Page 47 of Claimed by my Bestie's Dad

“If you figure out how to do that with these dogs, their owner will thank you for any tips you have.”

I lean forward and kiss Madison’s forehead quickly before getting Bella’s leash and settling it on her collar. Then, I head out into the biting wind with the two crazy pups. And I’m right. Tying them together while they run free on the beach is the perfect solution. They don’t get too far before one of them gets distracted by a sea animal or some piece of trash. I’m easily able to grab the combined leash and pull them toward me when it’s time to head in.

I’m still turning over my deeper conversation with Madison.

Madison wants to start a surfing school. I wonder how much she knows about surfing and if it would be the right business move for her.

As soon as I ask the question, I shake my head. That’s the wrong question completely. I need to ask if it’s something I can make come true.

22

MADISON

I breathea sigh of relief when Bigfoot and Bella walk out the door. Well, neither one of them is walking. It’s more like bounding energetically, but I don’t care how they are moving now that they aren’t my responsibility anymore.

I’ve been eating crackers and ginger ale to help settle my uneasy stomach. I need to be on my best behavior because I have two more dogs coming to my house in a couple of hours. They’ll be staying through Christmas. I can only hope that they aren’t as big as these last two.

Samson comes up and rubs his side against me like a cat. “Are you that desperate for attention? You feel like we haven’t played together because I’ve been so busy taking care of everyone else?”

Samson sticks his head under my hand like he’s trying to show me exactly how to pet him. I give him a good scratch behind the ears.

Georgie seems to sense that something is up. He cautiously comes over and sniffs at both of us. When I reach for him, he jumps back and yips.

“You are very scared of everything. You know I give the best ear scratches. You can just ask Samson.”

Samson presses his head under my hand again like he’s showing off for Georgie.

The next thing I know, the doorbell is ringing. Two hours have passed, and the other dogs are arriving. I stand up and immediately feel sick.

I don’t know what I have, but it’s a lingering virus. It just won’t seem to let me go.

I shake off my sleepiness, stretch, and head to the front door.

When I see the two medium-sized dogs, I let out a sigh of relief. Even if they behave badly, they won’t be able to pull my arm off while doing it. The owner introduces herself and her two dogs—Tigger and Piglet.

I absentmindedly pet them as I listen to her instructions. As soon as she is gone, I let the two begin exploring the space, snapping a couple of pictures.

I smile as I look at the pictures. I’m halfway through the process of opening my messages and sending them to Ethan when I realize what I’m doing. Should I really send him dog pictures?

He’s probably working. He doesn’t want that sort of thing alerting his phone in the middle of his shift.

But…after a moment’s consideration, I send the pictures anyway, titling them “Winnie the Pooh’s best friends.”

Ethan responds pretty quickly.Oh, no. These two look like trouble.

No one can be as much trouble as the last two.

Don’t say that. Have you taken them outside yet?

No way. It’s too cold to spend much time outside today.

Ethan doesn’t respond for a moment, so I scroll to myother chain of messages. I have three missed notifications. The three messages are all from Aurora.

Another party prep night tonight.

I’ve made homemade cookies, so bring other desserts to go with.

Please bring crepe paper.

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