“As long as it’s not to a bed.”Ally snapped.
Chad smothered his laugh beneath his hand as he crouched in front of Merc.
“Hey,” Chad whispered.Merc stopped panting and gave Chad his full attention.The sight of Merc’s big grey eyes put a lump in his throat.The decision to leave Merc behind hadn’t been an easy one, but he needed someone reliable to look after him.
Chad stroked and scratched Merc’s neck.“You’re a good boy, you know that?”
Merc’s pupils dilated as his tail picked up pace.By the pleased look on his face, he knew he was a good boy but appreciated Chad telling him.
Chad snorted, and hugged Merc close to press a kiss to his broad head.When he pulled back, Merc began licking his face, and Chad took his kisses with a sad smile.
“That’s so unhygienic.”Ally mumbled.
“Have you tried your cooking?”Josh asked her.
Chad blocked them out and spoke to Merc.“I’m leaving you with a very important job.”
Merc stopped licking him.His ears pricked as he listened.
“You’ve got to take care of Josh.You’ve got to jump on him, and slobber on him,” he glanced at Josh.“You’ve got to eat his shoelaces, and fart all over his bed.”
“Very funny,” Josh said, deadpan.
“But most of all, you’ve got to love him.He’s a very special guy, your dad.”
Josh snorted.“A bit up yourself, aren’t you?”
“I was talking about you,” Chad smirked, speaking over his shoulder to Josh.“You’re Merc’s dad.You’ve been there for him when I couldn’t.He loves you, and I know you love him too.I know he’s in safe hands with you, and you’re ...you’re in his safe paws.”
Chad turned back to Merc.“He’s going to be the dad to you that I wanted to be.The one you deserve.”
“But ...you are coming back, right?”Josh asked.
Chad winced at the wavering in Josh’s voice.He stood up, smiling.
“Of course, but when I do, he’s still yours, Josh, and you’re still his.”
“I swear I’ll take such good care of him.”
Chad squeezed Josh’s shoulder.“You already do.”
He pulled Josh into a hug, wrapping him up tight.
Josh’s arms came around him, holding on.“Sappy bastard.”
Chad smiled and shut his eyes.
“I won’t let you down.”
“Josh—”
“I won’t,” he said firmly.
Chad sunk his teeth into his lip.
Shadows passed overhead.Josh and Ally both looked up at the magpies.
Chad didn’t.
