She reached out a hesitant hand to stroke his head. “I like it. God knows I love sharp instruments. So I did good?”
“Yeah. Really good. I don’t have words for how much.”
The puppy sneezed, making her laugh. “He’s going to need training. I hope you’re up to the task.”
Hugging Spike to his chest, he felt like his whole life was complete. “When have I ever fallen short?”
“Never. But he’s a puppy. You’re going to need to watch him. Also, I’m not going to sleep with him in our bed.”
Our bed.
God, could this day get any better?
“Don’t worry. We’re on the same page.”
The puppy lurched for her. He let Spike go, laughing as the little guy licked Madison’s face, making her fidget at first. But in the end, she was laughing and hugging him to her chest too, her golden eyes filled with warmth. She might havebrought him a puppy to love, but he had a feeling she needed one too.
“How about we all sit down and finish our movie?”
“That sounds great,” she said, cuddling the puppy.
When they settled onto the couch, Madison was lying against his chest this time, Spike crawling all over them.
Like a family, he thought.
Which he realized was all he’d ever really wanted.
