“They are. Pit bulls mixed with German Shepherd. That means they are smart and very protective of their people.”
“I bet they are.” I smiled at the older man. He was definitely ex-military or law enforcement based on the way he stood. I recognized some of his mannerisms that must come with time in the military or as a cop because Tucker had them too. He was almost as tall as Tucker, but not quite. That was about where the similarities ended. Whoever this guy was, he was not related to Tucker by blood, but from the way they talked to each other, I knew they had worked together in the past. There was a kinship and respect between the two men. “What kind of training do they have?”
“They are protection dogs. Trained to protect people.”
My gaze locked with Tucker as he spoke. “You said the guys and I can’t be there all the time, but one of these dogs can.”
“But I have to work still?”
“They are service dogs, Patience. Their service is protection. And before you ask, I’ve already cleared it with your boss.”
I picked the sweet shy dog, Laylah as soon as I saw her. She was reserved and was acting meek, so I wasn’t sure how much protection she would be, but the guy assured both Tucker and me that she was well trained and would do her job of taking care of me.
Laylah and I spent the next few hours training together and bonding. She was so sweet, and he was right, very well trained. I’d already lost my heart to her, just like I lost it to the man who bought her for me.
The next stop on the agenda was the pet store to get staple items for her. Tucker wanted me to practice the commands and having her with me in a public setting, so we went to the store to grab what we needed. I was excited to have a dog again. Thelast dog we had died a few years back, and Mom and Dad hadn’t gotten around to buying another one.
Tucker and I walked hand in hand through the aisles of the pet store, putting the necessities into the cart. Laylah was on her leash, ever observant of what was going on around us, and following every command I gave her. She didn’t go crazy when she saw dogs, cats, or other people. When she was wearing her vest and harness, she knew it was time to work and protect.
“Thank you for Laylah. You didn’t have to do that, but I’m glad you did. She will be able to keep me company while you’re gone.”
“You’re welcome.” He pulled my hand to his lips and kissed the back of my knuckles. “I’ll feel better knowing she’s with you when I can’t be.”
The cashier scanned everything, and my mouth dropped open at the amount of money it all cost. Tucker didn’t flinch and handed over a debit card. “That has to be it for today, right?” I had no idea how much a dog like Laylah cost, but I knew it couldn’t have been cheap.
“For now.” He shrugged. “But we do have to go to the bank really quick.”
“What for?” I shot him a sideways glance. The man was up to something. I could feel it. It was like he was saying goodbye already.
“To add you as my beneficiary, just in case.”
I recoiled at the idea and shook my head. “No. I’m not doing that.Wearen’tdoing that,” I grumbled stressing that it wasn’t going to happen before I stomped off with Laylah by my side.
I was halfway to the truck when Tucker caught up to me. “Patience, listen to me.”
“No, dammit. I don’t want to talk about this,” I gritted out. Anger and fear warred within me, grappling over which emotion could run deeper and hotter.
We walked the rest of the way in silence. Tucker was unloading the cart while I loaded Laylah into the cab of his truck. It wasn’t until we were both in the vehicle that he tried to talk to me again.
“Sweetheart, my only living relative is a man who abandoned me, which is the least of his sins. If something should happen to me, everything I’ve worked so hard for will go to him. I don’t want that. I want it to go to someone I care about. Someone I wish I could be with when all is said and done. I want it to go to you.”
“This isn’t supposed to happen this way.” I sniffled softly. I was on the verge of a complete and total meltdown again.
“I know, but it’s the only way—unless...”
“Unless what?” I asked, swiping the tears from my cheek and turning to look at him.
His gaze was strong, sure, and serious as he looked at me. “Unless we got married.”
That’s the thing that pushed me over the edge. I launched myself into his arms as I let out gut wrenching sobs. He held me in his arms for what seemed like ages as I cried my heart out. When my tears finally subsided, I felt like a rag doll and his shirt was soaked through from my tears.
“Was that a yes?” he finally asked, pushing my hair behind my ear so he could see my face.
“On one condition.”
“What’s that?”
“You tell me you love me,” I whispered. I needed to hear those words. He’d shown it with his actions, but I needed the words before I said, ‘I do’.
