Page 12 of George’s Big Day

“Don’t even kid. You know you’re perfect for me. That’s why I’m marrying you.”

“I need convincing.”

“Annoying man,” he griped before he lifted to kiss me.

I kissed him breathless, and when I finally eased back, he leaned with me, keeping the contact, until I smiled.

“You’re awful,” he pronounced.

“You are less than believable at this moment,” I ribbed him as he slipped his hand up my nape and into my hair.

He suddenly chuckled.

“What?”

Tipping his head, I turned mine so we were both looking at Freki, who was sitting and holding my crutch.

“I wondered why I didn’t hear that hit the ground,” he said smiling. “You’re lucky he caught that.”

“I knew he would,” I told him. “He’s a good boy.”

“Plus you’ve got him trained to catch all kinds of things these days.”

“Yep, Frisbees, tennis balls, cooked spaghetti, French fries––”

“You shouldn’t give him––”

“––an umbrella so he doesn’t get wet if it starts to rain on our walks, the broom when I forget to grab the dust pan, that drone that asshole from three doors down sent into the yard. Big mistake when he flew it too low.”

“Yes, you and your dog are quite ferocious.”

“Hey, don’t forget Geri,” I said, and when I did, I noted Freki’s brother wagging his tail. “He can catch things too. He caught my favorite beer when I accidentally knocked the bottle off the counter. Both of them have amazing reflexes.”

Kurt smiled at me.

“What? They do.”

He sighed deeply. “They do, yes.”

“Then what’s with the smile like I’m crazy?”

“You’re not crazy and I’m so happy you’re home.”

“Me too. Especially since I wasn’t aware that Baylor was on the prowl.”

Huff of breath then. “Listen to me, all kidding aside, Baylor has not made any other advances or––”

“I don’t want him at the wedding.”

“Okay,” he agreed without a moment’s hesitation.

“Are you sure?”

“Of course I’m sure.”

“And I don’t think he should be invited back to game night. Nobody seems to like him.”

Warm chuckle. “Yeah, I’m getting that.”