“Ew, don’t even say that name.” My upper lip curls. “Can you believe that jackass had the nerve to text me?”
“I absolutely can. You’re a wonderful person. You’re beautiful and smart, and everyone loves you.” She returns holding a sparkling water and wraps her arm around my shoulders. “He probably realized it and hasn’t stopped kicking himself since.”
“I hope somebody’s kicking him,” I grouse, walking over to the door leading to the living room. “I’ve got to get the dogs home.”
We return to where Maddie is holding Peepee now and walking around the living room like a march.
“Instead of teaching Ladybird to walk fancy, do you think we could teach Peepee?” Maddie runs over to where Haddy and I are standing.
Haddy squints, turning to me. “I don’t know. Patsy is more of a hopper than a walker.”
“That’s what I mean about gaiting.” I take a knee, looking at the size of Peep and the size of Mads. “You actually might be a perfect match. Your legs aren’t as long as an adult’s. It will probably help her.”
Maddie gasps, her mouth and eyes forming large circles. “It will? Can I, Aunt Haddy? Can I?”
Haddy looks at me. “If she could walk with her in the charity show, people would love that. Especially since she’s Owen’s daughter.”
“We’ll have to get permission from your dad, of course.” I watch Maddie cradling Peepee like a baby. “Let’s give it a try, Mads. Mind if we borrow Peep for the day?”
“Not at all.” Haddy walks with us to the door.
Maddie puts her hand in mine as we cross the street to the house I share with Maverick. I glance down at her, and she’s watching the dogs walking side by side as she carries Haddy’s smaller one.
Tilting her head, she looks up at me. “I made Lucy laugh.”
“You sure did.” I give her hand a squeeze.
“And she laughed and laughed. Her whole body was shaking!”
“She’s really cute.” I nod, stopping to open the front door and taking off the leashes as Spanky and Ladybird bound into the living room.
Maddie follows me, petting Peepee’s head. “I think I’ll be a good mommy one day.”
My throat tightens, and I bend down to give her a hug. “I think you’ll be a great mommy. You take good care of your daddy, and you’re so sweet to the dogs and Lucy.”
She puts her hand on my shoulder, her expression serious. “I think you’ll be a good mommy, too.”
My lips press into a smile as my nose heats. “You do?”
“Yep.” She nods. “You take good care of Spanky and Ladybird and me and everybody!”
“Thank you.” I lean forward to hug her. “I hope I never let you down.”
Owen
Just got home. How are you feeling?
It’s almost midnight.I’m in bed reading a spicy romance novel on my Kindle when my phone lights up. Scooping it off the nightstand, a grin splits my cheeks when I see his words.
Gina
All good. Had a fun day teaching Maddie to walk Peepee.
Owen
Yeah, I had all the videos on my phone when I got to the locker room.
Gina
