Butter barked twice, as if answering for both of them.
"I know, sorry.You'll figure it out.But she's looking forward to meeting you guys."He grinned."And Callie will be there too."
Peanut whined at that.
"And then she's coming back with us for the weekend.You'll get to hang out with her again."He chuckled."She even made you a gift.Water bowls of your own, apparently."
When he arrived at Charles's place, he grinned when he saw the sunflower glazes lined up against the low stone wall.They looked really good.When Callie arrived, he'd help Reaves set up the last four so that the display was complete.
He didn't know the story behind Charles and his sunflowers, but Reaves had told him that they reminded his dad of his mom.Until recently, Ollie had kind of loved and resented that at the same time — it wasn't as though his parents had had decades together.Reaves's mom had died when he was small.But at least he had happy memories, and knew that his parents’ love lived on.
In contrast, all Ollie knew was that his mom hadn't cared about him enough to even keep in touch after she left, and his dad had never had time for him.
He shot a guilty glance at his phone sitting on the passenger seat.To be fair, it was Ollie who didn't have time for his dad lately.
As he let the dogs out, Reaves came around the side of the house to greet him.
"Hey, come on out back.Zia's excited to meet the puppies."
Ollie gave them a stern look."Remember what I said, guys?"
They fell in beside him, flanking him as they walked out to the terrace — where he had to laugh at the sight of Charles sitting next to Zia at the table, papers and shiny stickers spread out in front of them.Charles even had a shiny sticker on his cheek when he looked up with a sheepish smile.
"Ollie, it's good to see you."
"You too, Charles."
"Sunshine King!"Zia cried when she spotted him."You're here, and you brought your doggos.Am I allowed to say hello?"
"Just a second," he told her.
Peanut and Butter went to Charles first and sat to offer him their paws.Zia watched with a big grin on her face as he shook hands with them.
"They're very big," she said.
"Yes, but they're kind and gentle," Charles assured her.
"Can I—"
Zia stopped short at the sound of a buzzer.
"That's the front gate," she announced."It means someone's here."
"It does."Reaves grinned at Ollie."I'll bet it's Callie."
"Lady Sunshine!"Zia squealed.
Ollie felt as excited as she sounded and was relieved when Reaves caught her hand and said, "Why don't you come with me to tell Mom that she's here?"
Charles winked at Ollie."I'm sure the dogs won't mind waiting here with me while you go and greet your lady."
He hurried back around the side of the house, and a couple of minutes later, Callie's truck appeared.She grinned at him as she parked it next to the Cullinan, and by the time she cut the engine, he was there to open her door for her.
She climbed out and threw her arms around his neck.He crushed her to his chest and murmured into her hair, "Hey.I missed you."
"I missed you too.But I'm here now."
He held her a little tighter."You are.And I may not let you go."
