Page 85 of Faking Ties

Minnie pickedus before we had a chance to meet any of the other dogs in the shelter. She strode up to us and pushed her entire weight into Elodie’s legs, doing what I’ve learned is the greyhound lean.

She’s all black with a white underside and a strip of white from her nose up to between her eyes. When Elodie heard her history, how she trained to race but broke her foot and was placed into a crate with barely any food or water for over a week, she was sold.

My teammates should arrive within an hour, as well as the food I paid three times more for to get lastminute. But it’s worth it, since I don’t have to cook or spend any time away from Elodie.

Aria and Nina are napping in my guest room, Jake ran home to change, and the scent of brownies fills the air. Elodie insisted on making some since the caterer could only provide the main meal and sides.

Elodie’s on the couch, Minnie’s head in her lap, and she’s working on something with string. I lean over the back of the couch and hug her from behind, kissing her cheek.

“What are you working on?” I ask.

“A surprise.” She tilts her head back and grins. “You good?”

“I’m always good when you’re here.”

She gives me a soft smile. “I’m so happy I stayed.”

“Told you it’d be fun.”

“What’s the fear you’ll be tackling as a team today?”

“Honestly, I don’t think tonight counts toward anything.”

“Is that why you expect people to not show up?” she asks.

“Yeah, it’s not mandatory. I’m sure they have better things to do with their time.”

“They’ll be here.”

“How can you be so confident?” I ask.

“Because, you’re you.” She knots the string in her hands. “Worst case, why don’t you have Jake act like he’s afraid of dogs and you can work on that fear tonight.”

I laugh. “I’ll need to pick someone besides Jake. He grew up on a farm and is a natural around animals.”

“Interesting,” she says. “I never would’ve guessed that about him.”

“Yeah, I think he’s worked hard on cultivating his current image.”

Elodie nods and continues to work with the string. I sit next to her, absorbed with whatever she’s doing. When she’s done, she beams at me and takes my hand in hers.

“My mom and I used to make these bracelets to help ground us during the day.” She points to the navy, frayed woven bracelet on her wrist. “It’s always helped me when I was nervous or anxious. A way to connect to her, even if we were apart.” She fastens a green-and-blue bracelet, one she just made, around my wrist. “I hope this helps you too.”

I rub my fingers over the V-pattern, admiring it. It’s the most thoughtful gift anyone has ever given me.

“I know it’s not much,” she says, “and it clashes with your Rolex, but… Yeah, now that I’m thinking about it, I think this might’ve been the stupidest idea ever. You can cut it off and not wear it.” She rubs at her eyes. “This is my first gift to you and it’s string? You gave me diamonds and I?—”

I kiss her, effectively shutting her up. My hands cup her cheeks, and I pour everything I can into this kiss—gratitude, passion, and love. My thumbs trace over her pounding pulse in her neck. After endless moments, Ilet the kiss grow tender, savoring the warmth and softness of her.

“It’s perfect,” I whisper. “Thank you.”

Her lips brush against mine. “You sure?”

I pull back a little more so that I can see her eyes. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”

Her gaze softens, and?—

“Are you two dressed?” Nina asks, hand covering her eyes.

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