AllFreeNovel
Share Us
My gaze moves from the box to him. “It’s PJs, right?”
He smirks. “Wrong. Open it.”
I tear off the paper and open the box. When I see what’s inside, confusion fills me. “I don’t understand.” Inside is a dog harness and a leash. “Is this for Mel’s dog?”
Chase’s smile widens, but he doesn’t say anything. My dad walks in, carrying a huge dog bed. I look from it to him, then to Chase.
“Oh my God.” My hands fly over my mouth, tears filling my eyes. “Did you get me a dog?”
The doorbell rings, and Chase grabs my hand, leading me to it. “We have a special surprise from Santa.” He plucks the Santa hat from my dad’s hand as we pass, letting go of my hand long enough to put it on. “Are you ready for your present?”
I nod, tears spilling down my cheeks. I’ve wanted a dog for so long, but I’m terrified I’m wrong, so I don’t say anything.
Chase whips open the door and there stands Jeff and Melody. But my gaze immediately lands on Delilah, who squirms and whines the second she sees me.
“Oh, shit. Delilah.”
Chase grabs Delilah from Jeff. As soon as he turns toward me, Delilah lunges for me, her pink tongue licking over my face as her big paws land on my shoulders.
I take her from Chase, sobbing as I press my face against her soft fur.
“Please tell me she’s mine,” I finally rasp.
“She’s ours, but mostly yours,” Chase says in a low tone. His voice cracks from emotion, drawing my attention. “I saw the bond between the two of you in the shelter, and I knew I had to get her for you. I was going to ask Jeff’s parents if they minded, but then Mike asked us to move in….”
I kiss the top of Delilah’s head, my eyes on Chase. “Thank you.”
He leans over, wrapping his arms around me and Delilah. “My pleasure, angel. But seeing the happiness on your face is all the thanks I need.”
My dad comes over. “Hey, Jeff and Mel. Come on in.” Turning to Delilah, he immediately begins petting and loving on her, earning himself a bunch of dog kisses. He laughs, relishing in it.
“Why don’t we see if Delilah likes her bed?” Chase whispers.
Nodding, I set her down on the floor. She begins sniffing around, her nails tapping against the hardwood floor. She makes her way into the living room, long ears nearly dragging on the ground. Heading to the bed, she sniffs it, then climbs on it and plops down.
The five of us laugh, gathering around her. I immediately bend down, petting her.
“I don’t know if Delilah can open presents, but I wrapped it anyway.” Chase hands me another present from beneath the tree. I move it toward Delilah, who sniffs it and then begins biting at the paper, making us laugh.
Chase squats beside me. “The shelter says she’s four years old. She’ll have toys and treats to open tomorrow, but I did get her a dog stocking and put some things in it for her to have tonight.”
Meeting his eyes, I grab the back of his neck, pulling him in for a kiss. “You’re so damn thoughtful, Chase. Delilah and I are lucky ladies to have you.”
“I’m the lucky one, Kenz.”
“I need to go check on Smokey. He’s in the car.” Melody’s voice comes from behind me and I turn around.
“Do Smokey and Delilah get along? I’d be fine with him coming in for a visit if you wanna hang out.”
I look over at my dad, who nods. “I love dogs, so I’m cool with it.”
A wide grin is on Jeff and Mel’s faces. “Let’s go get him.”
Ten minutes later, Smokey and Delilah are curled in their respective beds, covered by a blanket, toys strewn around them as they snooze by the fireplace. My dad, Chase, and I are in our pajamas, a Christmas movie on the television that none of us are paying attention to because we’re too busy talking and laughing. A plate of cookies and candy is set on the coffee table.
“Anyone need a refill?” Chase asks.
“When everyone agrees, I get to my feet. “I’ll help you.”
