I grabbed the tray of cheese and crackers while Malcolm grabbed the tray of cheese puffs Daphne’d brought. Mickie grabbed rye bread chunks with spinach dip. Another plate had chunks of sourdough bread with shrimp dip. The veggie tray was ready to go, and so was the fruit platter—along with several dessert trays. All dog-safe foods.
When we entered the formal living room—the biggest room in the house—Noah sat on the floor, surrounded by dogs. Duncan had joined him. As had Flora—with Sleepy cuddled against her, of course.
My husband was in seventh heaven.
Some of the puppies were giving him kisses and rubbing against him. Several had found chew toys and were enjoying them.
Fortunately, Stormy, Sable, and River weren’t possessive. Having a constant stream of obedience students meant they were accustomed to chaos.
Noah was forever busy with his clients—new and old. He spotted me and grinned. “Best party ever.”
“Agreed.” Miss Esmeralda extended a hand toward the food.
Malcolm, who also carried paper plates, gave her one. Then, I held out the tray. By the time Mickie had as well, Esmeralda had a nice little pile of finger foods.
And the rapt attention of several dogs.
“Oh no, you don’t.” She eyed each of them. “This is mine, and I’m not sharing.”
I flashed back in my mind to when the ten puppies had shown up. Barely four months old and most very untrained.
Now they were almost a year old. Nearly full-grown Labrador retrievers were a sight to behold.
Haggis attempted to put his snout on Esmeralda’s thigh.
“Nope.” Duncan guided his dog away. “We don’t beg.”
His dog appeared crestfallen.
Noah gazed at me. “Surely—”
I nodded. “I was hoping to get the humans fed first. Pecking order in the pack, and all.”
“He also checked allergies with us.” Mickie continued to hold the rye bread and spinach dip. Just about everyone took some after Malcolm handed them a napkin.
Flora yawned. “How is it that I yawn all the time—even when Sleepy is, well, fast asleep?”
“Good question.” Malcolm grinned. “I don’t have a scientific answer for that—except to ask if you’re getting enough sleep.”
“My boys are chaotic at the best of times. I got Sleepy to run them ragged.” She rolled her eyes. “You can see how well that works. Of course, being four months pregnant probably isn’t helping with the fatigue. I thought fatigue got better in the second trimester.”
“You’re pregnant?” Noah’s eyes grew wide. “That’s so amazing.”
Flora grinned. “Yes, it kind of is. I thought we were done—but the universe had other plans. I’m just hoping for a girl.”
“Oh, my dear.” Miss Esmeralda smiled in clear sympathy. “We didn’t have fancy diagnoses like we do today. I believe I would’ve been labeled with ADHD. Is that the term?”
Several guests nodded—all clearly enraptured with our most-experienced guest. “I could outrun all my male cousins. I was a rabble-rouser and a shit-disturber. Oh.” She gazed around the room.
“The puppies have, I’m certain, heard such language before.” I grinned. “No kids tonight.”
“Thank God.” Flora yawned again. “A night away is a gift.”
“Well, I’m grateful you’re here to celebrate our first holiday season together.” Noah gestured for me to come closer.
Silly me—I assumed I was going to get a kiss.
Nope. He took three crackers with cheese on them. Then he winked and mouthedlater.
