Page 97 of Coming Home

“That she is,” Todd said, his green eyes fixed on Summer.

Nat did not imagine the kiss of pink shading Summer’s cheeks at that.

“What’s her name?” Liam asked.

Todd turned to Liam. “This is Sheba.”

“Why’d you name her that?”

“Because she’s a queen.” He scratched between the Huskie’s ears.

Sheba placed her haunches on the ground. Her chest puffed out like the regal puppy she was.

“Do you want to pet her? She’s very friendly.”

Liam looked at his mom, who smiled. “Go ahead, baby.”

He stroked his little hand along her chest. Both the boy and dog erupted in big smiles.

“I didn’t know you had a dog,” Summer said, stepping beside Liam and joining in the petting fest. “She’s so soft.”

“Todd rescued her two years ago. She was found abandoned at the side of the road with her two brothers and sister. She was the runt of the litter and had some health issues, so she hung out at the shelter for a bit until Todd came along,” Noah explained.

“Is she okay now?” Liam asked, concern shaking his little voice.

“She’s perfect. She can’t hear, but I taught her different signs and touches for commands.” Todd rubbed her ears.

Sheba looked up to her daddy, affection shining in her dark eyes. The same affection sparked in Summer’s brown eyes as she stared at Todd. Nat fought the urge to high-five Todd for breaking through Summer’s hard candy shell. Instead, she and Noah glanced at each other, big knowing expressions on their faces.

“Nat, want to meet her?” Liam tipped his head up to Nat.

“Of course.” Nat crouched, running her hands over Sheba’s silken coat. “Aren’t you lovely?”

Sheba slapped her pink tongue against Nat’s face in a wet doggy kiss. Squeaking, Nat fell back. Only she didn’t fall far. Noah’s legs braced her, keeping her in place.

Peering over her shoulder, she grinned. “Thank you.”

“I’ve got you.” An adoring gaze met her equally adoring gaze.

Yep. We both have it bad.

“Nat, is Noah your boyfriend?” Liam asked.

Both Nat and Noah’s heads jerked to the little boy. His face scrunched as he stared at them. Todd snorted. Summer covered her mouth to stifle a laugh.

“Why do you ask?”

“Because you two look all goofy at each other like Grandma and Grandpa and Elle and Clayton.”

“The kid is one smart cookie,” Todd boasted, ruffling Liam’s floppy chestnut hair.

“He sure is one perceptive kiddo.” Nat looked to Noah and then back to Liam. “Yes, Noah is my boyfriend.”

Pride filled her. Sure, it was just telling Liam that Noah and she were a couple, but it was the first step. Nat was owning her heart and sharing it with the world. Tomorrow she’d hold his hand and share with the rest of the world that this was her man, and she was his woman. They were each other’s.

“Okay.” Liam shrugged. “Todd, since Noah is Nat’s boyfriend, do you want to be my mom’s boyfriend? Then I can play with Sheba all the time.”

Nat snorted and Noah stifled a laugh.

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