Damien handed me the puppy, who promptly began licking my face.
Lawson grinned at the dog. “I don’t blame you, buddy.”
Damien’s eyes flared at the acknowledgment, but he smiled. “Enjoy your new family member. Don’t forget to bring him in next week for the next round of shots and dewormer.”
Lawson nodded. “We will.”
With a wave, Damien got back into his SUV, and Lawson and I headed back to the barn.
“I’m going to block you from view,” he said, dipping in front of me.
I nuzzled the puppy’s soft fur. “I can’t wait to see Drew’s face.”
“Me either.”
I could hear the smile in Lawson’s voice.
“Where’s the birthday boy?” he called. “We’ve got one more gift.”
“Really?” Drew yelled back as his footsteps pounded.
“This one is all Hallie’s doing. Just remember that,” Lawson said as people gathered around.
“Now I’m scared,” Drew said with a laugh.
Lawson stepped to the side and revealed the puppy and me.
Drew froze. His eyes went wide and then filled with tears. “A puppy? You got me a puppy?”
My eyes filled then. “He’s gonna need a name and lots of training, but Maddie said she’ll help with the second part.”
Drew moved then, taking the wriggling ball of fur into his arms. “Hallie,” he choked out. “This is the best birthday I’ve ever had. And I know it’s because of you.”
“Drew…”
He pushed into me, holding the puppy with one arm and wrapping the other around my waist. “I love you, Hallie. You make everything better. Special.”
Everything burned now. In the best possible way. “I love you, too, Drew.”
He pulled back, his eyes still watery. “Plus, think about how many babes I’ll get with apuppy.”
I couldn’t help it, I burst out laughing.
* * *
“Here,let me help you with those,” Daniels offered as I picked up paper plates and tossed them into a trash bag.
“Thank you. Who knew kids could eat so much?”
He chuckled. “They decimated that cake.”
I smiled. “I was hoping for leftovers tomorrow, but no dice.”
“Get two next time.”
“Not a bad idea.”
Daniels deposited a few more plates and cups into the trash bag as I held it open. “So, you and the boss man, huh?”
