Page 10 of Twin Babies for the Pucking Billionaires

“That sounds like fun!”

“It is, Millie. It really is. Maybe you should fly down here and spend some time with your old man.”

“I wish, but I want to figure things out instead of running.”

“There you go. You are brave and beautiful and you will get through this. Okay?”

I feel myself getting choked up as I reply. “Thank you.”

“Anytime. Now, I need to go check on the tractor wheels I ordered, but please text me after your walk and tell me you got home okay.”

“I will.”

“Bye, baby girl,” he says warmly.

“Bye, Dad. Love you,” I reply, feeling a lump in my throat.

He hangs up, and I stare at my phone for a moment before putting it down. Maybe Dad’s right. It’s been weeks since the breakup and I’ve been hiding indoors, avoiding everything and everyone. But I can’t stay locked up forever.

I grab my coat and keys, taking a deep breath before stepping outside. The Chicago air is brisk, but it feels invigorating against my skin. I walk aimlessly, letting my thoughts wander.

Maybe Dad’s right about more than just going outside. Maybe it’s time to really start moving forward again, in every way.I’ve taken the first steps—getting back online, baking again—but there’s more to life than just that.

I stroll through the streets, watching people going about their day. The city buzzes around me and for the first time in a while, I feel like I’m a part of it again.

I pass by the café where I used to meet Ryan for coffee. It stings a little, but I keep walking. I won’t let memories hold me back.

I decide to grab a hot chocolate to keep me warm on my walk.

I wander through Lincoln Park, sipping my hot chocolate, enjoying the fresh air. It’s been a while since I’ve allowed myself to just be outside and it feels good.

I’m lost in thought when I see it—a vandalized poster of Ryan. His blue eyes and brown hair are almost unrecognizable beneath the crude drawings and scribbles. He’s in his Blackhawks uniform, black and green, with the bold logo across his chest. I can’t help but laugh.

I pull out my phone and snap a photo, planning to send it to Jade.

As I’m about to hit send, I hear a faint whimpering. I turn, trying to locate the source and find a small puppy stuck in a bush. The puppy is tiny, with fluffy white fur and big, scared brown eyes. My heart melts. I crouch down, gently coaxing the puppy out of the bush.

It trembles in my arms and as I look around the slightly deserted park, I realize I have no idea who the owner is.

“Hey there, little one,” I whisper, stroking its soft fur. “We’ll find your owner, okay?”

I look around and spot an older woman walking nearby. “Excuse me, do you know where the nearest vet is?”

She smiles kindly. “Yes dear, there’s one about three blocks from here. It’s called Elite Paws Vet Hospital.”

“Thank you,” I say, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety.

I make my way to Elite Paws Vet Hospital, cradling the puppy. The place is swanky, with a sleek, modern design. It has polished floors and a spacious waiting area. The receptionist looks up as I enter. She’s young, has red hair, glasses and a friendly smile.

“Hi, welcome to Elite Paws. How can I help you?”

“I found this puppy stuck in a bush,” I explain, holding up the trembling dog. “I just want to get it checked out and see if it has a microchip, so we can find the owner.”

She nods, typing something into her computer. “Do you have the dog’s vaccination records?”

I shake my head, feeling my frustration rise. “No, the dog isn’t mine. I just found it.”

“Checkups are three hundred dollars,” she says, still typing.

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