The food checks all the boxes for nutrition and costs, and it dominated three similar legacy pet food brands in taste trials.
Now, the secret’s out. Every day there’s a new influencer, partner, or brand beating down my door to help launch Brady Belly in several different flavors.
It’s like I found Aladdin’s cave and a genie to turn the biggest shit show of my life into a granted wish. Before, I never believed it when they said “there’s no such thing as bad publicity.”
But without Lena and the scandal, I never would’ve tasted this success.
Even so, it’s a relief to finally have a chance to breathe. And there’s nothing else I need besides my woman, a tent, and our dog.
So much for fostering Queenie. About a week after we got back together, we formally adopted her and had her chip changed over to our names.
No regrets.
No worries that we’re moving too fast.
Not when life has never felt easier.
Today, the gorgeous landscape of Mount Rainier National Park sprawls out around us. The ancient lakes up here are a realism painting come to life, so clear you can see straight through them.
It’s a clear September day as the golden sun beats down on our heads, giving me the calmest vibe I’ve felt since—hell, ever.
With Queenie’s head resting on her shoulder, Lena tips her head back and smiles. “Feels great to leave it all behind, doesn’t it?”
“Seattle? Yeah.”
“Anywhere with nosy people armed with cameras. But I haven’t seen a single hiker here pull out their phone.”
“Aw, you’re tired of the photo shoots?” I chuckle as she glares at me, but her eyes are dancing.
“I’m not sure I’ll ever beemotionallyprepared for the attention,” she says, absently stroking Queenie’s head.
The old girl’s tail is a helicopter blade, spinning since we set off this morning. It’s probably why she’s tired out after one quick run and a hike. That’s one reason we’re taking it slow, not going too far in one day—giving everybody plenty of rest.
With the shine in the Lab’s eyes, I’m half tempted to start taking her fish oil supplements myself.
“It’s beautiful here, though,” Lena whispers. The lake ahead reflects the grey mountains above like nature’s mirror.
No question. I made the right choice.
This is the kind of place where people go to figure out the rest of their lives.
I stick my hand in my pocket for reassurance that I still have my future waiting inside.
It’s been burning a damn hole in my flannel shirt since I woke up, but I’m waiting for the perfect moment. You only get to do this once, especially for real.
This entire hike looks perfect location-wise, but it’s early fall on Mount Rainier.
People come and go in spurts, winding along the paths. We’re tucked away from the buses bringing tourists, sure, but I want some privacy from stray hikers.
My first proposal was a performance.
I want this one to be ours.
Private. Perfect. Intimate.
“You know my favorite part?” she asks.
I look up. “Pretty sure you’re about to tell me.”
