Page 69 of Down, Boy

"However long it takes."

"And I need you to stop looking at me like I just agreed to marry you, because this is terrifying enough without your golden retriever energy."

I grin. Can't help it. "I'm more of a German Shepherd guy, actually."

She tries to hold back her smile. Fails. "You're impossible."

"You like it."

"I'm reconsidering."

Maverick barks, high and sharp, and we both look down. He's tangled himself in the leash, wrapped it around my ankles, and is now trying to climb my leg.

"Sit," Callie says firmly.

The puppy sits. Immediately. Tail still wagging like crazy, but he sits.

"Show off," I mutter.

She laughs—really laughs—and the sound breaks something open in my chest. The tension that's been coiled there since I left her house drains away, replaced by relief so strong it makes me dizzy.

"Come here," I say.

"You're tangled in a leash."

"I'm aware."

She crosses the remaining space between us, careful to step over Maverick's impromptu obstacle course. When she's close enough to touch, I cup her face in my hands and kiss her.

It's different from before. Softer. Less desperate and more promising. Like we're not trying to fit a lifetime into one moment because we actually have time now. Time to figure this out, to build something real.

When we break apart, she's smiling.

"Hi," I say.

"Hi yourself."

"So. Texas."

"Texas," she agrees. "Eventually."

"Partners."

"Partners." She glances down at Maverick, who's trying to eat my shoelace again. "Does this mean I'm stuck with your dog too?"

"Actually, about that..." I bend down and untangle myself, scooping up the puppy. "Maverick here is yours. If you want him. Part of the Iron Creek program, but you'd be his primary trainer. Get to shape him from the start."

Her eyes go soft. "Dean."

"Plus, I figured you needed someone to boss around while we drive to Texas. Might as well start with a puppy."

She takes Maverick from me, and he immediately tries to lick her face. She laughs, turning her head. "What about Ranger?"

"Officially retired as of yesterday. They expedited the adoption paperwork since I didn’t reenlist. He's mine now. Full custody. Though he's been sulking since I told him we're leaving Colorado."

"Poor baby." She scratches behind Maverick's ears. "Guess you'll have to share your new house with an old grump."

"Story of my life," I say.