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That had been my only goal.
Now, I had so much more to lose. I had people and dogs I loved.
Before, I’d only had my pride.
I’d learned that wasn’t so important.
Grey Paws wasn’t a building. We could relocate anywhere and we’d still be us. But I didn’t want to give up what we’d built.
I’d grown to love this city. It had given me a second chance. A place to grow and become the person I wanted to be.
In reality, it was Miss Adeline who had done that.
This was her home. I wouldn’t let someone take it away. Not without a fight.
“We winged it.” Teague’s gruff voice was in my ear. “That’s why I always got in trouble at the station. I couldn’t stick to a plan.”
He slung his arm over my stomach.
“Because most of the time no plan in the world can prepare us for real life.” I snuggled farther under the covers.
“I was reckless tonight.”
“You did what you should have done all along.” While there was a weight of fear from the uncertainty pressing down on me, I was relieved Teague was no longer bound by the strings of his father.
“He’s going to retaliate. And it won’t be against just me.”
“I’m scared.” I didn’t feel any better admitting that out loud. I felt weak.
“Me too.”
I flipped on my side to face him. “You are?”
“I don’t know what he’s going to do. And I won’t be able to stop it.” He rolled over so we were nose to nose.
Sadie was on the pillows above us. Muffy and Ash were at the foot of the bed.
If it weren’t for the dark cloud looming over our heads, things would be pretty perfect.
“I hate you ever went to work for him.”
He absently rubbed circles on my back. “I should’ve sucked it up and kept going. I should’ve been stronger for you.”
“No,” I said sharply. “He put you in an impossible position. I appreciate that you stood up for us.”
Teague very easily could’ve said screw it and left us to fend for ourselves. And we could make it without him. But it was getting harder and harder to picture life without him around.
“I’ve never quit before.”
I touched his arm. “You aren’t. You’re doing what’s right.”
“What’s right is protecting you.”
My heart clenched. Miss Adeline was the only other person who’d ever put me first. It still caught me off guard that he did.
“Not if you’re miserable.”
He stilled his hand. “Have you slept at all?”
