Page 86 of Vex

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“I want that one! No, wait! This one!” Tessie says changing her mind again.

Loki’s girlfriend has had her puppies and we’re arguing over which one we want. Tessie, Vex and I are all sitting on the floor at Gunner’s house while several puppies climb on us. Each one is adorable and it’s hard to pick just one. Most of them bear a strong resemblance to Loki. He definitely put his stamp on his brood.

“I think I like this one best,” Vex says.

“Why that one?” Tessie questions.

“Because I’ve moved her away from Taja several times now, but she returns to lay by Taj’s leg. Every single time. She wants to stay close and I think she’s picked Taja to be her human,” Vex explains.

I know exactly which puppy he’s talking about because the second we walked in the door, she claimed me. She’s not as hyper as some of the others but demands my attention by pushing gently at my hand with her nose. Yes, I want this one, but I didn’t want to break Tessie’s heart by not letting her get to choose.

“She is really cute and fluffy,” Tessie says while moving to sit closer to the puppy.

The puppy must sense that Tessie’s considering her because she leans over enough to lick her hand. Tessie’s face softens, and I know who’ll be living with us soon.

“I agree. That’s our girl,” Tessie says while petting the beautiful grayish brown head.

“You sure? You liked some of the others too,” I ask Tessie.

“Positive. Vex is right. She’s chosen you to be her human, and she should have some say in who she spends her life with. She’ll be protective of you, of us, and I like that. Besides, most of the puppies are going to other club members, so it’s not like I won’t get to see them all the time.”

Ava hands Vex a cute purple collar, and he puts it on the puppy. She’s ours when she’s old enough to be away from her mom. I’m in love already.

A few months have passed since losing our baby and things are a little better each day. Not saying I don’t still have moments where I feel depression setting in and pulling me under. I do, and it’s hard. But I remind myself that my mom is taking care of Joshua now, and that eases some of my pain. Vex and Tessie are also having more good days now. It’s fundamentally changed us all, but we’re coping and slowly healing.

“We need to set a date and start making arrangements, Taj. You keep putting me off about the wedding. Are you having doubts about getting married?” Vex asks quietly.

We’re lying in bed doing nothing more than being together. He’s flat on his back and I’m cuddled tight to his side, head on his chest. Vex has one hand in my hair with his other linked with mine resting on his chest. He’s been bringing up the wedding more often lately. I’ve been trying to avoid this discussion because I don’t want the fight it’s going to cause.

“There’s no rush anymore, Vex,” I carefully say.

“Told you before that getting married wasn’t about you being pregnant. Just that if you would marry me, I wanted to do it before the baby was born so he’d have my name,” Vex answers in a terse voice. I feel his body tense, and I know I’ve angered him.

I sit up, bracing myself on a hand in the bed and look him in the eye.

“You no longer have to marry me,” I say, and even I can hear the sadness in my voice.

“Never had to before, Taja. Wanted to and still do. That hasn’t changed. I want you as my wife, and I want that as soon as I can get you in front of a minister.”

I can hear the truth in his words. Words I needed to hear.

I smile down at my man and know life will always be good with him in it.

Epilogue

Vex

“Taja! You’re going to be late!” I shout toward the master bedroom.

“Coming!” she shouts back.

Tessie, sitting at the kitchen island, rolls her eyes. This is a daily occurrence on the days Taja’s training at the hospital. As she rushes into the room, I hold out the travel mug of coffee and a bagel in a napkin. She snatches them from me, turns her face upward for her goodbye kiss and bolts out the door after she receives it. We hear a faint “Bye, Tessie” as the door shuts.

“Does she have any idea about the party?” Tessie asks as she finishes off her toast.

“I don’t think so. You women have been pretty sneaky about getting it planned.”

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