Page 128 of DadBod

ROME

They’redue home any minute. Ryann’s been sending text messages every hour, letting us know their whereabouts.

“All set, Dad.”

Turning, I see the table is set with our best dishes, a tablecloth, flowers, and candles. “Looks great, bud.”

“It sure does. How’s the food coming along?”

“Done. Keeping it warm in the oven.” I’ve decided to make manicotti. The kids love it, and I’m sure Elizabeth with enjoy it as well. I’ve prepared an antipasti platter with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and cheeses to start off the dinner, insalata, and finally, the entrée. My helper made the salad and worked right alongside me to prepare the antipasti platter. We’re a great team. I’ve thought about the kids taking over the restaurant someday, though I’m not sure it’s something Ryann wants to do.

“She’s gonna love it.”

“I hope.”

I see headlights some into view, and I hold my breath. When I hear the garage door open, my heart beats double time. “They’re here.”

“Ryann’s gonna be surprised.”

“I agree, Cal. I agree.”

The pair of us wait at the top of the steps for the girls to appear at the bottom. When they come into view, I welcome them home. Calvin starts to jump up and down like it’s Christmas. It feels that way. “I hope you’re hungry.”

“Sorry we’re later than we planned, Dad.”

They took off today around noon. From the map, I expected them home by four thirty, but they decided to make a few stops. An outlet mall called to Elizabeth, apparently. “No worries. We’re just glad you’re––” My words were interrupted by a bark.

“What’s that?” Ryann asks, frowning. When he barks again, her face morphs from a frown to something almost heartbreaking. “Is that…?”

Calvin’s laugh is almost maniacal. “Surprise. We’re now a foster family for Charlie.” I promised he’d be the one to tell her.

“Really?” My eldest kid is crying. “Charlie?” She races up the steps to the living room where we’ve got Charlie set up in the same kind of crate he had at the shelter. Bernie let us have all of Charlie’s things, making his adjustment to his new home less traumatic. Elizabeth is right behind Ry, except when she gets to me, she throws her arms around my neck and kisses me. “You’re the best man I’ve ever known. Thank you for doing this. She was bummed about Charlie.”

Giving her a soft kiss, I explain, “I didn’t think we could handle a pet, but someone…” I wink at my girlfriend. “Someone very smart convinced me that we could do it. That we’d all pitch in to help because everyone loves Charlie.” She insisted I take the credit for this idea too. I’ll let Ryann know it was all Elizabeth’s idea soon, just not right now.

“You ready to eat?”

“I’m starving,” Calvin says dramatically.

“Me too,” Elizabeth says, wrapping her arms around my middle. “Smells delicious.”

I’m about to joke that I made lamb but figured that’d get me in the doghouse again.

Get it? Doghouse?

“Manicotti, salad, and antipasto.”

“Sounds great, Dad.” My daughter hasn’t smiled like that for months.

“Good.” Nodding at the dog crate. “You know what you’re doing with him?”

“Yep,” Ryann says with confidence. “I’d like his crate to be in my room. He’ll sleep in there with me nearby.”

“Okay.”

“Calvin can help me take him on walks, plus we can play catch in the backyard.”

“Sounds like you’ve got it all figured out.”

---