Page 62 of The Billionaire's Pawfect Match

“It won’t be easy…” I start to admit, trailing off as I acknowledge all the hurdles we have yet to overcome. The world of high society, his business, my commitment to the dogs, our own individual issues that are sure to rear their heads again… a mountain range of challenges that will test us, time and again.

“I know,” he acknowledges, gently taking my hand in his. His fingers trace the lifeline etched across my palm. “But we’re stronger than we were before. We’ve learned from past mistakes. We’ve become resilient.”

His words, so full of assurance, soothe the storm that’s been brewing in my heart. I gaze into his eyes, shimmering blue-green pools reflecting a lifetime worth of shared dreams, and I see a truth that I’d been too afraid to accept.

We’re still incomplete, still healing, but together we might find a way through. His presence is like a harbor that shields me from the storm; the lighthouse guiding me back when I get lost in the choppy waters of doubt.

Isaac steps closer, his arms wrapping around me. I sigh, sinking into his embrace as his lips press against mine. It’s the perfect kiss, the perfect moment.

Until Baxter starts barking his head off.

Isaac sighs and shakes his head. “I love that dog, but I can’t pretend to not be annoyed at that.”

I giggle, partly at him, partly at what Baxter is doing. “Look.”

He’s in play pose, front lowered and tail wagging, fixated on a caramel-colored puppy in a pen.

“He wants to play.” Before I can say anything else, Baxter pulls his leash out of Isaac’s hand and runs over to the puppy.

He shoves his snout through a hole in the pen and carefully licks the puppy, one too small to even bark properly. My breath catches in my throat. Baxter has never been this gentle, this attentive.

“Looks like he’s made a friend,” Isaac observes, a smile playing on his lips. He kneels down, not caring that his suit pants brush against the kennel floor. “What do you think? Should we take this little guy home?”

I hesitate, biting my lip. The idea of more responsibility looms large in my mind. “Do you really have time for a puppy, Isaac?” I ask, doubt lacing my voice.

He looks up at me, eyes earnest. “I’ll make time. It’s different now, Emily. Everything’s different with you.”

The puppy yips, a tiny sound that tugs at my heartstrings. I want him. I can’t deny it. If Isaac doesn’t take him, I might just…

“Let’s raise him together, Em.” Isaac’s words are soft but powerful. “Together in my place. What do you say?”

“Are you asking me…”

He stands. “I know it’s fast. Maybe a little crazy, but yes. Will you move in with me?” He grins. Takes my hands in his. “Move in with me and raise this puppy?”

A thousand thoughts race through my head. Change is scary. But change brought me to Isaac. To this moment. To love.

“Okay,” I breathe, the word more a feeling than a sound. “Yes. I would love to.”

His face lights up with a joy that echoes through me. Our lips meet, a kiss that seals the promise of new beginnings.

“Yes,” I say again, stronger this time, as Baxter and the puppy play at our feet.

This is yes to the puppy. Yes to Isaac. Yes to a future where we build something beautiful together.

EPILOGUE

EMILY

Stepping into the penthouse, I breathe in the familiar smells of home — lemongrass, the lingering scent of bacon from this morning, and just the slightest hint of wet dog. But, hey. That’s my life.

And I love it.

It’s been a whole year since this place became ours — mine and Isaac’s. A year since Baxter found his unlikely best friend in Hurley, our rambunctious rescue puppy. So much has changed, but life has only gotten better. With my business growing, I left the coffee shop months ago. And even though Isaac likes to remind me that I don’t have to work — he has more than enough money to cover our needs and wants — he also knows how important it is to me. I need to help dogs like I need the sun.

“Hey, guys,” I call out softly.

The jingle of collars is my greeting as two sets of paws pad across the sleek hardwood floor. Baxter, ever the dignified older brother, nuzzles against my leg while Hurley, all clumsyenthusiasm, jumps up to lick my face. I laugh, a sound that seems too loud in the quiet expanse of our home.

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