Donovan, on the other hand, looked fantastic earlier, walking with my favorite borzoi Haze. I’m pretty sure the fellow he brought with him to Owen’s housewarming partyand who also joined us at Friendsgiving might be someone special. I hope so. He’s such a nice man.
Mav finishes with a flourish, doing a dramatic bow right in front of us while Spanky stacks beside him like a pro.
“Very impressive,” I say, checking off the last name on the list. “Now bring on the show.”
Show day isas hectic as a real Continental Dog Show.
The hockey rink has been transformed into an enormous venue with thick velvet curtains, podiums for the dogs to stand on while they’re being evaluated, and smooth turf for the handlers to walk the dogs around the perimeter.
Backstage, the foster dogs are jumping and barking, while the show dogs are waiting, sitting or standing, calmly looking around like it’s just another day at the office.
Haddy runs around making sure the guys have their numbers, and I walk through the crowd of six-foot-something men in designer suits holding dogs on leashes like I’ve died and gone to dog-lady heaven.
The truth is, I only have eyes for one sexy handler, and he’s on one knee beside his daughter, helping her straighten her dress and giving her what appears to be a pep-talk.
“You’ve practiced so much with Mama G, just relax and let your muscle memory do the work.” His voice is low, and Ilovethe way they call me Mama G now.
I didn’t even have to ask them. It’s like Maddie had that nickname locked and loaded and was just waiting for her cue to start using it.
“Everything okay over here?” I pause as Owen rises to give me a quick kiss on the lips, sending sparkles through my chest.
“We’ve got a case of nerves.” He tilts his head in his daughter’s direction.
“Oh no…” I look down to see Maddie sitting on the turf in her raw silk gown, holding Peepee on her lap.
“It’s okay, Peep,” she tells the little dog. “Everybody gets scared walking out in front of a big crowd for the first time.”
I’m in a beige skirt and blazer, but I take a knee beside her. “You doing okay, honey?”
“I’m okay,” she nods, holding Peepee up to show me. “She’s worried about walking in front of all those people for the first time. She’s afraid she might trip and fall and show her underwear and be super embarrassed.”
“I see…” I don’t point out her dog isn’t wearing underwear. “You know what I like to do after a big show?” She shakes her head, and I reach out to hold her hand. “I like to go home and get in my comfy clothes and have a facial.”
“With real cucumbers on your eyes?” Her eyes widen.
“Always, and we can make pigs in blankets and watch a funny Christmas movie.”
“LikeElf?” She’s on her feet now, putting her hand on my shoulder.
“Whichever funny movie you choose.” I straighten, taking her hand in mine. “We’ve just got to get this walk done, and then it’s party time. Okay?”
“Okay!” She bends down to pet the toy poodle. “Ready to walk, Peep?”
The little dog hops around, doing her squeak-barks. She’s such a cute pooch. I’m smiling down at them when a large hand covers my shoulder, pulling me against his rock-hard chest for a hug.
“Is it wrong that I want to sneak you behind that curtain and show my appreciation right now?” Owen’s low voice in my ear makes my core clench.
He leans down to kiss the side of my neck, and the scuff of his beard flushes my entire body.
“Just doing my job.” I lift my face to give him a quick kiss. “I’ve got to check on the others. You all set here?”
“All set.” His pretty eyes meet mine, and they’re so full of love.
My thumb automatically goes to the shining engagement ring on my finger, and I’m so happy.
It all came true. My vision, Heather’s reading. Hope has found me. There’s no more fear. We’ve won, and we’ve healed each other’s hearts in the process.
Haddy is calling for the guys to line up in order, starting with Donovan and Haze. They’re the leaders, all polished and shiny.
