Page 67 of Embers Glow After the Fire

The pup beams back with a huge smile and joyful pant.

“She’s my dream!” He’s elated, pulling her back into his chest and inhaling the sweet puppy musk on top of her head,

Becky knows. He’s chatted with her dozens of times about the goldens he grew up with and how, if he ever were to get a dog, that would be the ideal breed.

“I’ve been calling her Honey.” She knows exactly what she’s doing.

”Hi Honey.” Matthew kisses the puppy’s nose and ruffles her wispy chest fringe. He nuzzles her against his cheek and melts when she licks his face.

Becky lays her head on folded arms hanging over the edge of the pen and gazes at the cuddly pair.

”I think I need her.” Matthew caves.

“I think she was waiting for you.”

Good one Becky.

“Sold.” He rises to his feet.

“I’ll start the paperwork.” Becky skips behind the counter.

Matthew carefully sets Honey in the pen and pulls his phone from his pocket to call the salon.

“Hey D—I’ll be a few minutes late. Have Kelsie get my 2 pm set up? I’ll be there as soon as I can.” He ends the call and scoops the pup back into his arms. They pose for a selfie and he sends the first announcement off to his new favorite person.

Chapter 27

Loose Ends

Brendon admires the photo of Matthew and Honey Darling, posed with big goofy grins in a park that he saved to wallpaper his phone. The silly pair’s wavy orange hair matches almost perfectly in the Georgia sun.

Portland Jetport is quiet before dawn, as he’d hoped. He should arrive in Houston by noon with plenty of time to stop by the condo he shared with Christian before meeting Jordan Devereau at 3 pm.

His phone chimes a message.

Matthew: “Safe Travels.”

Brendon: “Thank you. You’re up early.”

Matthew: “Puppies don’t wait for the sunrise.”

He chuckles.

Brendon: “She’s so cute.”

Matthew: “She can’t wait to meet you.” A photo of the sweet pup smiling up at the camera and squinting under the flash follows the text.

Brendon: “I can’t wait to meet her!” He’ll get back from Houston and then fly to Atlanta for Perry’s party with Dennis and Robbie the following week.

A chipper voice too irritating for this hour, echoes over the intercom, announcing his flight is boarding.

Brendon: “I’ll text you when I reach Houston in a few hours. I hope you get some more sleep.”

Matthew: “We’ll be up. There’s no way she’s letting me go back to bed now.” Another photo of Honey chasing her tail at the end of her leash whooshes in.

He tucks his phone in his pocket and slings his bag over his shoulder as he gets in line at the gate.

Meredith had set him up with a business class seat on the plane, apologizing that the first-class section was full. He didn’t care, it'll just be a few hours with no layover and so far, the airline is running on schedule.

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