“It’s still a thousand more than the other. I did like the mud mats and the trailer hitch the other salesman threw in,” Addyson said softly. “Of course, it’s up to you.”
Liam pretended to contemplate the idea when Tom suddenly added, “I’m sure we can get the mud mats and a trailer hitch. I can check with my boss.”
Addyson blinked at Liam. “It’s your vehicle. It’s important you like it.”
Liam’s eyes twinkled as he kissed her forehead.
“I’ll take this one,” he told Tom. “Do you think you can have the paperwork ready to sign around five?”
“We can do it now,” Tom insisted.
“I’ll pick it up on our way home. I’m taking Addy to the zoo,” he informed him. “I’ll do everything for the credit check, and you can text me to keep me posted.”
Twenty minutes later, he rose from the chair, still holding Addyson’s hand. She drove them to the zoo, and they stood in line as Liam purchased two tickets.
“I believe I underestimated you,” Liam said, pulling her close.
“I believe we’re even,” she said. “I returned the favor of you saving me money.”
Liam stopped at the concession stand and ordered two hot dogs and drinks. “Shall we review the map and decide where to go?”
“No. Sometimes, I think you can let go and see what happens,” she said, biting into her hot dog.
Liam used a napkin to wipe the mustard from her face. “I’m enjoying this,” he admitted. “You surprise me on a daily basis.”
“I’m surprising myself,” she confessed. “Why don’t we start with the monkeys?”
Liam sipped his drink as she finished her food. Taking her hand, he said, “Let’s go. I heard these otters have something special.”
* * *
The following day,Cole brought Apollo, Liam’s K-9, into the training area. As soon as he unclasped the leash, the dog ran toward Liam.
“Hey, boy,” he said, giving him a warm pat on his butt. “Let’s show Cole what we can do,” Liam said as he gave the dog a hand signal.
Immediately, he obeyed, sitting and peering up at Liam for his next command.
“Wow, I’m impressed,” Cole said as he closed the gate. “You’ve practiced the signals.”
“We can’t afford to waste time when we spin up. I want him under my command by the time we leave,” Liam explained.
“I hoped you might say that,” Cole admitted. “It’s time you took him home and practiced with him around the clock. We need to see any weak areas.”
“I’m game. What about him hanging around other dogs? I’ve spent some time with Addy, I mean Addyson, and she has Zeus returning home today. She’s picking him up after she gets off work. They called her in to handle a difficult admission,” Liam said, passing Apollo a treat for good behavior.
“Introduce them slowly. Zeus has an injury. He might not take kindly to having a new dog in his territory when he’s feeling vulnerable,” Cole advised as Liam prepped Apollo to find the hidden items.
“How are Brody and Brownie doing?” Liam asked.
Shaking his head, Cole pushed from the gate and walked toward him. “I give up. Brownie won’t be joining the ranks of K-9. I’m training her to become a therapy dog for Stormy. She senses when Stormy’s having panic attacks. Leo gave her permission to bring her to work. Brody has become a traitor. I swear, I have to use my commanding voice to get him out of bed with my fiancée. Every morning, we feed them and take them out. If Stormy goes back to bed, he joins her. If I try to get on the bed, he scoots closer to her and refuses to let me get near her.”
Tilting his head back and laughing, Liam imagined the scene. Brody brought the couple together, and he knew Cole carried a soft spot for the dog. “I bet you’ll miss him when we spin up.”
“You aren’t kidding,” Cole said under his breath. “I’m working with Striker, and he’s caught up to Apollo. I’ll be bringing him with us. Stormy has solemnly vowed to stay strict with Brody while we’re gone. Archer will continue to train Tankand Zipper. I have four other dogs at various stages of training. Archer will act as the lead with them, and we have four veterans working on commands, cleaning stalls, helping with outdoor play, and watching them at night.”
“You’ve done a good job with them,” Liam complimented him. “Ready, Apollo?”
The dog gazed at him as he signaled for him to search. Apollo ran through the various scenarios Cole set up before they arrived. A minute later, he sat, indicating he discovered something. Liam checked the area and pulled out the first of many hidden tests.
