I woke before John but didn’t stir. As the morning sun filtered through the trees, I couldn’t help but think about my father. Doubts crept into my mind as I thought about what my mother had said.
Did he hold me responsible for Matt’s death like she did? I knew I’d never come back to Colorado Springs because of the way she felt about me. I wanted to tell myself it was the grief talking, but I knew better.
The ache in my heart was not as severe knowing I had John. He’d be enough for me when my brothers moved on with their lives. It was how it was supposed to be. And John had saved me.
Winston came over and laid his head on my side of the bed. I smiled as I reached out to rub his face.
John stirred behind me. “Good morning, sweetheart. How are you feeling?” He kissed the side of my head.
“I’m okay,” I replied. “But Winston needs to go out.”
John rolled to his back and stretched. “I’ll take him out. You rest.”
“I’m fine,” I said, sitting up. “I’ll get him some breakfast and start the coffee.”
As he slipped into shorts and a t-shirt, I watched admiring his body. I was a lucky asshole in every way.
“Come on, Winston. Let’s go see what’s outside,” John said, walking to the front door. He picked up his phone and tucked it into his pocket. That was my reminder to find mine.
When they came back in a bit later, Winston came loping to me in the kitchen. I squatted down to him and rubbed him all over.
John smiled and leaned against the cabinet. His arms were crossed over his chest as he looked down at me. I could see the love in his eyes now. That lovey-dovey expression Dare wore when he looked at Greer was right there staring back at me.
“I can see us with a dog, can’t you?”
I smiled at Winston. “Yeah, but this guy is special. Let’s get you some breakfast.”
Standing, I went to wash his bowl and grab him some food. It wasn’t the highest quality, and that disappointed me.
“Before we leave, I want to transition him over to a better quality food,” I said, rubbing my hand over his golden fur. “And maybe take him to the vet. I wouldn’t be surprised if he hasn’t seen one.”
John furrowed his brow. “They haven’t been taking care of him, have they?”
I shook my head. “I don’t think so.”
“Is it a money issue?”
“I don’t know,” I replied. “They just haven’t been the same. I don’t know why they got him to begin with.”
John was quiet for a moment before he looked up at me. “Ready for breakfast?”
“Yes, actually. I’m starved.”
“Good,” he said clapping his hands together. “Pancakes and bacon then.”
I put Winston’s bowl down and turned to make a cup of coffee.
John pulled out pancake mix and a huge pack of bacon. I sipped my coffee as he hunted for a cookie sheet, then turned on the oven.
“I thought we might go fishing today. Sit down by the river and see if we can catch dinner. What do you think?”
“Yeah, that sounds good. We should go after breakfast. We’re more likely to catch them early in the day.”
He grinned at me. “Learn that from your dad?”
“Actually, yes. I did.”
“The fishing poles are stored downstairs under the deck. We can head out…” He was interrupted by a knock at the door.
