Page 117 of Devoted Enough

That little bit of knowledge made me start crying again. How special was it that Nate gave me a family heirloom.

“It’s breathtaking,” I softly said as I stared down at the ring.

Once my mother stepped back, the line formed for everyone to congratulate us.

“Haven, this is Karen. She applied for a job here and reminds me of a younger you,” Nate stated as a young girl about seventeen walked up.

“I dog walk too! I started doing it after you picked up our dog Monty.”

With a tilt of my head, I stared at the young girl. “Oh my gosh, Karen? When did you grow up?”

She laughed. “According to my mother, it happened overnight.”

“I’d say!”

“Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of Bear today for you, so you don’t have to worry.”

I reached down and picked up Bear, giving him a hug and kiss. “I hate letting you go when I just got you!”

Nate reached down and kissed Bear on the head and I fell in love with him a bit more. “He’ll have fun. I bought out PetSmart and gave Karen three bags of toys to take to the house.”

I chuckled. “Spoiled already, I see.”

“Nothing but the best for my son.”

My head snapped up to look at Nate. “Your…son?”

He grinned. “Yeah. He’s the perfect addition to start our family.”

If we were alone, I would drag Nate off to a corner and have my way with him.

I handed Bear to Karen and kissed him goodbye. After everyone had given us their best wishes, they broke out into smaller groups. Stella was sitting with Lincoln and Timberlynn, each with a drink in their hands while they smiled and talked about something. I had a feeling they were talking about weddings.

Nate held onto my hand as we walked Karen out of the park and to her car.

“Take care of him,” I said as I gave him yet one more kiss. I hated letting him go after just getting him.

“Don’t worry. We’re going to work on some commands and hopefully get him started on potty training.”

“Do I see a little trainer in our future?” I asked.

Karen nodded. “Yes! That is my plan.”

“Maybe those plans might include working here as a trainer,” I stated.

Karen’s eyes lit up. “That would be amazing, Ms. Larson.”

“Call me Haven.”

She smiled. “Haven, it is!”

Karen put Bear in the front seat and clipped a dog seat belt to his little harness. She waved as she got into her car.

“I’m sorry to give him to you, then take him away,” Nate said as we both watched Karen drive off.

“He’s beautiful, Nate.”

“I was hoping you wouldn’t be upset that you didn’t get to pick him out.”

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