Page 35 of Lead Me A Stray

MACK

The house isquiet as I stare out the large glass window in the living room, the night sky an inky black that’s dotted with stars. It’s gorgeous, not unlike the woman down the hall, and it’shome.

We celebrated the success of today’s event with dinner and drinks and the promise of a couple of days off. Stray to My Heart emptied out their kennels, and I watched as Rory and Piper broke down in the middle of the oversized tent, hugging and laughing and savoring such an incredible accomplishment.

Every dog in their care had a home.

Every dog had the promise of love and stability.

And more than that, the empty kennels mean that they can help more dogs in a time where there’s an abundance of animals that need it. Pride fills my chest at the memory. Two of the most important women in my life doing extraordinary things in our community.

How did I get so lucky?

“I missed you.” Piper’s voice is soft as she pads across the floor, her arms snaking around my stomach as she presses her chest to my back. “Is everything all right?”

“More than,” I tell her honestly, turning so she’s at my side and I can hook my arm around her. “I got overwhelmed thinkin’ about this last month—how fast everything changed. It’s wild because I have everything I could want.”

“Everything?” she goads, squeezing me harder as she tilts her face up to mine. I indulge her, licking into her mouth until she’s melting against me.

“For now.”

“What else is on your list then?”

“Well, someday I plan on convincing you to marry me and when I do, I’m gonna put a baby in your belly and maybe another one after that.”

“Those are big plans, Mack Crosby.”

“We have a lifetime, Honey Girl.”

“Then it’s a good thing I love youandyour plans then, isn’t it?”

“Best news I’ve heard all day.”

EPILOGUE

MACK

6 MONTHS LATER

“Hey, there’s a dog in front of the Neon Saloon. Can you bring the truck? I can’t find a leash in mine.”

“Give me five,” Piper says, disconnecting the call as I drop my cell into my pocket and look down at Arrow who is sitting happily at my feet. I took him to the groomers today and they gave him a big red bow for his collar.

“Ready, boy?” I murmur, the air crisp and right on par for February in Hearts Bend. Arrow’s tongue lolls out of his mouth, his breath coming out in little white puffs as we wait.

It doesn’t take long, and I can’t hide my smile as Piper pulls up behind my truck and parks, her steps hesitant as she joins me on the sidewalk.

“Where’s the dog?”

“He’s right here.” I point to Arrow, his tail sweeping against the pavement.

“Are you telling me I put on actual pants for this?” She huffs and I laugh, shaking my head as I lean down and untie the ring from Arrow’s collar and take a knee.

Piper gasps, her hand going to her mouth as her eyes well with tears.

“I thought it’d be fitting to take you back to the place that changed our lives forever, to the first time I kissed you right out in the open for everyone to see. I knew that night how easily I could fall for you, and waking up in your bed, I realized I was well on my way.”

“Me too,” she whispers on a choked laugh.