Page 75 of All Night with the Cowboy

Lauren broke free and ran, bolting away from him and down the hall. But Tanner’s heavier footfalls were interrupted by a yipping noise as the puppy suddenly woke up and joined in the chase.

“I’m having second thoughts about the fur-baby!” Tanner called out, as Lauren spun around in the hall in time to see him scoop up the puppy.

“Tough luck,” she said, taking the dog from him just as the doorbell rang. “Looks like you’re out of luck,husband.”

Tanner growled as he stormed back down the hall to the front door, and Lauren smooched the pup while he greeted the delivery guy. Italian takeout, a puppy, and a diamond ring—it was the perfect evening.

She blew a kiss at Tanner when he turned around to face her and he dropped the paper bags and ran down the hall, scooping her and the puppy up in one swoop and carrying them into the bedroom as Lauren’s laughter echoed around them.

The puppy barked when Tanner tried to kiss her, and he picked him up and gave him a hard stare.

“Look, scrappy, this ain’t gonna end well if you block me from kissing my girl.”

The puppy let out a yap in response, making them both burst out laughing.

“Whoever said they wanted children?” she asked, grinning up at Tanner.

“Beats me. I just want a wife.”

Lauren lay back and Tanner collapsed beside her, the puppy in between them. It might not be everyone’s version of perfect, but Lauren couldn’t have been happier if she’d tried.

“I love you, darlin’,” Tanner declared.

She grinned over at him. “I love you too, but I’ll love you even more if you go get that Italian for me. I’m starving.”

Tanner laughed. “Your wish is my command.”