“Yes. The doc shaved the area and just finished stitching him up. She’s bandaging him so we can take him home.” He settled his hand on Zoey’s back. “Hey, sweetheart. You okay?”
She lifted her head, still tucked against Keely’s chest, still holding on. Keely put her head down atop hers. “She doesn’t sp—”
“Puppy?”
Keely stared at Zoey. “Puppy?”
Zoey reached out, looking past them.
Caspian stood at the door, a bandage across his chest, wearing a cone of shame. He barked and came over, his tail thumping as he crouched and crawled toward Zoey.
She wiggled out of Keely’s arms, and Keely put her daughter down. “Puppy!”
Dawson caught her just as she advanced on Caspian. “Let’s give puppy some room.”
But Caspian lay down, then rolled over, his tongue hanging out, and Keely laughed. “I don’t think he needs any room.”
“I’ve never seen him do that before.”
But even Keely could see the way he swallowed hard, the sudden shudder of his breath.
“He heard voices and wouldn’t stay put.” This from a vet who came out of the room, taking off her gloves. “Sorry. He’s determined. Knows what he wants.”
Dawson was half crouched next to Caspian, helping direct Zoey’s hands away from his wound. But Keely’s entire body lit up with her giggles.
And right then, Keely knew exactly what she wanted.
What she’dreallycome to Alaska to find.
Dawson stood up as Caspian rolled to his feet and shoved his muzzle into Zoey’s hands. “How’d the concert go?”
“I think it was a hit.”
“Of course it was.” He picked up Caspian’s lead. “Did you give them an encore?”
She stepped up to him. “I saved it for you.”
Then she took his face between her hands and kissed him. Something sweet, but exactly the song she wanted to sing.
She felt Caspian lean against Dawson’s leg, and she let him go, looking down.
Dawson scratched his ears. “Buddy, I promise you, I’m okay.” He met Keely’s eyes. “I’m very, very much okay.”
She took Zoey’s hand. Yes, yes they were.
“I think it’s time that I finally get you home.” He slid his hand into hers.
“Promises, promises,” she said.
He looked at her and laughed.
And as they walked outside, in the dark of the Alaskan night, the northern lights ribboned above them.We found our forever,beneaththe Alaskan stars.
Yes, yes they had.
Epilogue
THE STEADYBEEPof the heart monitor filled the dimly lit hospital room as Keely entered, Zoey’s hand in hers.
