AllFreeNovel
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All the guests are outside, lining the street, waiting for the show the band has promised.
They’ve waited almost six months for their chance to prove themselves.
This is their redemption from the ass-kicking on July fourth.
We blend into the crowd, Rowan situating herself so my arms are wrapped around her.
“Ford?” Rowan’s grip tightens. “I don’t want to wound your pride or anything, but this fireworks celebration is already better than the last.”
“No argument here.”
The sky explodes with color, cheers sounding as a speaker blasts from somewhere playing Sayge’s music.
I’ll give the guys in the band credit. They put on a great show.
But in the end, we owned the contest.
“What has the fucking world come to?” Can’t miss the disappointment in Major’s tone.
“Damn shame,” Ace retorts.
“Never thought I’d see the day.” Talon covers his heart for emphasis.
I drink my beer, staying silent as I watch it play out in front of me. Harley and Rowan run around in little circles, squealing and clapping as our four-month-old puppy crouches down and chases.
After months of watching Rowan with Pepper, I knew she needed a dog.
Robbie and Ember explained how they adopted their dog, Blaze. They suggested I put Presley on the hunt. Within two weeks, she called with what she referred to as a ‘unicorn’.
A Belgian Malinois puppy came available for adoption. Being a veteran, my application went to the top of the list. The dog was ours if Rowan agreed.
I’d been around Malinois in the service, but she needed to know what we were getting into. The breed is energetic.
It’s also brilliant, loving, and protective.
We came home with him that night.
At four months, he is already shaping into a big dog.
Right now, you wouldn’t know it.
It’s not enough that Rowan babies him with most of her attention.
It’s worse.
Because, in this moment, in a yard blanketed in snow, my dog is leaping around in a goddamned fucking argyle sweater.
“I can’t watch. It’s a travesty.” Talon pretends to wipe a tear.
He’s grown close to Mack these two weeks since we brought him home.
Which is why I’m putting my friend and my dog out of misery.
“Hand me your knife.”
Talon tosses it, and I whistle loud, calling the dog. He sprints our way, uncertain who to leap on first.
Ace holds him while I slice the material down the middle and tear it from his body.
