Page 41 of Daddy's Naughty Dog Trainer

“You were right," Sean concedes, checking his watch. "We should head back to the main ring. They'll be announcing the obedience results soon."

We find a spot near the front as the announcer begins calling contestants for the awards ceremony. There are ribbons for first, second, and third place in each category, plus special recognition awards for exceptional performances.

"In the Novice Obedience category," the announcer's voice booms over the loudspeaker, "third place goes to... Bella the Border Collie with handler Maria Gonzalez!"

Polite applause follows as a young woman leads her black and white Border Collie to receive their yellow ribbon.

"Second place goes to... Max the German Shepherd with handler John Miller!"

More applause as a middle-aged man and his German Shepherd accept the red ribbon.

"And first place in Novice Obedience goes to... Lucky the Golden Retriever with handler Sean Ferguson!"

The crowd erupts in applause as Sean leads Lucky forward to accept the blue ribbon. I clap and whistle, not caring that I probably look ridiculous.

When Sean returns to my side, he's smiling more openly than I've ever seen, the blue ribbon clutched in one hand, Lucky's leash in the other.

"Congratulations!" I throw my arms around him, not caring who sees. "I told you he could do it!"

"We did it," Sean corrects, his voice rough with emotion. "All three of us."

"We sure did! Are you ready for round two?" I ask, giving Lucky a quick once-over to make sure he's still looking presentable.

"We're ready," Sean says, confidence radiating from him now. "After that performance, I think Lucky could ace anything they throw at him."

His faith is not misplaced. Lucky sails through the Canine Good Citizen demonstration with the same focus and precision he showed in the obedience competition. By the end of the day, we've added a CGC certificate to his growing collection of awards.

As we walk back to the car, exhausted but exhilarated, Sean carries Lucky's ribbons and certificate with the careful reverence usually reserved for fragile treasures.

"I'm thinking these need a special display in the living room," he says thoughtfully. "Maybe a shadow box?"

I laugh, bumping his shoulder with mine. "Look at you, planning home decor for dog awards. Who are you and what have you done with Sean Ferguson?"

"Very funny," he retorts, but there's no heat in it. "I'm allowed to be proud."

"You absolutely are," I agree, softening. "You should be. What you two have accomplished is amazing."

We reach the car, and Lucky hops into the backseat, immediately curling up for a well-deserved nap. Before getting in, Sean turns to me, his expression suddenly serious.

"I couldn't have done this without you, Jessica," he says quietly. "Not just the training, but... everything. You've changed my life, both our lives, in ways I never expected."

The simple sincerity in his words takes my breath away. "You've changed mine too," I admit. "I never thought I'd be this invested in a client's success."

"Is that all I am to you?" he asks, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "A client?"

I pretend to consider the question. "Well, you're also my Saturday morning coffee date. And my occasional sleepover buddy. And today, you're the proud handler of the most improved dog in Charlotte."

His smile widens as he steps closer, one hand coming up to cup my cheek. "And what else?"

The vulnerability beneath the question is unmistakable. My heart races as I meet his gaze directly. "And the Daddy I'm falling in love with," I whisper. "If that's okay."

His breath catches, something like wonder dawning in his eyes. "More than okay," he murmurs, before his lips find mine in a kiss that says everything words can't.

When we break apart, he rests his forehead against mine, eyes closed. "Jessica Wright," he says softly, "you are the most unexpected, most wonderful thing that's ever happened to me."

"Even better than winning Best in Show?" I tease, though my voice is thick with emotion.

His laugh is low and warm. "Even better than that."

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