The call ended and Providence turned to Dakota. “We can’t stay locked in the house forever.”
“I know, babe.”
“My mom and dad are having a small dinner party tomorrow to celebrate her recovery. They’d love for us to come. Miranda is invited, too. My sister and Leigh will be there. I think we should consider going. My sister is socializing a puppy they hope will become a guide dog for a visually impaired person. Sammy would have a blast with Beacon.” Providence’s sweet smile was like water on a raging inferno. It tamped down on his burning frustration, but it didn’t extinguish it.
“I’ll give it some thought.”
“Getting out for a few hours would do us good. I can’t imagine Lizzie making a move with so many people around.”
That night, as Dakota kept watch over his loved ones, he acknowledged that he had to do something to get his life back on track.Maybe Providence is right. We’ve got to get out of here.
He climbed the stairs, checked on Sammy, and walked down the hallway to his bedroom. After stripping off his clothes, he got into bed. Providence rolled toward him and lay her head on his chest.
“You’re right,” he said. “Tell your folks we’ll see them tomorrow.”
“Sammy will be so excited.”
“I’ll see if Marcus can cover us.”
She kissed him. “I’ll bring my Glock with me.” Then, she lay back down and snuggled close.
“We’ll get through this and come out stronger for it,” he said as he held her close.
But, those words fell flat. Dakota was a man of action and a man who always had a plan. This time, he was neither.
28
Dakota’s Bad-Ass Queen
The following evening, Sammy beamed as she was introduced to Beacon. Seeing her like that gave him hope that they could find their way back to normal. She patted the dog, then listened to Megan explain why Beacon lived with her and Leigh.
Her smile fell away. “You don’t get to keep him?”
“Right. We help him to be the best puppy he can be, then we pass him along to someone else.”
“I would be sad if I had to give my dog away.”
“We like helping other people, so if Beacon gets to live with a person who has trouble seeing or can’t see at all, that makes us happy,” Leigh explained. “He becomes their eyes and their partner to help them for years and years.”
Sammy grew silent for a few beats. “That’s good.”
Leigh tied the rope around the handle of the refrigerator and everyone watched as Beacon tugged open the door. After applause, Megan pulled a toy from her bag and Beacon’s tail swished back and forth.
“I’m going to take her out back and play with her,” Megan said. “Sammy, would you like to come with me?”
“Okay!”
“Can I come, too?” Providence asked.
Sammy slipped her hand into Providence’s. “Of course, everyone is included.”
Heather said, “I love that, Sammy. That was such a kind thing to say.”
Dakota stayed behind with Providence’s mom and dad. “How are you feeling?” he asked Heather.
“Good as new.” She studied his face. “How areyoudoing?”
He hesitated, unsure how much of the truth he wanted to reveal to them. “We’re holding up.”
