“Stop that bullshit right now. I want you. Like a forever kind of thing. So we’ll need to figure out how to bring the rest of your stuff from the shelter?—”
“Just like that?”
“Yeah, just like that.” Cheyenne popped her head into the room. “Since the pooches have all had a run outside, I’m going to shower and then go to bed.” She eyed us. “I get Eb and Twain. Eventually, when she’s more comfortable, I want Sadie in my room. That fourteen days will be up soon.”
Not that soon, but I’d done precisely nothing about trying to rehome her. Because, despite Arthur’s menagerie, we had room for one more. I was certain, with my boyfriend’s tutelage and Cheyenne’s patience, that the little dog could gain enough confidence to co-exist with strangers. She was beginning to attach herself to Cheyenne. Just as Chili had become my shadow, I could imagine Sadie becoming Cheyenne’s, and then we’d be okay.
Cheyenne added, “I want a home with all the dogs in it.”
“You’re going to get tired of the clouds of dog fur.” Arthur said the words with a smile, but I recognized worry.
“Nope.” She popped the p. “Fur’s fine. Furry clothes, pillow, not a problem.”
“Dogs aren’t supposed to sleep on the bed.” I met her gaze.
She blushed just a bit—a sure sign she knew she was in the wrong.
“But I guess tonight can be an exception.” Whatever she needed to ward off the nightmares. “We’ll need to get you into school next week. Or at least earning a GED. And college or a trade isn’t optional. If you’re staying here, then—for now—you’re in school.”
“But soon I’ll be living at the rescue shelter and helping take care of the animals.” She twirled a lock of her hair in her fingers. Another sign she was uncertain.
“All things we can discuss in the future.” I gave her my brightest smile. “The point is, you’re staying in Gaynor Beach. This is your home. We’re a family, Cheyenne. The three of us.” I shot a glance at the man I already loved more than life itself. No way was I letting him go anywhere other than our bed. And soon. We were both exhausted.
“A family.” Cheyenne repeated the words.
“A family.” Arthur said them with a lot of feeling—like he was starting to accept this.
I could love Arthur and not have to hide anything. My sister was mature enough to know what would be going on inside my bedroom. I dreaded to think how soon she might bring a boy—or girl or enby—home, putting me in the parental position. But I’d deal with my own neuroses at the time. Hell, if I was back home, I’d be married with at least one kid and another on the way. Probably more if I’d married Rachel. I could stand up and take the responsible adult role.
“You’ll always be my little sister.”
She rolled her eyes. “Good night.” She eyed the collection of pets, from Xandra on the back of the recliner to the herd of dogs. “Eb, Twain.” She clicked her tongue.
Twain sleepily rose from his bed and stretched.
Eb jumped down from the couch, stretched, and sauntered over.
Chili, as if sensing the moment, scooted off and strutted across the room. She tucked herself into Twain’s bed—clearly enjoying the warmth—and rested her nose mere inches from Sadie.
Who cracked an eye, decided all was right with the world, and went back to sleep.
I figured we were good leaving the two dogs free in here.
Both had their crates where they could hunker down if they needed the comfort of their own space. Sadie hadn’t shown any destructiveness so far, and she was calm with a dog friend around. As things stood, they clearly felt each other was enough.
Cheyenne was nearly out of the room before she pivoted and hurried back. She made her way to Arthur and pressed a kiss to his cheek.
His shock was priceless.
I rose and pulled her into an embrace. She still felt slight in my arms, but a comfort in a way I’d really never had in my life as she hugged me back. Now I had two people who would hold me tight. Two people who needed me as much as I needed them. That kind of reassurance meant everything.
She pulled away first, clicked her tongue at the dogs, and then took off.
Eb and Twain followed—clearly pleased with however things would go.
Arthur lowered the recliner footrest. He flicked off the heating pad while I snagged the ice pack.
He rose, tested his leg, then reached for his cane. Stretching stiffly, he met my eyes, then deliberately ran his gaze down my body. “Soon.”
