Page 83 of The Geography of Happiness

“I figured he might brighten Hannah’s morning,” Spencer explained, as if the sight hadn’t just melted my fucking heart.

I stared gobsmacked at the cute-as-fuck pup, then turned to Spencer but couldn’t find the words to express how grateful I was. It was the most perfect thing he could’ve done for Hannah, and she was going to love him for it.

Once Miller realised it was me, he bounded over, and I dropped to the floor so I could love on him. Spencer dropped at my side and we chuckled at the dog’s excited antics and delighted yelps at having us both down at his level.

A half minute later, Gabby appeared, drawn by the smell and sound of another dog, and Miller did all the right things, behaving meekly while Gabby inspected him from top to tail. When she was happy that Miller offered no threat, Gabby setabout giving him a good licking and then headed back to Hannah’s bedroom with Miller in hot pursuit.

Hannah’s delighted squeal echoed through the house just seconds later and Spencer helped me to my feet. “You go. I’ll heat up her hot chocolate and bring the plate of food.”

I went up on my toes and pressed a kiss to his lips. “I keep on saying this because you keep on doing such wonderful things, but thank you, again... for everything. You’re a good man, Spencer Thompson.”

He smiled and cupped my cheek. “Who knows, maybe we can be good together, given time.”

“Maybe.” I hesitated, then stepped back, knowing he wasn’t going to be happy at my next words. “Zach’s coming at ten to take us to the clinic and then back to the station.” I winced at the hurt that flashed in Spencer’s eyes. “I don’t want you missing work. You’ve done enough. If Bradley clears Hannah to fly, then Luke’s taking us to Christchurch either this afternoon or tomorrow.”

“Then make it tomorrow?” Spencer said hopefully. “That way I can swing by and see you this afternoon or this evening before you go.”

I shook my head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” I took both his hands in mine and lost myself in those beautiful brown eyes. “I’ve had the best time this week and it’s all down to you, but my life right now has to be focused on Hannah. And just four days ago you were happily enthralled with your own single life. That’s too fast a turnaround for anyone, Spencer, even without the fact we live over a thousand kilometres apart, and soon to be more. Liking each other, even with potential, simply doesn’t cut it.”

“But—”

I stayed him with a hand to his chest. “You opened my eyes and I’m grateful for that. I don’t want to lose your friendshipbecause we dared to dream outside the lines. Please. Let’s not drag this out.”

I saw the battle rage in Spencer’s eyes, the arguments come and go, until eventually the fire left him and he nodded. “All right. We’ll do it your way.” He stepped in and slid both hands around my neck. “And in case I don’t get to do this again...” He pulled me up onto my toes and lowered his mouth to mine in the sweetest, most heart-breaking kiss I’d ever felt—his lips brushing back and forth before slowly firming against mine, a soft hum of pleasure rumbling in his throat, the sound of my heart breaking just a little in the background.

“Dad!” Hannah’s voice echoed through the house, startling us apart. “He’s beautiful. Can we keep him?”

I rested my forehead against his lips and chuffed. “I better go.”

He nodded. “I’ll bring breakfast in for both of you. And your tea.”

My tea.

You deserve to have what you want.

If only it were that easy.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

One month later

Thursday

Spencer

“It wasn’t Gabby’s fault,”Hannah insisted, her bright eyes sparkling into the camera. “Molly’s cat is a little bitch. She bit my hand, and when I squealed, Gabby barked at her. Just one bark.One. Not even growly. Just akeep away from me and my girlkind of bark, which is what she’s supposed to do if something hurts me. But Molly’s mum went all crazy lady on me and I’m not allowed to take Gabby back there anymore.”

“Don’t say crazy lady.” Terry appeared in the doorway behind Hannah and I stifled a laugh.

With her back to her dad, Hannah rolled her eyes.

“I saw that.” Terry grinned at Hannah’s back. “Two more minutes, then I need you to help with dinner soIcan say hi to Spencer.” He shot me a wink over Hannah’s shoulder.

“Fine,” Hannah grumbled, then turned her to back me. “We better do it then.”

I didn’t need to ask what she was talking about because we did the same thing every time I called, which was most days—okay, pretty much every day before or after dinner, except for Hannah’s dance class nights—and yes, I had those marked on my calendar. And if I couldn’t call, I texted or sent photos or a silly meme. Yes, indeedy. I was doing really well with that whole keeping it to a friendship deal that Terry and I had agreed to.

End result—it wasn’t just Terry and I talking. Hannah and I had also been talking... a lot. She was a great kid. The bruising around her knee had taken a couple of weeks to clear and she was back using her elbow crutches. That said, I didn’t miss the wince every time she had to manoeuvre in or out of a chair, meaning pain was still an issue for her. My heart hurt for the kid.

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