Not to be outdone, Daphne kissed his other cheek.
We all laughed.
Then Finn guided Pixie back to the kennel, I wrapped my arms around Andre to offer comfort, and—eventually—we went home.
That night, as we lay in bed, Andre curled against me. “I didn’t know being this happywas possible.”
I scratched his scalp. “I didn’t know to wish for you, but now you’re here, I plan to make your life the best I can.”
“You already have, Daddy.”
“Glad to hear it, Rocky.”
With that, we fell into a deep sleep—undoubtedly dreaming of our new life together.
Epilogue
Andre
Settling into a routine proved easy. I got the job as a trainer at the rec center. Zahir helped me set up a website for being a personal trainer. I spoke to the owner of a local physiotherapy clinic, Marcus Brannigan. He had several clients who no longer needed intensive therapy, but who needed guidance and encouragement. Including several with physical disabilities. Once he’d vetted me thoroughly, he was happy to release those clients into my care.
My business was hopping.
Pixie and Daphne were like long-lost sisters and insisted their beds be right next to each other. Most of the time, when it wasn’t too hot, they could be found curled around each other.
“Are you certain our girls will be okay tonight?” I fidgeted.
Zahir grasped my hands for a moment before putting his back on the wheel. “Look, the timing was perfect. Demetrius and Jai are out tonight as well. Keegan and Alaina are thrilled to have the four dogs to look after. You know Gus and Gizmo are best buddies with our girls.”
“Seems a lot.”
My man laughed. “Four dogs in the hands of two capable teenagers is just fine.” Alaina wasn’t officially a teenager yet, but she was darn close. “Are you nervous about tonight? We don’t have to go—”
I shook my head even as we pulled into a parking lot in downtown Vancouver. “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our engagement.” My head still spun. Four months after we met, just a couple of days ago, my Daddy proposed. Last night, we’d shared our news with Demetrius, Jai, and the kids. Phone calls to Imani and Malaya had followed.
In truth, I’d wanted to be the one to propose. So I could prove my devotion. I’d been saving money for a ring, but Zahir beat me to the punch. Oh well, I intended to buy him the best ring I could. He’d tucked away his wedding ring from Marty, and we’d moved into the primary bedroom full-time. Occasionally, Marty made his way into our conversations, and that always made me happy. Zahir’s relationship with his husband had made him the man he was today. The man I loved.
“I’m not nervous.” Excited, perhaps, but not nervous.
Zahir yanked out his phone and paid for parking.
The sun had begun to set, and the sky had a pink glow.
“I’ll admit I’ve never been to Pup Night at Club Kink, but I think it’ll be fun.” He squeezed my hand. “I like the idea of you meeting other pups. To make friends.”
“You’ll meet other Daddies.”
“True.” He laughed. “I’ll get handling tips.”
“Because I’m a brat?”
He grasped the back of my neck and pulled me in for a hard kiss. “Never bratty. Just…challenging.”
I laughed.
He did as well.
We exited his SUV and headed inside.
