Page 121 of Feels Like Love
River wriggled around. I swear the kid rarely sat still. I’d asked Wren about it once, and she’d told me he’d always been this way. When she was pregnant, it often felt like he was doing cartwheels. Would our baby be just as wild? Just as unique and crazy and fun?
“Mom?”
“We were, um, working on a surprise for you,” she said.
“Anyway…” Wren fluffed one of the throw pillows. “What should we do today, fam?”
I grinned.Fam.
River was still stuck on the surprise thing. “What kind of surprise? Something for my birthday?”
If she stopped taking the pill, we might have a surprise for River by his birthday. A little brother or sister.
“Mm-hmm.” Wren nodded. “Yep.”
“Is it a dog?” He glanced to me. “I’ve always wanted a dog.”
“Really?” I feigned ignorance. “I had no idea.”
He’d only told me a thousand times every day for the past few months. Asking me questions about caring for a pet. The best breeds of dogs. Everything under the sun. If he kept it up, he was going to be more of an expert than me.
“I’ve been saving.”
Wren and I glanced at each other. “Really?” I asked. That was news to me.
“Yeah. I know dogs aren’t cheap. There’s the food. Toys. Vet appointments.”
I nodded, impressed. “Where’d you get the money?”
“Grandma pays me to help her with small tasks around the bookstore.”
“Nice.” I ruffled his hair.
“Yeah, Riv. I’m proud of you,” Wren said. “And Bennett and I think you’re ready to handle the responsibility of caring for a dog.”
River’s head whipped around so fast, I nearly laughed. “Wait. What? Are you serious?”
She nodded, biting back a smile. “Yep.”
We’d talked about getting him a dog in the past but mostly in vague terms. She’d asked me to keep an eye out for any dogs I thought would be a good fit. And last night, we’d both agreed that he was ready for the responsibility, and it would be good for him.
“But it’s not even my birthday!” He squealed.
“I know.” She laughed. “But I think you’re ready. And Bennett was telling me about this cute new puppy we think you’ll love.”
“Really?” He started jumping up and down on the couch, singing, “I’m getting a dog! I’m getting a dog!”
I glanced at Wren, and she mouthed, “I love you.”
I leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Love you too, baby.”
The rest of the day flew by. We went to the shelter and adopted our new puppy as a family. River was in heaven and named her Toodles. We were all in love with the little French bulldog, even Wren. She kept photographing the pup and River, following the two of them around with her camera.
After a quick trip to the pet store, we headed over to Wren’s parents’ house to introduce them to our newest family member. Liam’s truck was out front. My stomach was filled with dread at the prospect of confronting him, but I knew it was something that needed to be done. This had gone on long enough.
I followed Wren and River into the backyard, rubbing my palms on my thighs. I wanted this to go well. I needed it to. As much for my sake as for Wren’s.
“Uncle Liam! Look what we got!” River held up the puppy. Liam smiled, but then he spotted me and frowned.
