Page 67 of From Our First

I needed to be better. I had to stop focusing on what we used to have and what we could have and focus on what wedidhave. But that wasn’t going to be easy.

“Hello there. I’m here, too,” I said, mock-pouting.

“I’m sorry.” Myra laughed. “It’s so good to see you, Nate. Now, I need to go back to loving this puppy with all of my heart. Who’s my precious baby?” Myra said before getting a chew toy and playing with Daisy around the living room.

“You know you’re getting a little ridiculous with my dog.”

“I can’t help it. She loves me more.”

I love you, too.

Jesus Christ, I needed to not think those words. Because if I did, I would end up saying them out loud. And Myra would run faster than a coyote chasing a roadrunner.

“So, I ordered in. I hope that’s okay.”

Myra looked up and smiled. “It’s fine. Long project today?”

I nodded, rubbing the back of my neck. “Yes, it’s bugging me because I don’t think it’s what I need to write. I think it’s just me.”

“Headaches?” she asked, standing up to come up to me. She put her hands on my chest, kissed me softly, and then stared into my eyes. I knew she was searching for pain markers. And she would probably find them. She frowned again and then reached up to rub my temples. I practically moved into her like a cat wanting to be petted, but I held back any purring or groaning.

Barely.

“I could’ve cooked for you,” she said, and I shook my head, pushing her hair behind her ear.

“No, you didn’t need to. I ordered from our favorite fusion place. So, we’re about to get bulgogi and teriyaki and love it.”

“You know that’s our favorite place because we like the sushi,” she said dryly.

“True, but I can’t do delivered sushi. I know it can be amazing, but it’s weird for me.”

She snorted. “Yes, it’s much better than gas station sushi, but I am particular, as well. Why don’t you sit down? I’ll rub your neck while you play with Daisy.”

“You know, that sounds quite nice.”

“Good, because…get on the floor.”

I raised a brow. “Ordering me around?”

“Always. You know that Daisy’s not allowed on the furniture until she’s a year old, and since you’re going to cuddle her, you need to be on the floor, too.”

“I still don’t understand why she can’t be up there, but Macon told me not to, and therefore, here we are.”

“You are always going to listen to what the vet tells us about your precious baby girl.”

I kissed her hard and then sank to the floor, nipping at her hip as I did.

She moaned but narrowed her eyes at me. “Behave.”

“What if I don’t want to?” I asked and winked.

Daisy, excited that I was sitting with her, barked, wiggled her butt, and then brought me her favorite stuffed cow, Moo Moo. “Thank you,” I said, and Daisy plopped onto my lap and promptly fell asleep.

Myra sat behind me and began rubbing my shoulders. I leaned into her, the puppy snoring on my lap, and felt like I could do this forever. Like this wasit—everything I’d ever wanted.

“Feel better?” she asked, her voice low.

“Mmm. Thank you.”

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