Chapter 37 #2
I let her words sink in—or try to. Maybe it’s all too fresh and I can’t fully grasp that yet. She wraps her arms around me, and I press my face against her shoulder, letting myself fall apart. I haven’t told anyone that I feel bad for Tabor because no one would get it.
“Dallas is the reason Tabor will have a chance to get better,” I whisper. “Because Dallas didn’t want me to carry more on my shoulders than I’m already going to.”
I know she understands what I’m saying because I’m sure she knows Dallas’s story and understands why he wouldn’t want the same story for me. Dallas didn’t have to tell me why he did what he did …
I already knew.
She hugs me tightly again, kissing my cheek. “Sweet girl, I’m always here if you need me, okay? Please know that, day or night, you can call.” Her bright blue eyes look into mine. “You will get through this. I know it seems impossible right now, but I promise … you are going to be okay.”
“Thanks, Aunt Cameran,” I whisper, hugging her back.
After a few more tears are shed, we both stand, but before we make it out of the room, Dallas appears in the doorway wearing a bashful grin.
“Can you come outside with me for a second, Short?” he asks, his hands tucked into his pockets as he jerks his chin toward the front door. “I want to show you something.”
Cameran and I share a questioning look, but eventually, she smiles and waves toward the door.
“Go on, lovebirds,” she chimes, and I follow him toward the entryway.
Sliding my Birkenstocks on, I lift a brow at him.
“What are you up to, QB?”
Putting his hands on my waist, he pulls me in for a kiss. “You’ll see. Just be patient for five seconds of your life, woman.”
“I’m like … the most patient person ever,” I deadpan, knowing that we’re both aware that’s the furthest thing from the truth.
“Right,” he utters, taking my hand and opening the door. “Just trust me, okay?”
I know with every single part of me that I can trust this man. He has proven that time and time again, especially now.
“Okay,” I whisper, nodding subtly. “I will.”
I follow him outside. I’m not nervous because I know whatever he’s showing me must be something good. He wouldn’t do anything to cause stress, but still, there are butterflies in my stomach.
I shiver because it’s damn cold outside tonight, and even though I have a sweatshirt on, I didn’t grab a jacket. Then again, half the time, I forget to wear one.
A car is parked in front of his truck, and when the door pushes open and a middle-aged woman gets out, I’m even more confused. She smiles at both of us before waving her hand.
“You must be Haven,” she says, standing beside the car, beaming. “I’m Amy.”
“Um … yes?” I mutter, shifting around on my feet nervously.
I glance at Dallas, wondering what the hell is going on. Suddenly, she opens the back door of her sedan, and the most beautiful, block head golden retriever jumps out.
“This is Boston,” she says, hooking a leash on his collar before he prances toward us.
“He was rescued months ago in … yep, you guessed it, Boston. He had been severely abused and neglected.” She follows behind him, and when he rubs his nose against my leg, I kneel down to pat him.
“He could use someone. And Dallas here thought … maybe you could too.”
Ugly sobs rip from my throat as I look from the lady to Boston to Dallas.
“He’s mine?” I cry, patting the dog’s beautiful golden fur. “He’s really mine?”
Dallas kneels beside me, patting the dog’s head.
“He’s yours, Short.” He leans in, kissing my forehead.
“I cleared it already, and he’s fine to stay at the athletic houses.
” His eyes melt into mine. “He’s been through a lot.
And so have you. I know you don’t want to be alone, so now when I’m gone, you won’t have to be. ”
Big, fat tears run down my cheeks as my eyes move from my insanely sweet and thoughtful boyfriend to my new dog.
“Thank you,” I say, my voice coming out in a squeak. “And thank you for saving him,” I say to Amy. “I’ll take good care of him, I promise.”
“I have no doubt you will. And I know he’ll take care of you too.” Reaching forward, she gives him one last pat. “Bye, Boston. Enjoy your new home, handsome.” She backs away, looking at me and Dallas. “If you have any questions at all, please, never hesitate to call.”
“Thanks again,” Dallas says, and she waves one last time before getting into her car and taking off down the driveway.
“I can’t believe you did this for me,” I whisper, leaning down and kissing the dog on his head. “I love him so much.”
Before he can answer, the door opens and everyone from inside flows outside.
“Did you all know?” I say, grinning.
“Just me and your dad,” my mom answers, walking toward us. “He’s beautiful. You did good, D. Real good.”
My chest warms as my heart swells. I was scared of being alone. Afraid that Dallas’s football schedule would leave me with too much of it.
Now … I don’t have to be.
“I love you,” I whisper, pressing my lips to Dallas’s. “I love you and him so much.”
“I love you more,” he murmurs. “Let’s take your new pup inside.”
As we stand up, I wipe my cheeks with the back of one hand, holding onto Boston’s leash with the other.
Dallas took one of the darkest times of my life and somehow brought light to it. For that, I will be forever grateful.
I didn’t think I could love him more than I did and yet, once again, I’m proven wrong.