Harold raised an eyebrow but didn’t argue. “I have a feeling the Snyder boy put him up to it.”
“History repeating itself,” Max said with a chuckle. While hardly hell raisers, he and Anthony got into some trouble back in the day. “Be sure to send the bill to Representative Snyder’s office.” He winked and Harold guffawed.
Once the house was empty, Ginny took Max’s hand and pulled him to the living room. They collapsed onto the couch, both still buzzing from the morning’s excitement. Ginny held one of Max’s hands in hers, squeezing it tight. “This has to be a record.”
“What does?”
“Two pet emergencies in one hour.”
Max grimaced. “Poor Zippy.”
“He’ll be okay.” Ginny nudged Max with her elbow. “Will you be?”
Sighing, he pulled Ginny close, draping his arm around her shoulder. “It breaks my heart,” he said, nearly choking on the last word. “Hen shouldn’t have to deal with a freaking stammer.”
Ginny kissed his cheek, tasting his tears on her lips. “Max, honey. This rarely happens. Hen’s teachers said they seldom hear it in school, and he’s never complained. C’mon, he’s going to be the lead in the Christmas pageant. He’s a tough kid, just like his father.” She punctuated her statement with another kiss.
Max coughed and wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. “Oh yeah, I’m a real macho man.”
“Yeah, because you know they’re my type.” She theatrically rolled her eyes.
“I shudder to think of what your type is,” Max said, gesturing at his current state. His eyes were red, he was covered in dirt and kibble, and he probably could stand another few hours of sleep.
Ginny leaned back, tapping her chin. “Well, let’s see. I like a man who can take care of me and my children. Someone who can cook, like really well. And it would be nice if he was a small business owner and took care of my father like his own. Oh, and if he’s also best friends with my best friends, that would be perfect.” Ginny huffed and pulled herself to her feet. “Looks like that’s a pretty tall order.”
Max snatched Ginny’s hand and pulled her onto his lap. “Okay, Mrs. Sanchez. Point made.” He kissed his wife, relishing in the fact they were still together after all these years. Life wasn’t always perfect, but it was from where he sat.
“I need to get to the diner and start working on the menu for Christmas.”
Ginny kissed him one more time before pulling back. “And I’m needed in the office, but I’ll swing by the vet on my way in.”
“Love you, Gin.”
“Love you more.”
CHAPTER 2
