‘I promise you that this isforever,’ Max said, sincerity in his every word.
The pair of them embraced and with the sound of excited dogs barking from the playroom, Max even gave Channing’s butt a quick spank.
But it wasn’t the time or the place to get too frisky.
It was time to have some fun with the dogs!
As Channing played catch and hide with a young spaniel called Rossy, he paused and took a moment to consider how lucky he was that Max walked back into his life when he did.
Max was a one-of-a-kind Daddy.
Not only was he donating the race winnings, but Max had also told Channing that he was beginning work atBark Buddiesas an official employee starting on Monday.
Channing loved how Max had found his happy place.
Together, the pair of them were both in a brilliant place in their lives. Maybe it was timing that had finally aligned perfectly, but as far as Channing could see, there was no reason why him and Max wouldn’t be together forever.
The pair of them had both grown and changed, while at the same time stayed true to what made them such special individuals too.
Channing knew this was a moment to be cherished.
The sight of Max romping around the playroom with a pack of Golden-Doodles chasing after him was pretty much one of the most wholesome things Channing had ever seen in his life.
And the best thing of all was that from now on, this would be Max’s life every day.
Channing felt happy for Max.
It had been a long journey for him to reach this point, but now he was here it was clear that Max would have no reason to look elsewhere in life for thrills and excitement.
Max had it all, and Channing was proud to be a big part of that package.
But if Channing thought that Max was done with the surprises for the day, then it was time to think again…
‘Hey, baby boy, come over here,’ Max said, beckoning Channing over toward him. ‘We’ve got something to say to you.’
‘We?’ Channing replied, suddenly seeing the adorably chunky Tracker padding over toward Max.
‘Yep. Here’s the thing,’ Max said. ‘You know how I don’t do impulsive stuff anymore?’
‘Uh-huh…’
‘Well, not quite,’ Max laughed. ‘Tracker askedreallynicely if he could come to live with us on a trial basis. He even promised not to slobber over your plant-based cookbooks! So?’
Channing giggled and squealed with delight.
Max had changed but he still clearly had his impulsive side working underneath the surface too. And Channing was okay with that. In fact, as far as the idea of giving Tracker a trial run at the apartment was concerned, Channing was delighted!
‘Well it looks like I’m cooking dinner for three tonight!’ Channing laughed, playfully cuddling Tracker. ‘And I couldn’t be happier about it. I think you’re going to love it with us, Tracker. I think weallare.’
* * *
When it came to the evening, it was very much time to celebrate. After all, it’s not very often you declare your true love, get a major promotion, and adopt a dog all on the same day.
For Channing, it had been a momentous day in his life.
Suddenly everything felt like it was truly coming together for him in a way that hadn’t always seemed possible. His professional life was on track, his love life was soaring, and he had just welcomed a wonderful dog into his family too.
Speaking of wonderful dogs…
