Yanna smiled. “Now, Daphne might feel territorial or jealous if you bring Pixie home—”
“If?” Andre frowned. “Is there something wrong with our application? We were so careful—”
A hand held up by Yanna had him halting his words.
“There’s nothing wrong with your application. I can see you’re both deeply devoted to Daphne, and I have no doubt that love would extend to another dog. I’m just going to ask you to go home and think carefully. This is a huge commitment.”
“And we should call Torah Dixon about training.” I had to make Andre understand this was a normal part of rescuing. “Has Pixie seen Dr. Zephyra?” She was Daphne’s vet—as well as Torah’s older sister.
Yanna nodded. “Zephyra saw Pixie when she arrived. Perfect health, vaccines up to date, everything well in hand.”
“That’s good.” Andre vibrated with excitement. “How long do we have to wait?”
“How about forty-eight hours?” Yanna fingered our application which she’d printed out and had us sign.
“Will she be okay for that time? Because Zahir and I are ready now.” Another furrow crossed my pup’s brow.
“She’s already been here three days. Another two won’t hurt too much.”
The door opened behind us and instinctively I guided Andre and the dogs to the side.
A tall, ginger with stunning blue eyes entered the office.
I smiled. “Hey, Finn.”
“Zahir.” The firefighter grinned. “You here to rescue another dog?” He bent to give Daphne scritches. “She was one of my favorites to visit. I was thrilled she found a good home.” He turned his attention to Pixie. “You’re new here.”
“And soon to be moving on.” Yanna smiled. “I’ve approved Zahir and Andre’s application.”
Finn rose. “That’s great.” He pulled me into a hug. “You’re such a good person.” When he pulled back, he turned his attention to Andre. “We haven’t met. I’m Finn O’Sullivan. I volunteer here.”
Andre shook the proffered hand. “Andre…Fulton. New arrival.”
“Fulton?” Finn cocked a brow. “Related to Demetrius?”
“Half-brother. Newly discovered.”
I was surprised Andre had said that much, but this was his journey. Demetrius had made it clear he was happy for the world to know he had a younger brother. Pride had shone in his eyes. He’d also made it clear the decision was up to Andre on how to proceed. Clearly Andre had made up his mind.
“That’s cool.” Finn grinned. “My husband and I are both only children.”
“How is Ulysses these days?” I returned Finn’s grin. “His featuring animals in need of rescue is one of my favorite parts of the newspaper. I always find it hard not to run down here all the time.” Ulysses was the editor of the Mission City Gazette.
“Apparently you made it on your own as I know Pixie hasn’t been featured yet.” Finn shrugged. “Featuring the animals might’ve been my idea, but you’re right—it’s one of the most popular parts of the paper.” He eyed Pixie. “You want to come with me for a cuddle? To keep you going until you can go home with your two daddies? Oh.” His cheeks brightened to a red that almost matched his hair. “I shouldn’t have assumed—”
Andre tucked his hand in mine and leaned against me. “You can safely assume.”
Finn caught my gaze. “I’m really happy—for both of you.”
I didn’t know the firefighter well, but he’d been kind to me when Marty died. “Thank you. New relationship, but I’m over the moon.”
“And so you should be.” He gestured to Pixie’s leash.
Andre handed it over. Then he crouched. “We’ll be back in forty-eight hours, and you’re coming home with us.”
She leaned over to lick his cheek.
“Pixie gave me a kiss.” He whispered the words reverently.
