Page 37 of Pretty Puppy

Lee groaned, smacking his forehead with his palm. “Oh my God. We’re a mess.” He grabbed Ash’s shoulders, locking gazes with him. “I’m committed to you all the way and I’m going to trust you are too, all right? Don’t let my stupidity taint this gift we’ve been given.”

Ash tilted his head. “Gift?”

“A second chance to have the love we almost lost.”

Ash threw his arms around Lee’s waist. “You’re right. I think I’m still beating myself up because of how I was.”

Lee pressed his cheek against Ash’s temple. “Past is the past.”

Ash sniffed. “Yes, Daddy. Past is the past.”

Lee closed his eyes, determined to prove to Ash that he was committed, that he was ready to live their new life without hesitation.

After releasing him, Lee draped an arm around his shoulders. “Let’s tell Shane, and you can help us figure out what else we can do to fix this.”

Ash gave him a grin. “Thanks, Daddy.”

“No.” Lee shook his head. “I need to thankyou.”

And with that, Lee gave Ash a kiss for all the pups to see.

Chapter Fourteen

“Ash!”

Shane waved him over. Ash picked up a jog to join him by the backstage and changing area. It was the final day of Pet Play by the Lake and almost time to get ready for the adoptions.

“What’s up?”

Ash had just dropped off the list of participants with their show order to the announcer. That was after he’d helped several of the pups get ready to look their best before they climbed into their pens. Earlier, he’d helped place the beds, blankies and bowls in each pen. The day had been exhausting, but strangely satisfying as well.

“You need to get changed. The adoptions begin in thirty minutes, and you not only still have to get your gear on but need time to get in the zone.”

His relationship with Shane had shifted over the past few days. The suspicious frowns and barely veiled looks of disapproval had faded into begrudging approval. He’d even caught Shane smiling at him a few times. Coming from the stone-faced man Ash was so accustomed to, the expression was almost disturbing.

“I was just heading back there right now. Darren wanted me to tell you he needs to go to the little puppy’s room. Is there like a sign saying he’ll be right back or something?”

Shane pressed his lips into a severe line.Thatwas an expression from the dude Ash was quite familiar with.

“He should’ve done that right after the lunch break. We can’t leave the entrance unattended, and you really need to get backstage.”

Someone tapped on his shoulder, and Ash whirled around, ready to tell them they’d have to wait. He gasped.

“Owen! Oh my God, I thought you guys said you couldn’t make it!”

Owen laughed and they fell into each other’s arms. After a lot of squealing and hugging, they let each other go.

“We didn’t think we could, either. The yoga class Rick was supposed to teach this morning was cancelled by the center. So, we impulsively decided to jet our way up here at the last minute. We got in late last night, but I wanted to surprise you.” Owen glanced between him and Shane. “We made it in time, right?”

He hooked his thumb over his shoulder at the guy who needed a potty break and was dancing from foot to foot. “That guy asked us if we were registered and handed us a program with all the entrants.” He gave Ash a sly grin. “I can’twaitto read what it says about you.”

“Well, I’m super glad you’re here.” Ash caught Shane’s stern expression. “But I need to get ready, and I have a situation with registration guy. He seriously needs to use the bathroom and there’s no one to stand in for him if he does.”

Owen shrugged. “It’s not rocket science, is it? I can stand there, ask about registration and shove a program in attendees’ hands.”

“Would you? That’s awesome.” Ash regarded Shane. “Is that okay? I can vouch for him, he’s the friend who—”Lied to your other friend about me. “Uh, who is my bestest friend ever.”

Owen leaned closer. “Is that the guy who—?”

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