Judi popped her head up and barked.
“Shush. I’m trying to secure your new daddy,” I whispered.
I grimaced at Gideon, hoping I didn’t go too far. He popped his brows and brought me in for another kiss, one that lingered.
“Thank you for giving her a chance. I knew you’d like her if you did.”
He scratched under her chin, running a hand over her back. “Well, she has pretty good taste in humans.”
“What are the odds you’d like to come to my house and celebrate becoming boyfriends?”
Gideon chuckled. “I’d say they are pretty damn good odds.”
EIGHT
Gideon
Alfie didn't live farfrom the park, so we agreed to walk to his place. I was shocked when Dame Judi wanted to stay in my arms and even more shocked when she climbed onto my shoulder.
"She likes the view from up there," Alfie said, scratching her ear.
She licked the side of my face, which I didn't hate. Sure, there were lingering nerves, and I was a tiny bit worried that she was going to rip off my ear from her perch on my shoulder, but I was proud of myself for keeping my cool.
Thankfully, it was a quick walk up the hill to the pretty apartments that had a great overlook of the park and the city.
"This is nice," I said, looking around when we entered his place.
Alfie reached up for Dame Judi, who went to him begrudgingly. He set out her dinner, then came over and kissed me.
"I'm saving up for a place with a backyard. Something for dogs and kids," he said, widening his eyes at me.
Don't threaten me with a good time, my precious man.
"How many kids do you want?" I asked, pushing his hair off his face.
He seemed a little shy but went ahead with his answer.
"Two would be great."
I nodded. "When I was a teenager, nothing of my authentic self was acceptable, so it didn't even occur to me to dream about a family and kids. But Jackson seems to think I can do and be anything I want."
Grimacing, Alfie rocked back, then forward. "Not to get too serious with my boyfriend, but...how do you feel now? Can you now imagine becoming a father?"
I nodded, and Alfie’s relief was palpable. I continued, "Yes. I want to be in a sweet, stable relationship, and I want children. And I know it's not what people think when they look at me, but it is what I want."
"Then you deserve whatever you want," he said shyly.
Judi, having had a big day, went to her little poof, turned around a couple of times, and flopped down into it, clearly exhausted. A few seconds later, her delicate snores filled the air.
I cracked up. "I can't believe I was so afraid of that dog."
Alfie rolled his eyes. "Are you kidding? She was acting crazy that day, and even without a fear of dogs you would've been hesitant to approach her. Little dogs often have sharp teeth and no fucking chill. It's perfectly reasonable to be afraid of them."
"Why do I feel you're actively undoing all of my therapy?" I asked, eyeballing Judi with suspicion.
"I am not. I'm just saying that it makes sense. And I certainly don't think anything bad about it. Not when it comes to you."
I wrapped him in my arms. "Yeah?"
