Piper
NATIONAL DOG DAY
As far as events go, this one is the best kind of chaos.
It didn’t happen overnight, but in the couple of weeks since the incident in my kitchen, Rory, Mack, and I have created a new and different relationship.
A better one.
Which is why, on his day off, Mack is hauling more bags of ice to fill the coolers and restocking water bottles as everyone oohs and ahhs at the dogs still available for adoption.
“Oh my gosh,” Rory whispers conspiratorially, “have you seen the guy over there from Whiskers and Paws? He’s so hot.” She fans her face dramatically before she stops and points an accusatory finger at me. “Never mind; you’re with my brother. I’ll look for both of us.”
She winks and I laugh. “Just wait. Someday there will be a hot guy that turns your world upside down too.”
“That sounds horrible. Please keep all related thoughts to yourself.”
What started as an adoption day for Stray to My Heart became a multi-county collaboration, uniting several shelters through networking and the desire to rehome as many dogs as possible.
The relationships we cultivated today will undoubtedly serve us well in the future.
And despite Rory wanting to hit on one of the other owners, I know she’s just as thrilled about today’s success.
“What are you talking about?” Mack asks, pressing a kiss to my temple, his palm pressed lightly to the small of my back.
“Hot guys sweeping us off our feet.”
“I’d say you’ve been properly swept. But I don’t mind a little after-hours sweeping just to make sure everything is in top shape,” he deadpans, and Rory wrinkles her nose.
“I think I’m going to throw up.”
She gags at the same time I say, “You’re ridiculous,” with a swat to his chest.
“I’m going to go check on Layla.” Rory sighs with a wave over her shoulder. Layla has been an incredible hit today, memorializing each adoption and turning an afternoon into an unforgettable moment.
“You did great today,” Mack whispers, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me into his chest. I go willingly, inhaling the spicy scent of his cologne and nuzzling my face against the soft fabric of his Stray to My Heart shirt.
“You look sexy in my shirt.”
“Is that right?”
“Mm-hmm.”
“I was thinkin’ that after everything settles down, we might get away for a little while.”
“That sounds nice. I think my brother wants to come around Christmas, so we just need to plan around that.”
“Christmas, huh?”
Leaning back a little, I stare up at him, his dark brown eyes sparkling under the brim of his Stetson. “Yes, Christmas. The holiday in December.”
“I know when Christmas is, Honey Girl. I just like hearin’ you talk about the future.”
I blush furiously. His mother had been over the moon when we went over there for dinner. She cried and told me she always hoped we’d end up together.
Mack had alternated between looking real pleased with himself and counting the tiles on the backsplash when she started talkin’ about the best months for a Texas wedding.
Mack had apologized profusely when we got back to my house.
Then with his mouth between my legs, he negotiated moving in with me.
It wasn’t really a hardship considering he’s been at my house every night since the night he kissed me in the rain outside the Neon Saloon.
“Who will watch Arrow?”
“My sister. You’ve both turned him into an office dog who likes air conditioning and all the available amenities.”
“He’s such a good boy.”
“Hey,” he murmurs, leaning down to whisper in my ear, “I thought I was your good boy.”
“You need to go find something to do before you get us in trouble,” I plead, arching into him, my words completely lacking conviction.
“Fine. But after dinner with Rory, I have plans for you.”
“Does it include a shower? Because I’m gross after runnin’ around all day.”
“Shower, massage, and as many orgasms as you can handle.”
“It sounds like a dream.”
Chuckling, he presses a sweet kiss to my lips. “It’s real, Honey Girl, just like us.”
“Then it’s perfect.”
MACK
The house is quiet as I stare out the large glass window in the living room, the night sky an inky black that’s dotted with stars. It’s gorgeous, not unlike the woman down the hall, and it’s home.
We celebrated the success of today’s event with dinner and drinks and the promise of a couple of days off.
Stray to My Heart emptied out their kennels, and I watched as Rory and Piper broke down in the middle of the oversized tent, hugging and laughing and savoring such an incredible accomplishment.
Every dog in their care had a home.
Every dog had the promise of love and stability.
And more than that, the empty kennels mean that they can help more dogs in a time where there’s an abundance of animals that need it. Pride fills my chest at the memory. Two of the most important women in my life doing extraordinary things in our community.
How did I get so lucky?
“I missed you.” Piper’s voice is soft as she pads across the floor, her arms snaking around my stomach as she presses her chest to my back. “Is everything all right?”
“More than,” I tell her honestly, turning so she’s at my side and I can hook my arm around her. “I got overwhelmed thinkin’ about this last month—how fast everything changed. It’s wild because I have everything I could want.”
“Everything?” she goads, squeezing me harder as she tilts her face up to mine. I indulge her, licking into her mouth until she’s melting against me.
“For now.”
“What else is on your list then?”
“Well, someday I plan on convincing you to marry me and when I do, I’m gonna put a baby in your belly and maybe another one after that.”
“Those are big plans, Mack Crosby.”
“We have a lifetime, Honey Girl.”
“Then it’s a good thing I love you and your plans then, isn’t it?”
“Best news I’ve heard all day.”