos. No doubt Arthur was looking forward to moving his menagerie of foster dogs and cats here to the shelter once this opening party was done. Although, would he miss them? Sometimes two kids and one dog were pure chaos too, but I’d never give them up.
Rob surreptitiously took my hand.
Casually, I glanced over.
He gave me a look that let me know he was feeling a little overwhelmed. That happened sometimes when we were around a lot of people. He was learning to cope with the Reynolds crew, but he didn’t have as much experience with strangers. Six years of being isolated left him unsure of how to cope with groups of people.
“Excuse me.” Someone had come up behind us while we were talking. She held a cat cage in one hand.
Of course, I tried to see in, but all I could make out was a furry black shape.
“Oh, today’s not an intake day.” Shane grinned in what I’d term a disarming smile, a hand rubbing his cat’s cheek. “This is the grand-opening party. If you could come back?—"
“Mrs. Rousseau?” Arthur stepped forward. “Is that…?” He crouched to peer into the carrier. “Hey, Zeus.”
James crouched as well. “You kept the name. At least I’m assuming this is the same kitten.”
The nice lady with the bouffant blonde hair and rueful smile winced. “Yes, we kept the name. She’s truly a lovely cat?—”
“What’s wrong?” Arthur rose and, after a moment, James did as well.
Mrs. Rousseau looked out toward a car pulled up to the curb by the front door with a couple of kids in the back seat. “My daughter is deathly allergic. Lovely cat, truly—but her doctor said yesterday that it has to go. My kids are devastated.” She glanced around. “We might get a hypoallergenic dog when they’re older, but…” She thrust the cage toward Arthur.
Reflexively, he took it.
“Sorry.” She scurried out and, within moments, had driven away.
Theo cleared his throat. “That was…unexpected.”
“Kitty.” Hallie planted herself in front of the cage and stuck her fingers right in.
“Uh, we need to be careful, sweetheart.” Rob gently extracted those fingers. “Remember how we don’t approach dogs without permission? It’s the same with cats.”
“Zeus is pretty docile.” Arthur blinked bleak blue eyes. “The timing?—”
“We can take her.” James started to take the cage. “I named her, after all.”
I cleared my throat.
Everyone turned to me.
“Colin’s immunocompromised. Even the cleanest cats?—”
“You’re right.” Arthur met my gaze, nodding. “I should’ve thought of that.” He turned to James and Colin. “That was very generous of you to offer?—”
“Kitty.” Hallie gazed beseechingly between Rob and myself, throwing in looks at the rest of the men for good measure.
James laughed. “Seems to me, this is how you wound up with Trouble.”
The dog, who’d been very well behaved to this point, started howling her agreement.
Not to be outdone, Widget added a few barks.
Shane winced. “Not certain the neighbors are going to love the cacophony.”
Theo waved him off. “It’s an animal shelter, and we’re having an open house. Any uppity neighbors will survive.”
“How did you get this place renovated so quickly? Wasn’t there opposition at the city council meeting?”
This time, Theo winced. “Yeah, don’t remind me. But we swayed the council—especially the mayor—and received expedited permits. The council recognized the need for a shelter. Once the decision was made, city hall worked some magic. Even the inspectors were here as soon as any work was done. A bit on the miraculous side.” He eyed a tired-looking Arthur. “Not a moment too soon.”
“Kitty.”
At Hallie’s insistent demand, Trouble stopped her caterwauling and dropped to lie down on the pavement.
Widget lay down next to her, chin on her stubby paws.
Colin whipped out his phone, snapped a picture, then quickly sent a copy to the Reynolds family group chat. Therefore, both my phone and Rob’s buzzed.
Because he was part of the family now. He glanced over at me.
I read the question in his eyes. And sighed dramatically. “I suppose I’m going to be scooping the litter.”
He winced. “No, I can?—”
“You get to bathe the husky.”
“Well…with your help.”
“Yeah, but it’s always your shirt that gets soaked.”
“You know, he could just bathe the dog without a shirt—” James suggested, winking.
“James.” I glared at my brother.
Who grinned sheepishly.
“I don’t mind scooping litter. I always wanted a pet growing up. Now we have…two.” I feathered Rob’s hair in a gesture that was perhaps too intimate, but had to convey so much. “And I always wanted kids growing up.”
He blinked several times. “And now you have them too.”
“Kitty.” Hallie gazed between the two of us. “Please.”
Shane said, “We might think twice, if you have that husky. A lot of them are not great with cats.”
“Her foster home had a cat,” I told him. “The woman said they were best buddies. And Trouble’s super gentle, despite her name. When we meet smaller dogs on our walks, she tones right down and doesn’t play too rough with them.”
“Is the cat okay with dogs?” Rob asked.
“Should be. She was raised in my house, which is full of dogs. She’s got a bad leg, though,” Arthur began. “She copes just fine, but?—”
“We’ll take good care of her.” I grinned. “Maybe that will keep her out of mischief.”
James chuckled. “Uh…no. I helped with her when she was a kitten, and she was just as much trouble as her littermates.”
I snorted. “Of course not.” I turned to Arthur. “How much is the adoption fee?” I was already tallying all the stuff we’d need to buy just to bring her home. An envelope taped to the top of the cage read vaccines. Likely more of those. And if she wasn’t spayed, we’d have to do that too.
“Oh, we’ll waive that fee. We didn’t actually take her in. And Dr. Louisa gives a special rate for spays under some circumstances.” Arthur winced. “Sorry.”
Theo and Shane, who’d been pretty quiet to this point—likely relieved the cat wouldn’t actually be staying—exchanged a glance.
“Or, since Rob’s an employee, she’d likely give a discount.” James smiled.
Silently, I thanked him. I didn’t mind people knowing we weren’t well off…but I didn’t like admitting it to virtual strangers. I worried about how they might perceive Rob and myself. If they might wonder if the kids were deprived.
“We can waive the adoption fee.” Shane grinned, making a show of checking us over. “We’re working on cutting weeds in the back next weekend…”
“We’ll be here.” I eyed the kids.
“Uncle Colin will be thrilled to babysit since he’s not helping with the weeds.” James eyed his husband.
Colin mock glared back, but I could see a smile touching his lips. He turned to Rob. “Happy to watch the kids, Trouble, Widget, and…Zeus. We can hang out at your place.”
I appreciated he was willing to keep the kids in their environment. That being said, visiting Uncle Colin and Uncle James was always fun with all the kid-friendly stuff they had in their house.
Rob nudged me. “Is that…Gracie?”
As I turned, I narrowed my eyes and tried to make out the couple approaching from down the street.
“Dr. Milson?” Colin might’ve squeaked that.
Colin’s hepatologist. Yes. Holding hands with my sister. Okay. Mind blown.
James laughed. “Oh yeah. Saw that coming a mile away.”
“Auntie Gracie!” Hallie abandoned her admiration of her new cat and took off at a run to my sister.
With ease, Gracie scooped her up.
Jezebel Milson approached with a bit more caution, likely trying to suss out our reactions.
I was the first to offer my hand. “So great to see you.” I spun to my sister. “You didn’t say you were coming.”
She offered what I termed her megawatt-actress smile. “Didn’t think we had to.” She turned to Colin. “Great shot of the dogs.”
Said dogs were now up and examining the newcomers. Jezebel was clearly at ease as she cooed over both Trouble and Widget. Who, in turn, showed their appreciation at another human to do their bidding.
Arthur smiled. “It’s great that you’re here to support the shelter. Gracie and…”
“Don’t mind the lack of Reynolds manners.” I grinned. “Dr. Jezebel Milson, this is Arthur, the local animal rescuer; Shane, the manager of the shelter; and Theo…” I squinted.
“The money,” he supplied.
He and Colin laughed.
I was well aware Colin had made a hefty contribution and would be donating a nice sum every year from now on. I couldn’t help financially, but I would volunteer whenever I could.
“You’re here to visit?” Arthur eyed my sister who had, not so subtly, thrown her arm around Jezebel in a very possessive manner. Given the doctor had almost twenty years of living compared to my sister, I was finding this an interesting twist. I was assuming this wasn’t an ethical conflict as Colin appeared perfectly at ease with his doctor dating his sister-in-law. The doctor a fraction less so, but with all us standing around looming over the petite woman—including my very tall sister—I could understand.
Arthur indicated I should take the cat cage. I’d kept an eye on Thomas who had lain down on top of Trouble and appeared to be taking a nap. Man, that kid could go at one hundred miles and an hour and then come to a full stop, drop, and snooze anywhere.
Hallie watched me closely as I took the crate. I was completely healed from the surgery, and back in fighting form, so helping with the weeding next weekend wouldn’t be an issue. Knowing Rob, though, he’d be keeping an eye on me.
Rob scooped Thomas into his arms.
Thomas’s eyes popped open, and he squawked his indignation.
“I think he wants to walk by himself.” I eyed my boy. His independent streak was going to be the bane of our existence…and I couldn’t have been happier.
Hallie snagged Trouble’s leash and handed it to me. “All good?” Her blue eyes settled on me.
“All is perfect.” I nodded to the group. “Lovely to see everyone. Gracie, Jezebel, James, and Colin, feel free to drop by later to visit our growing menagerie.”
“Oh, that would be great.” Gracie grinned. “And the next time we come, we can bring our new dog.”
Arthur cleared his throat. “I’m sorry…?”
“We’re here to adopt.” Gracie nudged Shane. “You got the paperwork we submitted, right?” She ducked aside as Shane’s cat meowed loudly at her from his shoulder.
Shane grinned. “Cool it, Mimsy, that was a friendly bump. I got your paperwork, yes, although we’re not sending any animals out today. If you’ll head this way, you can meet Smokey and Tigger, the two dogs chill enough to bring to the grand opening, see if either of them is what you’re looking for…” He led my sister and her new amour toward the back of the shelter.
Colin guffawed. “Oh my God, your house is going to be a zoo.”
“Good thing Mama’s got those new antihistamines.” She’d admitted recently—when we’d said we’d board Trouble whenever we came to visit—that her allergies were mild. She just hadn’t wanted to add animals to seven crazy kids.
I would legit respect that. I was wondering what we were thinking, bringing home a new cat to go with the rescue dog and two kids.
And I couldn’t have been happier. “We’ll take our leave.”
“We’ll be over later.” James clapped his hands in glee. “I can’t wait to see the puppy Gracie adopts.”
Colin snickered. “Yes, this will be one for the ages. Do you think that means they’re moving in together? Dr. Milson released me from her care, and I’m seeing an associate of your Dr. Patton.”
Ah, that suggested Jezebel was serious about Gracie. I wished her all kinds of luck with my sister.
“We’ll do a barbecue.” I did an awkward wave. Colin had left behind a sweet grill for us when he’d moved. His new mansion had one of those built-in fancy things. Way more than I’d ever need. At some point, Rob and I would need to figure out how to pay for our house. For now, Colin charged us minimal rent and said it was going toward the eventual purchase of the house. I wasn’t sure I liked that…but the kids loved our house and I was pretty sentimental. The place where I’d fallen in love. With an entire family. Who were now mine.
Rob nodded to Colin and James, then we as a family headed back to my SUV. Only when we were settled, with Zeus in her crate secure in the back and the kids and Trouble locked in, did I chance a glance at Rob. “Oh my God, I love you.”
He grinned. “And all the chaos?”
“Especially the chaos.”
Despite our seatbelts, we managed to lean in for a kiss.
“Forever.” I whispered the words as I gazed into his eyes.
“Yeah, forever.”
And we headed into our new adventure.