Page 95 of Lorcan
“Obviously none for the dogs.” Carter took his mug. “Thanks, sweetheart.”
Lorcan took his and then I snagged mine. “Yes, Torah gave me an exhaustive list. But she’s allowed baby carrots and broccoli, right?”
Rosebud yipped and Sheffield stirred.
Byron rolled his eyes. “I’ll be right back.” He eyed his pooches. “Stay.” He left.
“Did I say the wrong thing?” I sipped my hot chocolate.
Carter shrugged. “Depends on your perspective. To them, you uttered two of the best words ever. To Byron who is now going to get three little, uh, things? He might not be your biggest fan.” He grinned.
“Oh.”
“Like the T-word, right?” Lorcan met Carter’s gaze.
“Exactly. Although these three believe vegetables are the equivalents of those, so it’s all relative.”
“All right, my pretties.” Byron entered the room with a bit of a flourish.
All three dogs sat straighter.
He pointed to the spot before him.
Three dogs planted themselves before him.
One by one, he rolled a baby carrot off his fingers for each dog.
Serious crunching took place.
Byron met my gaze. “Try to watch what you say. They would’ve been fine without something, but we want to keep things quiet.”
“And now we know.” Lorcan smiled. “I’m so excited.” His words were barely above a whisper.
Mei, clearly realizing Byron wasn’t going to produce any other treats, headed back to Lorcan. Again, she leaned against him and gazed into his eyes.
He blinked. Repeatedly.
In that moment, many of my concerns slipped away. Yes, things were still going to be rough. Yes, like wasn’t always going to be this easy. Tonight, though, on this special eve, we could celebrate what our new family was going to look like.
We chatted amiably as we drank our hot chocolates and the dogs settled.
The snow was going to start up again soon, but I was hesitant to break the spell.
Still, I offered a broad grin. “We should be going.”
Carter pressed a finger to his lips, but nodded.
We all rose and headed to the front door. Lorcan and I put our coats back on while Carter put Mei’s on her.
I glanced at the men. “Torah suggested we just attach her leash and leave quietly.”
“No big goodbye. Yeah, she said that to us as well.” Carter linked his arm through Byron’s. “I just didn’t think it would be so hard.”
Byron kissed his husband’s temple. “We always agreed the goal was to get her into a good home.”
“I know.” Another sniff.
“This is the best home.”
