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“Thank you,” I say, my voice breathless. I look around, searching for Rose, and I don’t see her anywhere.
Looking to Farrah, I widen my eyes, silently asking where the puppy went. She widens her eyes right back, as if saying I don’t know.
My eyes drift back to Ford, then I hear the tapping of a puppy’s claws against the tile floors. Ford looks down just in time for Rose to appear in front of him. She looks up and whimpers, like she knows this is her dad and wants him to give her pets.
Ford drops down to his knees and picks up the tiny dog—who won’t be so tiny in a few months. He buries his face in her furry neck and the sight brings back memories of him with Moose.
I swallow, and my eyes prickle with tears.
Ford sniffs, standing up with the puppy still in his arms. A tear streams down his face. “Does this belong to us?” he asks, his voice cracking.
I walk across the kitchen and into the mud room, wrapping my arms around them both. “She’s ours. Her name is Rose.”
Farrah sniffles from the kitchen, and I know she’s crying too.
“She’s so cute. Is this the puppy from the photo shoot?” he asks, wiping his face on his shoulder.
I nod.
“She reminded me so much of Moose when I saw her then. I love that Nella will get to grow up with a dog like I did.”
“Me too. She already loves her.”
Ford leans in and kisses me, then strides right over to Nella’s bouncy seat. He sets Rose down, and she immediately licks Nella’s face, making her giggle. Ford’s laughter erupts, filling the whole house with his deep, thunderous chuckle.
“Don’t encourage the licking!” Farrah yells from the kitchen.
Rose turns and licks my dress pants, jumping up and covering the bottom of my black pants with fur. It’s okay—that’s what the lint roller is for.
Ford picks her up, allowing Rose to lick his nose. “Don’t ruin Mommy’s fancy outfit before her first day of work.”
The puppy licks him again. He sets her down and settles his hands on my waist. “You look amazing. Are you ready for your first day?”
“Honestly? I’m so excited. It’s been too long since I activated my creative brain. And my schedule is full since Andie, Noel, and Mel all made appointments.”
“You’ll probably be employee of the month in no time.” He raises his eyebrows.
I roll my eyes. “I’ll probably get employee of the month every month, seeing as I’m sleeping with the boss.”
He laughs, and Farrah groans from the kitchen. “Gross, I can hear you guys!”
Glancing at her, I see she actually is starting a batch of bread. I shake my head.
Ford glances at Nella and Rose, then back at me. His expression is soft, and maybe a little somber.
I step into him and wrap my arms around his neck. He wastes no time circling his arms around my waist and hugging me tightly. His mouth brushes against my neck, and he hums contentedly.
“You okay?” I ask, leaning back to look at him. Taking advantage of his nearness, I stare into his warm brown eyes—the same eyes that brought me comfort when I was a girl. I’m a woman now, and they still bring me comfort, as well as love and protection.
“Never been better,” he responds, closing the distance between us and kissing me softly, tenderly, endlessly.
