“What?”
Higgins tilted his head.
Elias remembered what was in his hand. He opened the envelope, removed the card, and read.
Elias,
Merry Christmas! Thank you for the gorgeous ornament. What a unique way to remember Berry Lake. You and Higgins too. I appreciate your apology and forgive you. Neither of us is a pro when expressing our needs and talking about what we’re feeling. I’m so happy we met. You’ve helped me grow in so many ways. I closed the door to my past and am ready to move forward finally. I’ll always be grateful to you for that.
Take care,
Tasha
P.S. You and Higgins belong together. Just saying.
Elias laughed. He reread the note and wiped his wet eyes. So much to think about, but one thing was clear.
“She’s right, you know.” He touched Higgins. The fur against Elias’s palm had become as natural as waking up in bed with the dog at his feet. “You belong with me. Or me with you. Either way, this works.”
Higgins leaned into Elias’s hand.
“Besides…” He rubbed the dog. “It’ll be easier not having to move all your old stuff, plus all the new stuff, to the rescue.”
Higgins’s tail wagged.
“Want to make me a foster failure?”
As if on cue, Higgins barked.
“But I’m not wearing the T-shirt.”
Higgins panted.
That was settled, but Tasha…
A million and one thoughts pummeled Elias’s brain, but one rose above the others.
“I don’t want to lose her, either.” Elias waved her notecard. “This is evidence, Higgins. Proof things aren’t over yet.”
A plan finally formed. He put the odds of it working at twenty-five percent, but he had nothing to lose.
Except for the best thing in his life.
No offense to Higgins, who was the second-best thing.
Elias grabbed his cell phone and typed a text.
Me:Merry Christmas. Is there room for one more?
Grammy:Other than Higgins?
Me:Yes.
Grammy:Of course, dear.
Me:I don’t know if she’ll come.
Grammy:I’ll have a place setting ready for Tasha.
