"Shut up."
"Make me."
So I do.And Buttercup, blessing her chaotic little heart, lets us have the moment.
Well, mostly.
She does eat Luke's shoelace halfway through, but honestly, that's just her way of saying welcome to the family.
"We should probably sleep," Luke says eventually."It's been a very long day.Days.Week.Month."
"Sleep sounds good."I yawn, the adrenaline finally crashing."Your place or mine?"
"Yours is closer."
"Mine has a goat."
"Mine has no goat-proofing."
We look at each other, then at Buttercup, who's now investigating the fireplace with scientific interest.
"We need to figure out the logistics," Luke says.
"Of goat custody?"
"Of everything.Your inn, my company, where Buttercup lives, how to explain this to our families?—"
"Luke?"
"Yes?"
"Shut up and take me to bed.We'll figure out the rest tomorrow."
He grins, that rare, real smile that transforms his whole face."Yes, ma'am."
"Bring the goat," I add."She'll eat the furniture if we leave her."
So that's how we end up trudging to my room at 4 AM.
Me, Luke, and a four-legged fur ball of reconciliation who's apparently forgiven us both for the separation.
The entire scene is ridiculous.And messy.
And perfect.
Just like us.
"Hey Luke?"I say as we're settling Buttercup in her makeshift pen.
"Mmm?"
"Best hack ever."
He laughs, pulling me close."Very us."
And it is.
Buttercup goat-screams her approval.
