Page 87 of Red Hot Roaster

Me

Good to hear she’s happier. Thanks.

The eyes worry me though.

Saturday * 11:37 p.m.

Me

Know it’s too late, you’re sleeping now. But had to know—did you catch up with Archie & Colette? Kids, adults, dogs or ?

Me

Played in snow at park today. Fun but cold for single-coat dog.

Me

HRH curled up on bed under her blankets. Drew line at having her under my covers even tho she tried it on for size.

Fuck. Too much. Guessed it came from doing nothing much all day. I’d run tomorrow morning, go in and do some roasts. Take baby girl to the park again. Call Pete, see if he had any action on my next gig. See if there was any news on other fronts.

Saturday * 11:42 p.m.

Rose

Not too late, not sleeping. Boxer Archie spotted poodle Colette waiting in Santa Paws line, chased her. Think they’re engaged now LOL.

Rose

Goodnight, Rafe. Sleep tight. Keep warm. Kiss for HRH.

Saturday * 11:45 p.m.

Me

Goodnight, Rose. Sleep tight. Belly rub for Pi.

Keep warm. Kisses for you.Always on my mind.

Chapter 43

Rose

“You didnot!” Lauren gasped.

“We did too!” I claimed. Pirate grumbled where he slept, stretched down my lower legs—luckily, head, not heinie, pointed toward my face.

He’d stayed extra close—some might’ve called itclingy—since Rafe and Princess had left. He was kinda like my protection detail slash fur comforter. Except for this last weekend, I’d even been parking the big boy in the café’s meeting room while I worked.

“Yep, we’d sold more than half the tins by Sunday afternoon,” I said, gently stroking between Pi’s eyes. “The kids were busy all day today filling online orders. I’ve already talked to Kenzo about more truffles and to Pete and Mike about more mini-bags of the Santa Paws blend.”

“What about your branded mugs and beanies? Oh, and don’t you have Chocolate Lab dog bandannas?”

“Mateo was on top of all that too. He bought extra back in September so we’d have plenty to last the entire holiday season. He’s stepped up to help me since Mom passed.”

Lauren sucked in a big breath. “Oh, girl, forgive me. This is going to be your first Christmas without your mom. With all my stupid drama, I forgot.”

“Don’t even, girl,” I said firmly. “To have you move here, to have Finn home for an entire month, to celebrate with dear friends and neighbors—Mom would be happy that I’m surrounded by so much love and support. In fact, near the end, shetoldme she was happy for me. I couldn’t hear her until now.”

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