“I have to go sayhito all our guests.” Noah eyed me.
“I’ve lost count. Most of the lab crew.”
“Ah. Well, that’s good.” He gestured to Sam, sweeping this arm to encompass River and Sable. “Those two can be let off leash.” He pivoted toward me. “Are we expecting anyone else?”
I shook my head. “And we can bolt the door so no one randomly opens it from the outside. You ready?”
He grinned. “Lead the way.”
Sam let Sable and River off leash, and the two little ones bolted for the living room.
A cacophonous yammering of pooches reached us.
“We’re okay to let ours off leash too?” Mickie, of course.
“Yep.” Noah caught my gaze. “This is truly lovely, but did you think the consequences through?”
“You mean, did I stock up on extra cleaning supplies? Of course.” I grinned. “Now, let’s go.” I turned to Sam. “Following us?”
The tall man, who quite resembled Noah—except he was heftier—shook his head. “I’ll hang out here for a bit. Until things settle.”
“Why don’t I keep you company?” Soren offered with a shy smile.
I blinked.Okay, didn’t see that coming.
Except had I seen anything at all? Just two guys hanging out. Two gay men, admittedly, but Malcolm, Noah, and I were all gay as well.
I followed Noah into the living room, where he was met by about eight dogs.
Tibby had stayed with Soren, and I guessed Penny had made her way to the kitchen once Daphne had released her. She wasextremelyfood-motivated.
Noah crouched to greet each dog in turn. He had each do a trick and then gave them a treat from his pocket.
Good thing his pocket’s always full.
He didn’t know I’d taken the day off from my job at the grocery store to organize all the food. I turned to Malcolm. “Help me serve? Nothing toxic for dogs, of course. Accidents happen. That said, don’t let Roxy near cheese.”
“Oh, I know about that one.” He chuckled.
“Of course you do.” I laughed. “You’re everyone’s vet, right?”
“Yep. My practice is thriving these days. Noah’s constant referrals help.”
We headed into the kitchen.
“Well, you send dogs in need of training his way—so it all works out.” I eyed the platters of finger foods. “I wanted to do hot stuff—like pigs in a blanket—but I just didn’t find the time.”
“This is plenty.” He nudged me. “You made it clear tonight was just a cocktail party.”
“Oh, drinks.” I winced.
“Already on it.” Mickie sailed into the room. “Duncan’s been leading the organization on that. Janelle held Frankie’s leash while I helped him get everyone situated. No one wanted any booze.” She gestured to the pretty paper bag and bottle Soren had brought as a gift. “I think the snow has everyone thinking twice.”
“Potentially icy conditions, yeah.”
“I’ll keep an eye on things.” Malcolm gestured to the back door. “I know how to get in and out without the hordes following me.”
“You’ve got a no-nonsense voice. Much like Noah’s.” I chuckled. “Okay, let’s do trays of food.”
