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Only then did she wrap one arm around him, her small chest rising and falling from trying to keep from crying.
“Did you know that dogs are magical?” I asked as quietly as possible.
It took her a few seconds before she raised her head, her lovely blue eyes searching mine. “Really?”
“Absolutely. They know exactly what you need no matter if you’re happy or sad. Isn’t that right, Shadow?”
The pup had to prove me right, his tail now thumping wildly and he decided right now would be an excellent time to give her one big, fat lick across her face. When she giggled, he did it again. And again.
Until she was finally laughing as if filled with joy.
I egged on the pup until he was crawling all over her, forcing her to tip over, leaving him partially sitting on her. I joined in, tickling her tummy while she squirmed.
Shadow barked, wiggling all over the place, finally deciding I needed a few of the licks on my face as well. After a few seconds, I fell on the floor next to her, shifting my head toward her. When she did the same, our heads now touching, I fought tears of my own.
It took a few seconds for Shadow to calm down and the three of us laid together quietly.
“Do you know how much your daddy loves you?”
She seemed to be contemplating my question. “Yes.”
“Really, or are you unsure?”
The little angel actually rolled onto her stomach so she could peer down at me. “I think I know, but he’s so different.”
“Oh, honey. He was just in shock. He wasn’t certain what had happened.”
“He thought we’d gone to visit the angels where Mama is. Right?”
Dear God. I wasn’t equipped to handle such a difficult question. “I believe so.” I rubbed her arm lightly; she seemed okay with my answer. “Which is why he’s very uncertain how to feel right now. A little like you’re feeling. I think it’s just about being together. A little time. Does that make sense?”
“I guess.”
“I can assure you that your daddy loves you more than anything on this earth.”
Her nose scrunched and I knew she was debating. “More than pizza?”
“Definitely.”
“More than peanut butter?”
“I don’t even think he likes peanut butter.”
Mina giggled enough I could take a few breaths. “More than ice cream?”
“I can say without any doubt much more than ice cream.”
“What about chocolate cake?” Now she was teasing me.
“Even more than chocolate cake. Speaking of which.” I sat up. “I think our supplies should be arriving at any minute.”
“Yay!”
At the sound of the doorbell I lifted my eyebrows, even gasping in awe. She mimicked me, which I’d hoped she’d do. “I guess I should let him in.” I scrambled to my feet and I was filled with so much emotion that every muscle in my body ached. When I made it to the door, I heard her little voice once again.
“Izzy?”
“What, sweetheart?”
