Page 44 of Secret Baby for a Damaged Billionaire

“Do they bite?” she asks, hesitantly.

I let out a laugh. “Only if you do first.”

And we head in with anticipation oozing from our grins. The moment we walk in, the air is filled with the excited barks and whines of hopeful animals. Chloe’s hand covers her nose instinctively as the overwhelming smells assault her senses.

“Emily!” Jayne exclaims as she spots us, her face lighting up with a warm smile. “Charlie’s ready for you. I really hope the visit goes well. Lucas would make a perfect dad.”

Her words hit me in the gut, sending my head spinning, but I quickly pull myself back to reality.

“I hope so too,” I agree, returning her smile. “Lucas could really use some company, and I think Charlie might be just what he needs.”

“Wait.” Chloe throws up a hand. “Lucas is getting a dog?”

“Just a visit, Chloe. Don’t get carried away,” I say. But I know in my heart how amazing it would be if it grew into more than a visit.

“Right this way,” Jayne says, leading us through the maze of kennels to where Charlie eagerly awaits his temporary escape. His soft, dark brown coat and floppy ears make him irresistible, while his wagging tail never stops. Chloe immediately falls for his liquid brown eyes that seem to hold a galaxy of hope, and I have no doubt that he’s the perfect companion for Lucas right now.

“Hey there, buddy!” I coo as I approach his cage, and his tail wags even faster. He presses his nose against the bars, sniffing excitedly as if he already knows he’s been chosen for a special mission.

“Let’s get you out of here, Charlie,” Jayne says, unlocking the cage door and clipping a leash onto his collar. Charlie practically leaps out, nearly knocking us over in his enthusiasm, but his excitement is infectious, and I can’t help but laugh. Chloe watches us with a grin, her wedding worries momentarily forgotten.

“Be good for Emily and Lucas, okay?” Jayne tells Charlie as she hands me the leash. He looks up at her with those big, soulful eyes and wags his tail as if to promise he’ll do his best.

“Thanks, Jayne,” I say gratefully. “I owe you one.”

“Anything for you and these dogs,” she replies, giving me a wink before turning back to her work.

“Alright, let’s get going,” I announce, leading Charlie and Chloe out of the shelter.

#

With Chloe dropped off at her home in Back Bay, I head toward Lucas’s apartment. Her laughter from her interactions with Charlie still echoes in my ears as I drive away, grateful for her understanding and support.

Charlie sits in the back seat, panting happily as he takes in the sights, his nose pressed against the window as if he can’t get enough of the world outside. His anticipation is contagious, and I find myself growing more excited by the second.

As we pull up to Lucas’s apartment building, I take a deep breath, steadying myself for the moment ahead. Charlie seems to sense my apprehension, nudging my hand with his wet nose and I give him a reassuring pat, as we make our way past the friendly doorman and up the elevator.

I take a deep breath and knock as we enter Lucas’s apartment, my heart pounding in anticipation. Charlie wags his tail excitedly, sensing that something wonderful is about to happen.

“In here,” Lucas calls out from the living room, his voice low and somber, but welcoming. I step inside, keeping Charlie behind me, as I scan the space, finding him on the mat, winded from a workout. Barely able to contain the grin spreading across my face, I keep Charlie out of view.

“I have a little surprise for you,” I say.

Lucas looks up, his weary eyes brightening with curiosity.

“Go get him,” I say, laughing as Charlie bounds up to Lucas, his tail wagging furiously. Lucas’s eyes widen in surprise and pure joy as he opens his arms for him.

“Hey, boy! Hey, Charlie.” His voice cracks with emotion. “How’s it going, buddy? It’s so good to see you!” Lucas laughs, his face lighting up as he wraps his arms around the dog. They tumble onto the mat together, wrestling playfully. The sight brings tears to my eyes, and I know I’ve done the right thing.

“Emily, this is amazing,” he says, coughing through his constricted throat, his eyes shining. “Thank you.”

Chapter Twenty (Lucas)

Emily was right. Charlie was the exact medicine I needed. And now, as I conquer the fears that threatened to consume me, I do it with them. I do it for them. They’re my family now and it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

I step into the gym, breathing in the familiar scent of sweat and determined preparation that hangs in the air. It’s been a few weeks since adopting Charlie and starting work on my PTSD, and I feel proud of the progress I’ve made. The nightmares have lessened, the panic attacks have gone, and I find myself feeling more at ease when I’m here in my element.

“Hey, Coach!” one of the fighters calls out, waving at me as I make my way over to the mats. “Gimme a roll with Charlie.” He takes a solid stance preparing for his pounce.

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