Page 214 of My Rules

“I have a surprise for you.”

“You do?” I smile as I turn toward him. “Please tell me that I get to do Santa tonight?”

“That’s a given.” He shrugs. “Come with me.” He takes my hand and leads me through the house and opens the front door.

A large basket with a red bow sits there. “What’s that?”

“I don’t know.” He smiles like a Cheshire cat as he picks up the basket and walks inside.

“What did you buy me?” I smile. “I thought we weren’t doing gifts until tomorrow.”

“This is for both of us.” He puts the basket down next to the tree and sits down beside it. “Open it.”

I smile and pull the ribbon and lift off the lid, and my eyes widen as I gasp. “Oh ... a puppy.”

A beautiful little golden retriever looks up at me.

“Oh my god.” I gasp as I pull it out. “You bought me a puppy?” I whisper. I hold it up. “A little girl puppy?” I squeak. “Blake ...,” I whisper.

“What are you going to call her?”

“Oh.” I look at her beautiful little face. “What shall we call her?” I whisper in awe.

His eyes twinkle with love. “Whatever you want, baby.”

“Daisy?” I hold her up. “Do you like the name Daisy?” I ask her.

She replies with a big lick to my face, and I laugh out loud. “Oh, I love you.” I reach over and kiss him as she wiggles in my arms to break free. “Thank you.”

“Do you like her?” he asks.

“I love her, and I love you.”

Chapter 22

Rebecca

Seven months later

Ring, ring . . . ring, ring . . .

“Hello,” Blake grumbles from beside me in bed.

I squint at the clock. “What time is it?”

3:00 a.m.

“That’s great, man.” Blake smiles. “Can I do anything?” He listens for a moment. “Just stay fucking calm, okay? Juliet needs you to be calm.”

I sit up. “Is Juliet in labor?” I mouth.

He nods with a smile.

“Ahhhh.” I jump out of bed, run to the bathroom to get my robe on, and race downstairs to get my phone. I accidentally left it charging.

I see three messages in my group chat with the girls. The first message is from Juliet.

It’s happening.

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