Page 121 of Everlasting Promises

Ben swallows a mouthful of coffee and places his cup back on the counter. “I called the vet this morning. Rex is still sleeping, but everything’s looking as it should at this stage. She said we could come down whenever we’re ready.”

Evan’s body softens against mine, then he pulls away. “Okay. I’ll get dressed, and we should go. I’ll be quick.”

I chuckle softly at his eagerness. “We will. But I want you to eat breakfast, then Ben and I have something we’d like to tell you.” I glance up at Ben.

Nervousness wafts like a cloud around him as he twists the leather band at his wrist—something I’ve noticed he does when he’s anxious.

Evan looks between us with suspicion. “Oh-kay,” he drags the word out, then takes a seat at the counter.

I quickly make him some toast and slice an apple, forcing myself to eat a little. Ben pours him some juice, and I grab a small glass for myself.

Once Evan’s initial hunger is sated, he looks up at me. “What did you want to tell me?”

I glance at Ben, and he gives me an encouraging smile as he moves next to me, taking my hand in his. I lick my dry lips and draw in a deep breath, thankful smells aren’t affecting my delicate stomach. “Well. You know how I’ve been feeling tired and sick the last week?”

Evan nods. “Yeah.”

“Uhm, well, I found out why.” He studies me closely, waiting for me to reveal the reason. “Ben and I …” I glance at Ben, then back to Evan. “We’re going to have a baby.” His eyes shuttle between me and Ben and down to my stomach, where Ben’s hand rests protectively. “You’re going to be a big brother.”

Evan’s eyes widen, and his mouth spreads so wide the edges almost touch his ears. “Really?”

Ben and I nod, our grins equally wide as Evan bolts around to our side of the island counter and barrels into us.

“This is the best news. Is it a boy or a girl? I hope it’s a boy.”

I laugh, brightness and warmth filling my world. Lightness and love exploding out of me. “It’s too early to know, but you’ll be there when we find out.”

Evan racesahead and pushes open the glass door to the veterinary hospital. Ben holds it open for me, and we make our way to the desk. The nurse takes us back to the ward so we can see Rex. His tail swishes slowly when he sees us, and he uses his uninjured front paw, whimpering with each movement, to edge closer to the barrier between us. When Evan reaches in to rub his snout, he whines and wriggles forward a little more, nuzzling into his hand.

It’s unnatural to see him so subdued.

We all lavish him with love. I can’t believe we almost lost him yesterday. Tears sting the backs of my eyes at the devastating thought. “I’m so glad you’re still with us, Rex,” I murmur as I rub the top of his head, bumping the plastic cone he’s wearing to stop him from licking or biting his wound.

Rex dozes and wakes periodically, still under the influence of the pain medication being administered through a drip. Every time he wakes, we give him the love and attention he deserves.

Footsteps sound on the polished floor, drawing our focus away from him and Ben stands to greet the uniformed officer walking toward us, holding out his hand. “Sir,” he says with a sharp nod as they shake hands.

“Sergeant.” The man looks over at Rex for a long moment, and when his eyes return to Ben, he studies him closely, his gaze stopping on the bandage I used to cover his wound. “I wanted to drop by to check on Rex’s condition and see how you’re doing after yesterday.”

Ben blows out a long breath as a different vet from last night approaches the two men. Introductions are made, and the vet explains Rex’s surgery and the unlikelihood of Rex returning to service as a K9 officer. All the while, Ben’s boss has his eyes locked on Rex, nodding occasionally. The vet wanders away to check on his other patients, leaving the two men to talk.

The captain drops his hand to Ben’s shoulder and squeezes. “I’m just glad he’s still with us. I’ll let the commander know, and we’ll work on his release from service. He’s been a fantastic asset to our unit, and we’ll miss him.” He glances at Rex, then back at Ben. “How are you holding up, Sergeant?”

I watch Ben’s shoulders rise and fall; his chest expands as he draws in a breath. He looks at me and Evan with a soft smile, then directs his attention back to his boss. “Yesterday was tough, Sir. I’m not gonna lie. It was a wakeup call, and while Iwas carrying Rex to safety, I decided it’s time to resign from the police force.”

The captain’s eyes widen with shock. I bet he wasn’t expecting that. “Don’t make any hasty decisions, son. I understand you’re shaken. Anyone would be. But you’re an exemplary officer. You were born for this job.” He squeezes Ben’s shoulder again. “Take some time off. Consider this decision carefully.”

Ben shakes his head and looks over at me and Evan with another soft smile, then looks back at his boss. “I’ve already thought about it. This job was great when it was just me, but I have a family now. A family I want to be with for many years to come. My priorities have changed. My job is no longer the most important thing to me.” He nods toward us. “They are.”

Evan leans in close and whispers, “Does Ben mean that?”

I glance at Evan. “Mean what?”

He widens his eyes at me. “That we’re his family?”

I grin at my son. “You know Ben only says things he means.”

I watch my son’s eyes sparkle with delight. I can’t believe we’re lucky enough to have Ben claim us as his, and for a moment, I wonder if Wyatt sent Ben our way. And for the first time, I’m thankful we have a guardian angel.

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