Page 32 of A Furry Thing Called Love
“No, I know you’re not, that’s why I didn’t question you.I just wasn’t sure how you’d get around not having her in a crate.”I frown at the border collie.While on the small side, I highly doubt she’d fit in one of the crates that go under the seat.
“They’re not required to let therapy dogs through with no fees or issues, like service animals, but sometimes you get lucky.Today just happened to be my lucky day.She is truly trained as a therapy dog, and I’ve taken her to the children’s hospital when I’ve had time.”
I nod.“Makes sense.”
“It helps that I have documentation of her training, as well.It’s also why I keep her on a lead.I trust her enough, but I don’t trust other people.”
I agree with him.I don’t have Eli on a lead because it’s easier for him to walk beside me and for me to use my chair without one, but I have it close at hand if need be.Just because the patches on his vest say“Do not touch”,it doesn’t mean people actually listen.
“Are you excited?”
I shrug.“A little.It’s been a while since I’ve been on a plane, and never with Eli, so that’s a bit daunting, but I’m happy to be going with you.”
Jordan reaches for my hand, threading our fingers together.“I’m glad you are too.I can’t wait for you to meet Val and Luka, they’re going to love you.”
A fissure of worry runs through me, but having Jordan’s hand in mine helps.“I hope so.”
“They will.They know how important you are to me.”He glances at me, pink staining his cheeks from his confession.
I smile gently.“You’re important to me, too.”
Jordan squeezes my hand and I tighten my grip just a little, already dreading the moment I have to let go.
Chapter19
Jordan
I acceptArlo’s wheelchair from the flight attendant and push it out of the jetway into the terminal.Arlo follows behind with both dogs and his crutches in hand.Once we’re out of the way, he reattaches the holder onto the chair and slides the crutches inside.
“I’m going to walk,” he tells me.
“You sure?”
“Yeah.I need to stretch my legs.”He fiddles with his bag, pulling out Eli’s harness and strapping him in.
I bite my tongue to not ask him if he doesn’t want to at least use the forearm crutches, but it’s a near thing.From the look Arlo gives me, I don’t do much to hide my thoughts.
I understand wanting to walk.Even though we managed a direct flight, it was still long going from one side of the country to the other.I also feel the need to move around now.Still, I keep a close eye on him, because it’s in my nature to be a little protective.
I end up pushing the wheelchair while Arlo holds Indie’s lead as we navigate our way through the busy airport.We get to baggage claim, and I check in with Arlo.
“I’m fine.”He scowls.“If you’re going to be this annoying already, I’m going to muzzle you.”
Laughing, I turn to the conveyor belt and wait for our bags.“I’m sorry,” I tell him.“I’d just feel terrible if something happened to you.”
Arlo steps up to me, smiling gently.“I love that you care, but I need you to trust me, Jor.This is my life, my illness.I’ve dealt with it for a long time.I promise, I’ll let you know if I need something.”
I take a deep breath.“I’m being overbearing, aren’t I?”
“A little, but I know it’s because you care.”
“I do.”More than I can say.
The moment is too charged for an airport, so I go back to gathering our bags.
“I can pull mine,” Arlo says, reaching for it.
“I got it.”
