Page 154 of Single Teddy
“I know how much you love philodendrons, and I wanted to get you something pretty for being the best boyfriend in the world.”
More gagging sounds came from Ruby’s way, but I ignored her and put Bear down so I could open Teddy’s present on the floor.
It was a red heart philodendron with spiky deep red leaves in the middle. It was so thoughtful and beautiful, and it would forever remind me of him, of our love.
“What do you think?” he asked, getting down on his knees to face me.
“I love it,” I said. “I love you.”
His smile deepened.
“Nah. Not possible. I love you more.”
Ruby gagged louder.
“Seriously, people. Call 9-1-1. I’m dying here,” she said.
Before either of us could react, Donovan turned to her with a dead stare and said, “Good. Maybe it’ll be quiet for once.”
And we all burst out laughing. Including Ruby, who offered Donovan her hand, and when he tried to help her to her feet, she pulled him down with her.
“That’s for being an ass.” Then she grabbed his phone and walked away from him. “And I’m calling your girlfriend to tell her how horrible you are to her friends.”
“No! Please. Mercy. Mercy!” He ran after her, and once we were all alone again, I turned to my boyfriend and kissed his lips.
“Right. Let’s find Sassy and get her and Blue into the upstairs bathroom.”
Teddy gave me a military salute, and Bear copied him, and then we split up to find Sassy and get both cats to feel welcome in their new home, which proved to be quite the adventure.
Then again, my whole life had been a beautiful, slightly dangerous adventure since I met Teddy and Bear, and whatever happened next would be just as wonderful if not more.
I guessed that was what happily-ever-afters were. Not the end of an adventure, but the start of a new one.
And I, for one, couldn’t wait to experience it.
EPILOGUE
TEDDY
Five Years Later
“Pop-pop! Stop!” Bear groaned and tried to stop Wesley from straightening his T-shirt.
Wesley pulled back and pouted.
“Have you got your lunch?” I asked him.
He rolled his eyes. Gosh. Adolescence was going to be fun, wasn’t it?
“Duh!”
“And what do you do if someone tries to take it by force?” I asked.
Bear sighed and brushed his blond hair back with frustration. He was getting taller every day. I couldn’t even believe he’d grown so much. I’d found photos from our first year in Mayberrya few days ago, and I couldn’t even believe he was ever a tiny little person who wouldn’t leave my side.
Oh, how things had changed.
“Please, Dad, who would steal a sandwich? Be for real right now. Besides, you think anyone’s going to mess with the son of a Navy SEAL?”
