“There she is.” Leonidas crouches down and smiles at the little bundle of joy that stands on its hind legs.
I swoon at the sight of an adorable Australian shepherd, tail wagging and everything. Its white fur with spots of black and orange and blue eyes make me fall in love instantly.
We pet her for a couple of minutes, making sure she acts as friendly as she seems. After some cuddles and the shop owner “secretly” taking photos of us, we decide she’s perfect.
Gosh, this little girl is going to be very loved.
After we pick out tons of toys, lots of treats and food, and of course pay for her and get the medical papers, Elijah walks out, holding her like the iconic Simba scene.
My heart aches.
“She’s going to bawl her eyes out,” Elijah says from beside me as our new buddy lies on my lap.
“I’m worried she won’t stop crying,” Leonidas points out from the front seat while he drives. A conflicted look crosses his face before I try to reassure him.
“Will she cry? Yes, but she’s also going to be the happiest girl in the world.”
“That’s my goal.” Turning into my driveway and parking the car, he faces me and Elijah. “I have a huge gift bag in the trunk. She should be on her way right now. Once she arrives, we’ll put the dog in the bag and have her close her eyes.”
Nodding, I carry the dog inside my house on my chest while Leonidas and Elijah grab the gift bag with all his treats and toys.
We place the big bag in the center of my living room, and five minutes later, we see her black Camaro pull into my driveway. Stopping behind her boyfriend’s car, she makes her way to the front door.
The three of us panic for a couple of seconds, running around, not knowing what to do. Just as she walks in, Leonidas jumps and covers her eyes quickly. Making her stagger back in shock.
“What the hell, babe?” she says slowly, standing like a deer in headlights while Leonidas has his hands on her eyes. “What’s going on? And why did I have to drive here separately from you guys?”
“We have a big surprise,” he tells her, walking her carefully through the house. He stops her a couple of feet away from the puppy, standing behind her as he uncovers her eyes. “Go see, rock star.” The emotion is clear in his trembling voice as she takes a step closer to her new buddy.
She looks back at him suspiciously, and then she gives me and Elijah the same look before walking slowly. As she hovers above the open bag, I hear my heartbeat in my ears as she gasps.
“No.” She takes a step back with a hand clasped over her open mouth and looks at Leonidas with tears in her eyes. “No, babe. You didn’t.”
“I figured it was time. You need a new buddy.”
Tears rush down her face as she looks down at the puppy. She’s frozen in shock. I’m sure her other puppy is running through her mind. All the happiness and peace Simba brought Trinity for a limited time, but also all the pain she felt after he left. Her hands shake as she brings them to her chest and smiles weakly.
I look over at Elijah and find a tear running down his face as he watches Trinity fall to her knees and pick the puppy up.
“Oh my gosh.” She stuffs her face in her fur, making the puppy lick her face in delight. “You’re so adorable.” Holding her in front of her face, she looks closely. “You’d better not leave me. I’m keeping my eyes on you all the time.”
In response, the puppy licks her face.
A couple of hours later, Trinity and I sit on my patio steps with the puppy in her lap while the guys play video games inside.
“So, have you decided what you’re going to name her?” I ask, watching the two that clicked immediately with a smile on my face.
Nodding her head with tears in her eyes, Trinity runs her fingers through her fur before looking up into the golden sunset. “Her name is Nala.”
Swallowing thickly, I blink past my own tears and whisper, “That’s perfect.”
It really is.
CHAPTER39
LEVI
“You look handsome,” Stella says.
