“Thank you,” I say, as she looks up at me. “I think fate brought you to us, just like it did with Jessica.” She licks my arm in agreement and then stares across the open field. “You can go play if you want,” I say, aware I’m having a conversation with a dog but not bothered in the slightest. She’s a brilliant companion, and instead of going to play, she stays by my side, content in the moment like me.
By the time my phone vibrates, the sun has already fully risen over the horizon. Pulling it from my pocket, I swipe the screen and open the message.
My wife: Are you okay? xx
Me: Just on my way back, took Aspen to watch the sunrise.
My wife: Okay, love you, see you in a bit <3
Me: Love you too xx
I stand up and hook the lead to Aspen’s collar.
“Let’s go home, girl.”
Before I’m even through the door, Jessica throws herself at me, her arms wrapping around my neck. She holds onto me for dear life, and I don’t have the heart to pull away. I feel Caleb’s heat at my back as he embraces me from behind.
“You okay?” he asks, the concern in his voice unmistakable.
I nod. “Yeah. I was just clearing my head. I’d really like us all to watch a sunrise together when I’m better,” I say, but there’s an uncertainty there, one I don’t have the strength to hide, not today anyway.
“That sounds lovely,” Jessica says, looking up at me through her long lashes, her eyes glistening.
“Whatever you want,” Caleb agrees, his chin resting on my shoulder.
Jessica reaches up and cups my cheek. I hate seeing her so worried and having no way of easing her concerns.
“You’re going to be fine, Noah,” she says, full of conviction. “And we’ll be right here for you, every step of the way. Okay?”
I smile, how can I not, her faith in the surgery going well and my recovery is resolute.
“Thank you,” I say, reaching for her hand and kissing the inside of her wrist.
She blushes even though I know she’s a nervous wreck inside. She’s so strong and I am so proud to call her mine—ours.
“I’m going to drop off Aspen,” Caleb says, kissing my throat. “I won’t be long.”
I turn, catching his lips with mine. He kisses me back with the same desperation I feel before his mouth leaves mine to kiss Jessica.
When they part, he looks at me intently, before turning and whistling for Aspen.
She comes up to me, shoving her snout into my upper thigh.
“It’s okay girl, I’ll see you tomorrow.” I rub her behind her ear before Caleb and her leave the way I came.
“What about her bowls?” I ask, spotting them still in her pet feeder.
Jessica smiles. “Maggie got her a set for when she’s over for their doggy sleepovers,” she says.
I shake my head. “Of course she did, that woman spoils her,” I reply.
She lets out a soft chuckle. “And you don’t?”
Yeah, okay, she’s got me there. “Well, in my defence, don’t we all?” I finally concede.
Jessica nods before wrapping her arms around me and resting her cheek on my chest.
“We do. She deserves the best.”
