Page 95 of Cowboys Can't Kiss

“It’s special to me. I love it.”

Jackson squeezes my hand. “I do too. Might be weird calling her that while we make salads, though.”

“So Riley tells me you’re a famous steer wrestler. That must be exciting.”

“I wouldn’t say I’m famous, but it is exciting.”

They chatter a bit about rodeo and after we settle in the adoption room, Carla leaves to bring us Carrot.

“I’m kind of excited.” Jackson rubs his hands on his pants.

“I know. You’ve always wanted a dog. I can’t wait until she’s underfoot while we make dinner together.”

Jackson closes his eyes and inhales a deep breath. “I want that so much.”

God, I hope I don’t break him when he sees the surprise.

“Okay, guys, here she is. Miss Carrot.”

Carla enters the room with a bundle of brown and white fur that’s all ears and feet, and both Jackson and I sigh. He reaches out and Carla places Carrot in his arms.

“I’ll let you both visit and be right back with all the paperwork.” She winks behind Jackson’s back and I turn my attention to him.

“Look at her ears, Rye! Oh my god, she’s so cute.” Carrot snuffles all over Jackson and his smile melts my heart. “I think she fits her name.”

“Me too.” I reach out to scratch her ears and she licks at my hand.

“Here you hold her. We should stop for an extra dog bed on the way home. When I’m away next year, you could bring her to work with you if needed.”

“I don’t think that will be necessary, but we can get her another bed. It’s good to have choices.”

There’s a knock on the door and Carla pokes her head in.

“Do you have room for one more?”

She doesn’t wait for an answer and instead opens the door to reveal the older grey dog Jackson fell in love with.

“What?” He turns to me and back to the dog, who instantly wags his tail and goes to Jackson. “I thought he was already adopted?”

“He was. By me.”

“What?”

Carla left as soon as she brought the other dog in and if she’s following the plan, she has all the dog accessories for an older dog gathered out front for us to take home.

Carrot squirms to get down, and I place her on the floor. She runs to the other dog, who immediately woofs and plays with her.

“Jack, look at me.” Yep, I might have broken my boyfriend. Jackson’s looking at me and back at the dogs, but he’s still dazed. Cupping his cheeks, I force him to keep his eyes on me while the puppy races around the room with the other one chasing in play.

“I saw the way you wished for this dog when it came up for adoption and I couldn’t not try to make your wish come true. He’s yours.”

“But now you have two dogs to look after when I’m away. That’s a lot of work.”

“Jack…I will do anything to make you happy. Taking care of two dogs while my cowboy boyfriend does his farewell rodeo circuit won’t be difficult. Then you’ll be home and we’ll have the hydroponics and my business to focus on. It might be difficult at first, but it’s worth it.” I press a kiss to his lips. “You deserve the future you dreamed of, too, Jack. This is what you wanted.”

The older dog barks and we both turn to find him standing and watching us. Jackson drops to his knees and calls him. “Here, boy. Come here.”

The dog bounces over and almost knocks Jackson over. His laughter as he reaches to hug the dog closer melts my heart.

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