Page 238 of Mountain Boss

Because the most beautiful dog in the world just walked into the house.

It’s black and fuzzy and comes up to Sterling’s knees and… It’s the most perfect dog I’ve ever seen.

“Oh my god.” I heave the words out as tears roll down my cheeks. “Who is this?”

Before Sterling can answer, I drop to my knees, tossing the oven mitts behind me.

It’s a dog.

A real dog. Here.

I hold my hands out, and the furry black animal trots toward me.

No hesitation.

No growls or whimpers.

“Ben, this is Courtney,” Sterling says in a quiet voice. “Courtney, this is Ben.”

“Hi, Ben.” I let out a watery laugh. “I love your name.”

People names for pets have always been my favorite.

Ben slows when he reaches me but doesn’t pull back when I press my fingers into his fur.

“You have such pretty eyes,” I tell him.

He chuffs.

“Sorry.” I stroke a hand down his side. “I meant they’re very handsome.”

“I see I’m no longer needed here.” Sterling chuckles as he lowers himself to the ground next to me.

My smile is so big it’s hurting my cheeks. “Where did you get him?”

Ben leans forward and licks the side of my face.

“Ew,” I laugh as Ben tries to climb farther into my lap.

I shift onto my butt, and he plops himself right on top of my legs. Feeling heavier than he looks.

Sterling lays one arm over my shoulder while he reaches out with the other and scratches the top of Ben’s head.

“I got him from the shelter in town. They said he’s a lab-collie mix, but who knows.” He shifts to scratch behind Ben’s ears. “Ever since that night we talked about dogs… I’ve wanted to take you there to look for one.” I raise my eyes up to meet Sterling’s. “I should have waited for you. But I was driving past, and I wanted to see…” He lifts a shoulder. “I know we said we weren’t doing gifts…”

I nod. Because that’s true. We agreed that we wouldn’t exchange gifts for Christmas, which is only a few days away.

“But as soon as I saw him, I knew he was meant to be yours.”

Gratitude fills my chest. “He’s mine?”

Sterling nods. “He’s yours.”

Chapter 185

Sterling

I wantto tell her that Ben isours. That he belongs to both of us like she belongs to me.

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