Page 51 of Safe With Me

Mutt barked his agreement. The dog had gotten way too attached to her.

“I let you out of the house, didn’t I?”

She leaned over and kissed his mouth. “You’ve been great these last few days,Pax. Though I don’t know why we haven’t made love. At least for me to get some exercise.”

“How about this? We’ll walk fast then maybe jog for a bit on the way back. If you promise not to go fast.”

Again Mutt barked and pulled on his leash.

“I promise.”

With the wind blowing their hair back, they walked quickly down the street. Mutt trotted beside him. They sped up by degrees then he said, “Time to turn around.”

“Can we jog back? I feel invigorated.”

“In a bit.”

Eventually, they jogged. Nearer to his house, he slowed down and took her hand. The morning was beautiful and it was warm for November. When they got to his porch, he said, “Sit, I’ll get us water.”

He came back with glasses and a bowl for Mutt. And something else. “Oh, my, gosh.Pax, what did you do?”

Sunshine, herfavoritedog at the Forever Friends, sat at her feet. She bent over and nuzzled her.

“Matt dropped her off while we were walking. I thought you deserved a Mutt of your own.”

She sat back grinning. He handed her a glass of water. They both took sips, but he didn’t sit right away. Instead he knelt down on one knee. She smiled at him, still not catching on.Paxpulled a small box out his pocket. Her eyes rounded like the full moon. “Dear Lord in heaven.”

He opened the box. Inside was a platinum band encrusted with jade and diamonds. “I didn’t think you’d want a regular diamond. This suits you.”

Tears came to her eyes. She grabbed his neck and kissed him hard. “It’s perfect.” She gestured to the dog and then to the outdoors. “Everything is.”

“So,” he asked smiling broadly. “Do you want to spend the rest of your life with me? I promise to do my best to make you happy.”

“I do. I want to spend eternity with you. And I’ll do my best to make you happy, too.” He slipped the band on her finger. It fit. “I love you, StephanieGiordano.”

“I love you too,PaxBarry.”

His mouth came down on hers. Free from worry, at least for now, they both fell into the kiss.

The two dogs barked at their union.

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