Page 127 of When We Break

“It’s no trouble,” Brad says. “Besides, I need to talk with the vet to make sure I have everything ready to bring our boy home with me.”

“I so appreciate this,” I add, twisting my hands in my lap.

I’m anxious to see Riley and make sure he’s really going to be okay.

I’m the first one out of the truck and running to the door of the clinic, where the vet is waiting for us.

“Where is he?” I ask right away.

“This way,” she says, gesturing for us to follow her. “He did so well through the night. He’d probably be okay to go home today, but I don’t think it’s a bad idea for us to monitor him for one more day.”

Finally, we’re taken into the back, where many kennels are set up but only a few are occupied, and I see my boy.

He whines when he sees me. Tears fill my eyes when she opens the door, and I’m able to get on the floor and climb in with him.

Riley is big, which means his kennel is, too. And I’m a small girl.

“Hello, my sweet boy,” I croon as I take his face in my hands. “I’m okay, baby.”

He cries, resting his head on my shoulder, and I can’t help but cry with him.

“I know, you had to be so scared. I’m sorry that you were hurt. But I’m just fine, sweet boy.”

He whines again and licks my tears away.

“We’re okay,” I repeat, resting my forehead against his neck. I can hear the vet talking to Brad about his care once he goes home tomorrow.

Part of me wants to tell everyone that I’ll take him to London with me, but I know that’s not what’s best for Riley. The trip over is rough on him when he’s healthy. It would be agony when he doesn’t feel well.

“I love you so much,” I whisper to him. “You were so brave. You scared that horrible man, and that’s exactly what you were supposed to do. I’m proud of you, baby.”

When I look over my shoulder, I see Beckett squat next to me and reach in to pet Riley’s neck.

“You guys okay?” Beck asks softly.

“We are. Happy to see each other.”

“I can see that,” Beck replies with a smile in his voice. “Are you sure you still want to leave today, Irish? No one will mind if you need a day to regroup.”

Part of me wants to say yes, but it’s time for me to go to work.

“No. We’ll go.” I take Riley’s face in my hands. “I have to go for a little while. You’re going to stay with Brad and Sadie while I’m gone.”

Riley tilts his head to the side, listening. He’s such a smart boy.

“Don’t worry about me, okay? I’ll be home before you know it. You be good.”

He whines again and rests the full weight of his head in my hands as if he’s hugging me, and my eyes fill with tears once more.

“I’ll miss you, too.”

“Irish, you’re breaking my heart over here.” Beck’s voice is rough, and he’s rubbing circles on my back. “Fuck the performance. We don’t have to go at all.”

I smile at that and wipe my tears away.

“Yes, we do. I’m just not good at leaving my boy behind.” I kiss him once more and then nod at the doctor. “Thank you for everything. I can pay you before we leave.”

“It’s been taken care of,” she says, shaking her head. I don’t miss the look she shares with Beckett, and I turn my attention to him in surprise.

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