“But it’s a birthday tradition.”
He draws me into his lap. “I have everything I want, everything I could wish for.”
We nuzzle and kiss, forgetting about the cake. Eventually, he does have a small slice and approves—it’s peanut butter with strawberry frosting because I didn’t want him to associate those flavors with stress or sadness anymore. Plus, it’s dog-friendly in small quantities. What can I say, they’re spoiled.
Later, we lounge on the couch and the pooches snuggle up with us. “What are you thinking about?” Clark asks, wrapping me in his arms.
“That I’m really glad you adopted a dog that got lost ten years ago.”
He laughs. “Gordie. My wingman.”
“The best wingman.”
I reach for a gift bag that I hid behind the cushion—it’s a bit squished thanks to Moose. “I have something else for you. Happy birthday,” I say, handing it to him.
He opens it and laughs. Inside is a custom Knights jersey with paw prints on it from all the doggos. “They’re lucky that you’re their forever family.”
“Our forever family.” He sets down the bag and kisses me.
The next day, I’m back at Clark’s to take care of the dogs before he heads to the Ice Palace for the final game. Spring is in full bloom. The blossoming flowers are bigger and brighter than ever. Everything that was dormant has come alive again.
Including Clark and me.
He pulls out his phone. “Let’s take a photo.”
“But we finished the campaign.”
“I know. But I want to remember this moment.” He pulls me close, and we smile at his camera.
He posts it to social media with a simple caption.True love. #LoveAtFirstWag #FureverFamily
The comments and likes start rolling in immediately, but I don’t care about any of that.
I only care about the man standing beside me.
Ten years ago, I found a lost dog and met my best friend.
Now, I found my home.
And it’s not a place. It’s not a building.
It’s him. It’s us.
“Hey, Clark?” I say, leaning my head against his shoulder.
“Yeah?”
“I love you.”
“I love you too.” He kisses the top of my head. “Forever and ever. No take-backs.”
“No take-backs,” I agree.
And I know with absolute certainty that this—this messy, beautiful, dog-filled life—is exactly where I’m meant to be.
Not fake.
Not anymore.
