I was bringing a dog home. To share with a woman I’d known less than a day. If someone had told me yesterday that this was where my life was headed, I would’ve laughed.
When I pulled up to the cabin, anticipation hummed under my skin. The Shepherd whimpered softly from the back seat. I reached back and let him sniff my fingers.
“We’re here, buddy. You’re gonna love her.”
The front door was unlocked. I carried the kennel onto the porch and pushed the door open with my shoulder.
“Josie? I’ve got a surprise for?—”
I stopped.
She was sitting on the couch, knees pulled to her chest, face buried in her hands. Her shoulders shook.
I set the kennel on the floor before I accidentally dropped it. Then I crossed the room to where she sat.
“Josie.” I dropped to my knees in front of her. “Hey. What happened?”
She looked up, and my heart broke at the sight of her tear-streaked face.
“You left,” she whispered. “I woke up and you were gone.”
“I left a note?—”
“I didn’t see it.” Her voice broke. “I just saw the empty bed, and I thought you regretted it. I thought I was too much. That I talked too much. That you couldn’t wait to get away from me.”
Fuck.
I cupped her face, wiping her tears with my thumbs. “Josie. Look at me.”
She met my eyes, fear raw and exposed.
“I’m not going anywhere,” I said firmly. “I’m not wired that way. Last night was the best night of my life, and I woke up knowing exactly what I wanted.”
“What?” she asked, barely breathing.
I glanced toward the kennel, where the Shepherd watched quietly, then looked back at her. “A family,” I said. “With you.”
Her gaze followed mine. Fresh tears spilled—but this time, she smiled.
“You adopted him?”
“I did.” My throat tightened. “I spent my childhood getting passed around—foster homes, group homes. I told myself I didn’t need anyone. That being alone was easier.”
“Roarke…”
“I was wrong.” I rested my forehead against hers. “I’ve lived alone for twelve years. One night with you showed me everything I was missing.”
She gave a shaky laugh. “We’ve known each other less than a day.”
“I know. I know this sounds crazy.” I pulled back just enough to look at her. “I’m not asking for forever. Not yet. Just…stay a few days. Let’s see what this is.”
“I have class. Responsibilities.”
“I know. Hartsville’s close. I’m not asking you to give up your life.” I brushed her hair back gently. “Just let me be part of it.”
She was quiet. Behind us, the Shepherd let out a soft whine.
Josie smiled. Really smiled.
