Page 16 of Merry with a Single Dad

“You were right, Chris. Your dog really is Lucifer.”

Luke barked in excitement as if he knew we were talking about him, then laid his head down when I glared at him from over my wine glass.

“Do you know how this happened?” Chris asked.

“I’m going out on a limb and guessing the night of Halloween when we left them all here unsupervised. She’s a little over two weeks pregnant, and it’s been a little over two weeks since we took Hudson trick or treating.”

“Oh, shit,” he said, covering his face with his hands. “This is all my fault.”

“Stop,” I said. “As much as I hate this, it’s my fault. I was the one who agreed to take care of her. I should have done a better job.”

“Em, don’t do that.” As soon as he touched me, tears welled in my eyes.

“I fucked up, Chris. I seriously fucked up. Celine could sue me over this.”

His eyes turned soft at the realization of my level of stress. “She’s not going to sue you.”

“But she could. She might.”

“Emily, I highly doubt Celine is the kind of woman who would sue you for an innocent mistake like this.”

“People have been sued for less,” I countered as the tears spilled over.

“I won’t tell you that’s not true.” He stroked my arms, offering me comfort and support. “But I don’t think Celine is capable of that kind of malice. Do you?”

I looked into his eyes and thought about Celine. “No. I suppose you’re right.”

“Good.” He wrapped me in his arms and hugged me tightly.

I sighed and asked the question anyway. “But what if she does?”

“Then we deal with it,” he answered. “Together.”

The comfort of his embrace was nothing compared to the comfort of being part of his team.

Chris, Hudson, our dogs, and I were a team.

We were family. And nothing gave me more comfort than knowing I would never be alone again.

Chris was my rock. I mentally prepared for my conversation with Celine as best as I could.

Bullet points ensured I would address everything I needed to and stay on point. I had Gigi’s stellar report of health in hand.

My cell phone mocked me from the coffee table.

“You ready?” he asked, handing my phone to me.

“No.”

His cute chuckle made me smile. I pulled up my call log and huffed a breath before I pressed Celine’s name.

Chapter Seven

Emily

“I guess they missed the discussion in school about the importance of protection,” Chris said, directing his attention to the four bundles of fur curled up in the living room where Hudson was playing with his action figures.

Cassie’s bark of laughter bounced off the walls.

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