“Lainie.”
She paused, placing her hand on the doorway, and glanced over her shoulder. “Yeah?”
“You’re gettin’ it tonight.”
Amusement and, hell, mischief sparked her eyes. “Promises, promises.” Her giggle followed her out of the room.
He couldn’t wipe the grin from his face. He’d never been so fucking happy in his life. This chapter was a whole new beginning, and he’d savor every minute with his new little family.
Epilogue
Roarke scratched his head and stared at the yapping animal occupying the kennel in the back seat of his truck.
Viper leaned against the truck bed with a shit-eating grin. “You sure getting them a puppy two days before you leave for eight weeks is a good idea?”
His mouth twitched with doubt. He’d debated about the dog for more than a week but ultimately decided to go for it. Soon he’d find out if he’d made a mistake or not.
“I mean, it’s cute,” Viper said.
The animal released a shrill bark in protest.
“He,” Roarke said. The shepherd mix turned in a circle in the enclosure, chasing his tail. Then he tipped over and smacked into the plastic wall.
“I see he’s smart, too.”
“Never said he was.” Roarke closed the door. Why the hell he’d brought his asshole friend along to the animal shelter was beyond him.
Well, he knew why. They’d had to run diagnostics on their equipment before they flew out. Last thing they needed was to run around in Kuwait to find shit days before a job. After they’dfinished, he’d made the mistake of telling Viper his plans and the moron had asked to come.
Roarke got in the driver’s seat and Viper hopped in next to him. He’d been so excited to swing by the shelter that he hadn’t considered waiting until he got back so Laine and Emmy could pick the animal they wanted.
He turned on the engine, but his hand froze on the gear stick. “Shit. Laine mentioned she wanted a dog, but what if she meant something small?”
Viper glanced at the back seat. “He ain’t gonna be small.”
“No shit.”
“Don’t worry about it, man. With you gone half the time, they’re going to need a guard dog. I think he’ll do.”
The puppy let out a playful bark. At least Viper had finally said something encouraging. “Yeah, I hope you’re right.”
“Always am.”
Roarke snorted and pulled onto the road.
“Did you take Laine and Emmy to see your parents last weekend?”
Roarke fought a grin. “Yeah, it was good to see them. Mom and Dad took to them immediately, and I’m glad they can help a bit when I’m gone. My dad already volunteered to keep up the yard work, and my mom asked to take Emmy for lunch and to the zoo next weekend.”
“Nice. I’m glad, man.”
“Never thought I’d see them as grandparents,” he said, still in awe and so grateful he had Laine and Emmy. A family to come home to.
After dropping off Viper at his hotel, he rolled up to Laine’s colonial-style two-story. The tree-lined street and large lots created a picturesque scene. Really was a shame to sell the place, but she’d mentioned putting the proceeds toward a new house. He’d rather put the money in a trust for Emmy, though.
He pulled into the garage and took out the carrier along with a bone he’d purchased. Settling the puppy on a mat near the wall, he ruffled his fur then placed the bone in front of him.
With any luck, he’d be quiet long enough for Roarke to get Laine and Emmy into the garage. He entered through the mudroom, and the scent of banana muffins filled his nostrils. A smile pulled at his lips as he made his way to the kitchen.
