Page 81 of Moonshot

“What are you laughing about back there?”

“Oh, I’m sorry, babe. I didn’t mean to wake you.” I roll over to greet my wife with a gentle kiss on her shoulder. “I was just replaying our wedding day in my head.”

“Oh, funny, was it?” She giggles. “Were you laughing about Nacho?”

“No.” A robust laugh escapes me at the memory.

Ava had sent Emmaleigh to my room as I prepared for the big day with my wedding gift. As she entered, she held a leash in hand, and I followed it down to the small, large-eared chihuahua that was a doppelganger for Bruno. Emmaleigh had handed me a silver envelope. I laugh at the remembrance of taking a gulp and accepting that if this was my gift, I’d receive it as it was intended. With love from my bride-to-be. Even if it appeared to be more of a gift to herself or Emmaleigh than me.

Dearest Mick,it read.

I wanted to give you something you’ve waited a long time for. And on the off-chance Zach decides he can’t stand up for you, then maybe Chance can do it.

I love you with my whole heart,

Elsa

With a heavy exhale, I’d looked to Emmaleigh, admittedly feeling defeated. Reaching out for the leash, I recall feeling puzzled when she retracted it and yelled, “What’re you doing?”

“Isn’t this for me?” I point. The tiny dog covered in tan fur had the nerve to tilt his head as if he was offended.I’m the one who should be offended here. I waited my whole life for a damn dog, and I get you.I didn’t bother hiding my sneer back in his direction, shaking my head. What you do for love.

“No. First, he’s not a ‘this.’ He’s Nacho,” she announced proudly, bending in her formal wear to pet the haughty little mongrel. “He’s my dog.” I recall Emmaleigh covering her face to hold back the laughter just before getting herself together and reaching for the door.

Confused, I watched as suddenly a gorgeous black and tan German Shephard pup pushed through the fabric of Emmaleigh’s champagne-colored bridesmaid’s gown and jumped up onto my legs. This grown man almost cried in front of his baby sister. And here I thought seeing Ava come down the aisle would be my undoing.

“He’syour dog.” Emmaleigh giggled. “Meet Chance.”

Bending low to let this gorgeous creature lick my face while I scratched behind his ears, I practically felt like a small boy at Christmas. How could my girl have possibly made this day any more perfect? As I leaned back, I could see he was wearing a collar with a bow tie attached. My eyes flicked up to my sweet sis and her jubilant face.

“He’s dressed and ready. But you better get a move on. Come on, Chance. We’ll meet the groom downstairs.”

The memory of that day is as vivid as if it had happened yesterday.

“So, what’ve you got planned today, sir?”

“Well, after I give my bride the wake-up she deserves, I think I’m going to go meet Zach and Trevor at the lake. We haven’t gone fishing in a while. And Chance will have fun.”

“When did Trevor get into town?”

“He’s only here for the weekend. Zach said he’s been in a bad way since the move to North Carolina. I was hoping the change in scenery would help, but I guess not.”

“Is it the job? I guess I always assumed firefighters took care of their own.”

“I don’t know. I’m sure I’ll get more info today. But I got the impression from Zach he’s just not over what happened with his girl here and having a hard time moving on.”

“Oh, that makes my heart hurt,” Ava says, laying her hand over her chest.

“Well, every guy out there can’t be as lucky as I am.” Lifting her hand to my mouth, I place a kiss on her palm as I pull back the sheets, exposing her creamy soft skin to me.

“What’s that look for, Mr. York?”

“Hmm. Breakfast.”

EPILOGUE

11 MONTHS LATER

Mick

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