The large bloodhound only blinks, turning her big head to look at the little girl.
“Sure, you could.” I smile, setting the brush aside and glancing up at Owen.
He’s been quietly observant since our conversation on the beach. He gives me space, but I feel him waiting. It vibrates in the air.
As for me, I’ve put my feelings for him in a box with a tight lid on top in the back of a tall closet in my mind. Hewants to be a good dad. He doesn’t want a relationship. Done.
It helps that they’ve been gone so much playing, but on nights like this when we’re all at home, I have difficulty keeping that box in its place.
His gaze is a hot laser on my skin.
“I’ll teach you to walk LB if your dad doesn’t mind,” I clarify.
“I don’t mind.” The affection in his low voice tingles in my stomach. “You might have your work cut out for you, though. I’ve never been able to train that dog.”
“She comes when you whistle,” Maddie argues.
“That’s true.” He gives her a warm smile.
My stomach is all squishy in the middle… Because he’s so sweet to her. That’s all.
“I’ll teach her.” Maddie is determined. “I’ll walk her like that little girl and her dog.”
“I’d like to see Peepee run in one of those obstacle courses,” Mav calls from where he’s holding Haddy’s pooch.
“It’s called an agility challenge,” I tell him.
“Those dogs can move!” He glides Peepee through the air like she’s flying. “What do you say, Peep? Think you can beat those fancy dogs?”
“Don’t swing her around like that, she’ll barf.” Haddy takes her from Mav, cuddling the tiny canine against her chest. “She’s already a fancy dog.”
“She’s so cuuuute,” Maddie runs over to pet the tiny poodle.
“So about Halloween,” Mav brings us back to the beginning. “We’re playing that day, but we’ll be done and back in time to party. Hell, we’ll be ready to party. We’re gonna whup Anaheim’s ass!”
“Maav…” Haddy gives him the wide-eyes, tilting her head at the little girl beside her.
“What’d I say?” He looks from her to Owen.
“It’s okay, she hears worse stuff at the games.” Owen leans down to pet Ladybird, and his arm is magnetically close to mine.
I clear my throat and stand, walking over to where my cousins are behind the couch. “What’s the theme this year?”
“There’s not really a theme…” Mav starts.
“Oh, please, all of you were in Star Wars outfits last year. I was the only one left out.”
“Can we do a mermaid theme?” Maddie bounces on her toes. “I loveThe Little Mermaid! You can be Ariel!”
“I don’t care for thethemeof that movie,” Owen grumbles from where he sits.
“Daddy!” Maddie stomps over and gets right between his legs, putting her hands on his shoulders. “You already told me it’s a cartoon, and I should never trade anything valuable just to be with a stinky boy!”
“Even if he is a prince.” Her dad looks her straight in the eyes.
She only lifts her chin. “I still like Ariel.”
Haddy and I are doing our best not to laugh or smile or even look at them.
