Page 29 of Never Yours

Just say yes.

To what?

The next text is a photo of him holding an adorable Dalmatian puppy. I’m not sure who is cuter, though: him cuddling with a dog, or the sweet pup itself.

No.

But she’s beautiful.

You’re leaving in two weeks.

I’m bringing her home.

Who is going to take care of her?

Travis said he’ll help watch her until I get back.

He’ll share custody with you, of course.

What do you want to name her?

You can name your dog whatever you want.

Our dog.

“Well, it looks like your brother has adopted a dog…” I show her the texts, and she coughs a laugh. “This isn’t funny.”

“It totally is, and you should name her Smitten.”

caleb

. . .

Ipull up to Cass’ place and click the leash onto the collar of Ingrid’s and my new addition. She leaps out of the truck with me, and I make sure she empties her bladder before we knock on the door.

Travis wasn’t trying to replace Blaze. He wanted a dog of his own that he wouldn’t have to share with the boys at the station. When he met Inferno, it was love at first sight, and when Inferno’s sweet little sister curled up into my lap, I fell in love with my own little pup. I wasn’t kidding when I told Ingrid that she’s our dog, but I know they’re a lot of work. So, when Travis offered to help if Ingrid needed it, I couldn’t say no to these adorable brown eyes. I had to bring her home.

Cassidy opens the door and gasps, “You really got her.” She crouches down and pets her behind the ear, calling into the house, “Smitten’s here!”

“We are not calling her Smitten,” Ingrid insists, coming up behind Cass. “Fuck, Cay, what were you thinking?”

“Smitten is perfect. Isn’t she pretty?” Cass coos. “Who’s a good dog? You are.”

“She’s beautiful, but she’s going to be huge!” Ingrid crosses her arms over her chest.

“I’ll take her to the backyard; she’s not potty trained yet.” I move past my sister and Ingrid to take the pup out back.

With each step, the weight of my actions hits me. It was reckless to adopt a dog before I leave, especially if the unthinkable happens and Ingrid and I aren’t together. I quickly squash the idea—we aren’t going to end, she’s my forever.

Once on the back porch, I take off the leash and let Smitten roam. Cass and Ingrid join me moments later and Cass whispers, “If Ingrid doesn’t want her, I do,” making me chuckle.

“What happens when you leave?” Ingrid asks, watching our pup leap through the overgrown grass.

“She’ll have you, Travis, and Cass.” I shrug. “I can’t have her on base, but the minute I’m home, she’ll stay with us.”

Ingrid chews on her lip. “What if I’m not here?”

A slap wouldn’t have stung as much. “What are you talking about?”

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