“Oh, good you brought food.” Is the only thing we get from Maddie when she opens the door. I’m not offended. We can talkafter we eat, which is always a better option when we’re all this hungry. She doesn’t have a kitchen table, just the island with a breakfast bar and four chairs, so we spread out all the food buffet style and dig in. No one says a word until we’re almost done eating. Maddie groans and pats her stomach.
“Oh God, I love Raman but I’m so full. Today was forever long.”
“Yeah, it was.” Walker adds, still packing away huge bites of chicken and noodles. I just grunt because I’m still chewing and I have manners. Most of the time. We finish, but there’s still a ton of food. I always order too much. Which is better than not enough, I guess. At the very least, we’ll have leftovers. We all just sit in silence for a few minutes, too full to move or even talk. It would be funny if I didn’t feel like stuffed turkey.
A knock at the door startles all of us.
“Are you expecting someone?” I ask Maddie.
“Nope.” She looks nervous, and I don’t blame her after last night, but I don’t like it.
“Want me to get it?” Walker asks.
“Yes please.”
Walker heads over to the door, opening it just a crack to peek out.
“Holy shit! She’s gonna kill you, dude.” Walker’s smug tone suggests he might enjoy that.
“Hey Maddie bear, Kenji’s here and he brought you a present!” he shouts, which is completely unnecessary since we are literally two feet away. I hear someone mutter asshole in the background before Kenji steps through the door.
Is that a dog he’s got with him? Holy shit! That’s a German Shepherd, and he is one big boy. Wow, gotta give him credit. The man’s got gigantic balls. I hope for his sake that she knew about this or Walker’s right. She’s going to kill him. I might even enjoy that a little, or a lot. Who me? Jealous? Maybe a little.
“Is that him? Oh, he’s such a handsome boy!” Maddie asks.
What? No shock, no surprise, no killing? Damn. I’m disappointed.
Maddie’s already out of her seat, full stomach forgotten. Within seconds, she’s flopped down on the floor, with the dog practically in her lap, hugging him as he licks her face. It’s absurdly adorable.
He’s a beautiful dog. He’s a long-haired German Shepherd with gorgeous caramel brown and black fur. His face is mostly black, and he’s got the black-tipped ears of a Shepard. His neatly brushed hair looks soft, like he’s freshly groomed. He’s also head over heels in love with Maddie.. already.
Yeah, buddy, me too.
He’s not the only one. I’m a bit surprised, because I never knew she wanted a dog, and I feel like I should have known that about her. I grew up with dogs. My parents bred Australian shepherds when I was young. They gave it up once hockey got competitive and took more of their time, but we’ve always had at least two dogs around the house. The only reason I don’t have one now is because of the traveling I have to do. I thought about getting one anyway and just leaving it at my parents while I was out of town. However, our last discussion killed that idea. Mom doesn’t need more on her plate right now, especially since this isn’t the only traveling they plan on doing this year. Dad told me he’s got three more trips planned, so no dog-sitting for them.
“Who’s your new buddy, Kenz?” I ask, approaching slowly with my hand out. Always good to let a dog get a read on you before you move into their space.
“His name is Ace, and he’s a former police K-9. Recently retired.” Kenji tells us. Well done, Kenji. I mean, if you’re going to get a protective dog, it’s nice if they come already trained, and K-9‘s are next level.
Ace sniffs me and nudges my hand, showing I have permission to pet him. I smile and give him a thorough scratch on the head.
“Good boy, Ace. Aren’t you handsome?” I tell him. Ace preens as if he understands my compliment. Looking at me with those soft brown eyes full of intelligence. Yup, I’m a goner.
Kenji did well, and it’s killing me I didn’t think of it first.
Madison
I’m a dog owner! I bury my face in Ace’s soft, silky hair, loving the feel of it tickling my face. He’s just perfect. He snuffs my hair and licks my cheek. It’s love at first sight for both of us. I already know he’s my guy. He’s a cuddler, and I couldn’t be happier about it. He’s making himself at home in my lap, nuzzling my face while giving me the occasional lick.
I love that Liam’s just as enamored with Ace as I am, because it’s cute as hell. He’s been showing me some basic commands, and Ace is responding like a dream, already looking up at Liam with heart eyes. Walker’s a different story. Ace is hesitant with my brother, and I’m more amused by it than I should be. Walker’s trying so hard to get his attention, and Ace couldn’t care less. It’s driving Walker crazy.
Kenji has moved to the kitchen, and is picking through all the leftovers. With his restrictive training diet, there are only a few things he can eat when we order takeout.
Since I’ve only got one couch, everyone’s sprawled out wherever they can find room. My apartment is feeling like a shoebox with three huge guys, all over six feet, spread out overmy minimal furniture. I’m no slouch in the height department, but I’m feeling tiny at five foot eight. Liam has claimed the couch, just like I knew he would, even putting up his feet to “save my seat.” He gave Walker the stink eye when he tried to take my spot. My brother just smirked and took over my bed because it’d the only place left, and we have no personal space, apparently. I swear if it smells like his feet later, I’m going to kick his butt. I love him, but his feet and I have been enemies since junior high.
Liam moves his feet for me to sit, which are not at all stinky, I notice. Once I take my seat, Ace jumps up, tail wagging in happiness, as he snuggles into the small space between us. Liam laughs and ruffles his fur.
I survey the room. This is my family. These are the people that I love and trust the most. My heart is so full seeing them all in my space, at ease and relaxed. Even Walker and his stinky feet. It’s been years since we’ve all been together this way, and it makes me realize how much I’ve missed this. I know everyone has a crazy travel schedule, but I’m determined to make these kinds of nights a regular thing. Somehow.
