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Lost in her own romantic fantasy, she twirls around, ignoring my common sense.
“Pete can be the flower boy.”
Now she has me laughing again. “Which is perfect since he already has a tuxedo.”
“I know, right? He needs a top hat and a basket too!”
“Of course he does.”
A yawn I can’t stifle despite my amusement bursts out of me. “I’m sorry Chels but I need to get some sleep.”
“Can I take a nap with you? I missed you so much and I don’t want to be away from you.”
The request is so earnest and genuine, I can’t refuse. “Sure, come on.”
After a quick clap, she loops her arm in mine, and we stroll like an old movie couple to the bedroom. Pete races past us and jumps on the mattress. So much for Titan’s dog bed idea.
The clinking of his collar puzzles me. I’ve never heard that sound before. I rub around the nylon and find a tag hanging from the tiny metal hook. I read the inscription.
Pete’s name is on the front. The back has Titan and my name plus his address.
Our address.
“Titan had me get that for my nephew in case he gets lost. He also fixed this.”
She reaches into her pocket and yanks out a folded paper.
“It’s for his chip. Now we’re registered with them so if he’s found and it’s scanned, he’ll come home.”
Home.
Unaware of the impact her description has on me, she hands me the document, climbs next to Pete, and snuggles under the covers. He flops down beside her, burrowing his snout into her neck. Her laughter echoes through the room while I stand here staring at the form in my hand.
I want to be furious. He has no right to take over our lives or responsibility for Pete’s care. Yet in his own overbearing way he’s given me what I’ve always desired.
Permanence.
I have a home.
I have an address.
I have stability and security and safety.
Unless he changes his mind.
Chelsea is right. He’s always mad about something. His temper gets the best of him—then he gets over it. He really seems remorseful. I have no idea what to do.
“Come on.”
Chelsea motions for me.
I guess the only thing I can do is get some rest too. I lie down with Pete nestled between us. He’s the perfect cuddle buddy. Despite my head spinning with thoughts for and against Titan, sleep sucks me under quickly with their snores shutting out everything else.
Titan
In the fading sunlight, our security is much more visible this time. Doesn’t matter. Neither of us trusts the other one so no sense in playing games.
I follow the same pattern as last time and climb out of my vehicle alone. He waits much less patiently this time, crossing his arms as I approach. I don’t receive the deferential head bob either. Bastard’s really pushing his luck.
