Chapter 17 #2
He nodded with a small smile. Claus had always been intuitive.
He said it was a requirement of being Italian.
Proving it, he continued. “My Mamma always said the heart isn’t a fixed size.
It expands with every person you love. It’s not like you have to stop loving one person to love someone else. There’s always room for more.”
Nash’s eyebrows shot up. “Not for the first time, I’m thinking you’re a hell of a lucky guy to have had Rosina Santoro as your mamma.”
Gray laughed. “I agree. And I’m sure she’s nodding and smiling down at you right now.”
Nash smiled as he considered his friend’s words. “Is it weird that I think my Charlotte would have loved Olivia? That she would approve of her. And of how I feel about her.”
Gray shook his head. “Not weird at all. She loved you and you loved her. I think Charlotte would hate it if you locked your heart away for the rest of your life. She’d want you to live and love fully. It’s not like you love her any less because you love Olivia, too.”
Nash expelled a breath slowly. “I’ve been thinking along those lines. It’s good to know that I’m not just feeding myself a line of bullshit.”
Gray laughed. “Not this time, anyway.”
Charlie and Amber walked their way, nodding.
“Dad, Amber and I think that their Christmas tree could live on their front porch for this year. It’s not too big yet.
Then we found a great spot for it to live once it’s time to plant it in the spring.
We can decorate it for Christmas every year, and it’ll be right where the guests can see it from the dining room. What do you think?”
Nash nodded and sent Gray a grin. “I think you’re right. It’s a great idea.”
They set the tree on the porch and then headed down the driveway as another truck pulled in. When he spotted Garrett and Kimi in the vehicle, he grinned and looked for Olivia. He didn’t want her to miss the moment.
He spotted her playing with Ella in the snow beside the farmhouse. He whistled to draw her attention. With a grin, he pointed at the truck.
Her smile was instantaneous, and she scooped up her girl with a laugh.
Beside Nash, Charlie grinned. “It’s Kimi and Garrett. Maybe they brought me a dog.”
He knew his son was kidding and putting in another plug for a pet. He couldn’t wait to see his reaction when he found out he was right.
Olivia met them near the truck as their friends climbed down. Garrett grinned. “Hey, everyone. Great day, isn’t it?”
They nodded and Charlie grinned. “We rented some Christmas trees this morning. And we bought a couple more that we’re going to plant in the spring.”
Kimi’s eyes brightened. “That sounds like an awesome way to spend the morning.”
Charlie nodded. “Do you guys want to stay for lunch? We can make up some sandwiches, right Dad?”
Nash grinned. His boy didn’t have an introverted or selfish cell in his body. “Right. There’s always room for more.”
Garrett snorted a laugh. “Does that apply only to humans? Or is there a space for an extra canine, too?”
Charlie’s eyes widened as he looked from Garrett to Kimi and then to Nash. Hope shone in his eyes along with doubt.
Nash smiled. “What do you think, Charlie. Do we have room for a dog?”
“Seriously? Are you serious, Dad?”
Heart full, Nash nodded, and Charlie threw his arms around him and squeezed him tightly.
When he let him go, Charlie’s eyes were misty, and his smile filled the farm. “You’re the best, Dad.”
Then they both looked up to find Kimi holding a beagle, and Charlie hooted with joy. “You got a beagle! Ella, do you see the doggy? He’s a beagle. They’re good with kids of all ages. And he’s the cutest thing ever. What’s his name, Kimi?”
Kimi closed the distance and handed Charlie the dog. “He’s a rescue found by another vet. He’s about two years old and already house-trained. When I heard about him, I knew he’d need just the right home. And I think he’ll find that here. Along with a name, because he doesn’t have one yet.”
Charlie’s eyes filled with tears as he took the dog in his arms and held him to his chest. The beagle snuggled in, and Charlie squeezed his eyes shut as he held him. “I’m sorry someone didn’t want you, but we do. We want you, and we’ll take good care of you.”
Nash had to swallow tears. Olivia wrapped her arm around his waist and leaned in. He held her with one arm while he ruffled his son’s head with the other. “He’s a lucky dog, Charlie.”
“Oggie. Oggie.”
Ella’s words had them all blinking away tears and Olivia set the girl down on the ground. Charlie dropped to sit beside her and held the dog in his lap. “Do you like the doggie, Ella?”
He leaned in. “You need to be gentle because he’s been scared before. But he’s going to be okay because we’re going to give him a good home. He’s going to love it here. What do you think we should call him?”
Ella leaned forward and gently touched the dog’s head. “Oggie. Oggie, Lee.”
Laughing, Charlie looked up at Nash with joy and love in his eyes. “What do you think, Dad? Does Oggie work?”
Heart full, Nash nodded. “Oggie, it is.”
Charlie kissed the dog’s head. “Hello, Oggie. Welcome to the family.”
The beagle raised his head and licked Charlie’s face, making him laugh. “Oggie, this is Ella Mae. She’s little, so you need to be gentle with her, too.”
Ella moved right beside Charlie, and he helped her pet the dog, who wriggled in delight with all the attention.
Garrett slapped Nash on the shoulder, and his voice was thick with emotion when he spoke. “Good job, Alice. I think Oggie is the perfect addition to your family.”
“Thanks, Scooby. I do too.” And his eyes moved to Olivia who was sitting with the kids and loving the dog too. He wanted to make her officially part of their family as well.
Soon.