Page 92 of Night of the Living Manny
“I see that. Do you want to go crawl in bed with your dad? I won’t be upset at all.”
“After we feed Moosey. That’s my job.”
“Okay, kiddo.” He bit back a laugh. Looked like he was sharing his dog. Moose needed a girl like Britt, so it worked. He took her to the kitchenette, where someone had provided bread and peanut butter, chips, fruit, and cans of whatever food they fed the military dogs.
Britt stayed right with him, nearly plastered to his side as she fed Moose. He didn’t say anything, but when he sat and held out his arms, she came right to him.
“I’m sorry.” She was crying on his chest, hiccupping little sobs.
“I know, honey. It’s okay. Susanna is going to get well so fast. It wasn’t your fault.”
“Please don’t go away because I’m bad,” she cried. “I love you.”
“I love you too, kiddo. I’m not going anywhere if I can help it. Your dad and I have talked about it.” Kinda. He hoped he wasn’t telling tales.
“No, we’re a family now.” Liam’s voice was low and husky. “Come here, baby. I missed you.”
Britt ran to Liam when he held out his arms, sniffling and laughing. “I missed you too, Daddy.”
Liam met his gaze, holding it. There was no anger there, no recriminations. Just love.
Brenden smiled, his heart thudding, and not with fear now.
Liam held his free arm out, offering him a hug. Of course, as soon as he stepped forward, Moose leaped, jumping into the offered hand.
They all burst out laughing, and Moose wagged, beating everyone roundly with his tail.
“Oh, Moosey Moosey Bo-Boosey!” Britt hugged Moose, holding him. “I love you too!”
“I hope you aren’t a jealous man, honey,” Liam whispered. “Your dog has a girl.”
“I approve,” he murmured back. “This way he’ll sleep with her, not us.”
“Fair enough. How’s Susanna? Have you heard?”
“I saw her for just a minute. The doc wasn’t in, but she looked so much better. She was sleeping.”
“Can I go see her, Daddy? Me and Peter?”
“Yeah, I’ll have to wait until we know for sure that the ward is safe for kiddos, but she’ll want to see you, I know.”
“Are you sure?” Her lip was quivering again.
“Is there breakfast?” Peter asked plaintively.
“We only have peanut butter and bread.”
“There’s a cafeteria,” Liam murmured.
“With bacon?” Peter asked.
“Good morning, son.”
“Hey, Dad.”
Liam reached out to snag Peter and draw him in. “I believe they do have bacon.”
“Rock on.” Peter let Liam have a hug, but only for a second. “I’ll get dressed.”
