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I come up behind her, hunching beside her. I glance from the dog to Mackenzie. The dog gave me a cursory glance. While I studied the sign that was posted on the cage, the female basset hound named Delilah was riveted by Mackenzie. She came up to the glass and put a paw up against Mackenzie’s hand.
The shelter employee who greeted us when we came in stopped, her hand over her heart as she stared at Mackenzie and Delilah. “I’ve never seen her do that.”
I stand, motioning her away with a nod of the head. “I need to work on arrangements, but is anyone else interested in Delilah?”
“Unfortunately, she hasn’t had any interest in a while. There was a family some time ago, but they never came back.”
“Can I fill out an application but keep it a secret from my girlfriend?” I nod toward Mackenzie.
She smiles at me. “Of course. Give me your name and number. Think you can come back tomorrow to fill out the application?”
I look over at Mackenzie, who is cooing over Delilah. “Definitely. Can the two of them meet today?”
“Absolutely.”
88
CHASE
Mackenzie hums along with the Christmas carols I have playing from the Bluetooth speaker, smiling at her enthusiasm, which is a far cry from her subdued demeanor after we left Delilah at the shelter.
“Dad seemed to be doing okay, considering…” Mackenize looks up from the present she’s wrapping for her father, an anxious look in her eyes as she waits for confirmation.
“He does. I’m glad we’re going over there tonight.”
“Me too. I’m excited he suggested we spend the night.” Her eyes twinkle as she looks over at me. “I have a surprise for you when we get there.”
“Oh yeah?” I pull her against me, smiling down at her. “Will you give me a hint?”
“Nope. But I’m glad I decided to do this.” She gives me a kiss before pointing at the gift. “I need you to put your name on the label with mine. This one is from both of us.”
“Anything you want, angel. Is that why you had me drop you off at the store earlier?”
“Yup. That’s when I got the other present for you. I wrapped it while you were in the shower.”
I smirk at her, knowing she’ll think it’s over what happened when she joined me. But I have a better surprise for her later, having stopped at the shelter to fill out the application and visit with Delilah before getting Mackenzie from the store. “You mean before you surprised me by climbing in with me?”
She giggles. “I’ve never wrapped a gift so fast in my life. You don’t dawdle in the shower unless I’m in there with you.”
“I love showers together. For you, I’ll stay in there until my skin resembles a prune.”
She laughs. “Help me finish this before we get naked again. We need to be at Dad’s in thirty minutes.”
Mike sits across from us at the dinner table, a smile on his face. “I’m so glad you guys are here. This place feels like home again.” His smile falters, his eyes full of sorrow before he pushes it away. “I know it’s not a home cooked meal, but?—”
“Are you kidding, Dad? I love the steak from Texas Roadhouse. You got me all my favorites.” She gestured toward her plate. “Honestly, this is amazing. I’m so glad we get to spend Christmas Eve and Day with you.”
He holds up his glass of soda. “Me too. Let’s make a toast to being together on the most magical day of the year.”
“Here, here.” Mackenzie holds up her glass, bumping it against mine and then her dad’s. I clink my glass against his, a smile on my face.
After we’ve taken a drink, Mike clears his throat, looking at me. “I wanted to ask you both something.” He shoots Mackenzie a nervous smile, before shifting in his seat. “I was wondering if the two of you wanted to move back here. I promise, I won’t charge you rent. I just miss the two of you so?—”
“Oh my God! Are you serious?” Her eyes sparkle as she looks at him, then at me. My smile is wide, matching hers. I knew what Mike was going to ask because I talked to him on my way to the shelter. I’m hoping she says yes so I can text Jeff and tell him to bring Delilah here since they are picking up Smokey, the beagle Melody fell in love with.
Shoving her chair back, Mackenzie sprints around the table, throwing her arms around her dad. “Of course. I’d love that.” She hugs him tightly before pulling back and looking at me. “Oh, shit, Chase. I’m sorry. I’m being selfish. Are you okay with moving back here?”
“Of course.” I get up from the table, heading over to her. “I’d like nothing more.”
