Page 402 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

She smiles before looking back toward the swing set.

"I've been wondering what our baby will be like, for instance will this sweet thing have your patience."

I laugh. "I think you've confused me with someone else."

"You sat through eight weeks of physical therapy without throwing anything."

"I thought about it. I just liked my therapist."

Color warms her cheeks. "Professional ethics prevented me from commenting on that."

"They certainly tried."

She laughs, and I swear I'll never get tired of hearing that sound.

"What about you?" she asks. "Have you wondered?"

"Every day."

"What do you imagine?"

I lean against the half-finished frame, taking my time before answering.

"I hope our baby is kind."

Annette looks at me, surprised. "That's first?"

"It is."

"Not athletic?" I shake my head.

"Not brilliant?" "No."

She waits.

"I've met a lot of talented people." I glance toward the cabin where laughter and Sunday dinners have slowly become normal. "I've met a lot fewer people who make everyone around them feel safe and cared about."

Her fingers tighten around mine. "I'd like that."

"So would I."

***

Somewhere behind us the screen door creaks open again. Followed almost immediately by the unmistakable sound of eight enthusiastic paws racing across the deck. Courtesy of Toby at our wedding reception, Duke and Willow had wandered straight into our hearts. Somehow the two golden retriever puppies that Toby “borrowed” for our wedding never left—and the pair has ruled the cabin ever since. Apparently crashing our wedding reception had only been the beginning. Now two mostly grown-up golden retrievers have become our constant companions. Duke barrels straight toward us, Willow right on his heels as though both dogs still believe we invited them home on purpose.

Each is convinced they're the first to discover us this morning. "Well..." I laugh as Duke drops a slobbery tennis ball at my feet. "Apparently I'm needed."

Annette shakes her head. "He's completely adopted you."

"It's mutual."

Willow is different. Somewhere along the way, she quietly decided that Annette belongs to her. Whenever Annette sits, Willow settles nearby, never quite taking her eyes off her. I don't have the heart to argue. Annette smiles as Willow presses against her leg, absentmindedly scratching behind one soft ear. I watch Duke nudge Annette's hand while Willow remains faithfully at her side. "They've already decided that this baby's part of the pack."

***

Just then a truck door closes somewhere near the front of the cabin.

Annette glances toward the driveway. "They're early."