Chapter 88

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Morning came far too early and Lance waved his hand over his face, trying to brush away the sunshine. At the sound of Wade’s chuckle, he opened one eye and found his husband staring down at him, his own honey brown eyes twinkling.

“Merry Christmas.”

Christmas! He bolted upright time. “What time is it?”

“Almost nine A.M. We slept in a little, but it isChristmas, Lance. We’re allowed to sleep in. Especially after last night.”

“No. I mean, yes, I know that. I just…your present is in the bunkhouse. I told Charlie I’d be by muchearlier than this.” He climbed out of bed, grabbed clothes, and headed into the bathroom as Wade watched him with interest, but kept quiet.

Within a few minutes, Lance headed into the hall. “I’ll be back,” He hurried down the stairs to the mudroom, where he threw on his coat and boots before making his way through the snow to the bunkhouse. When Charlie answered after just one knock, he felt terrible.

“Have you been up waiting on me?”

Charlie laughed. “Are you kidding? Scooter doesn’t let me sleep past sunrise.” As if on cue, Scooter jumped up on Lance’s legs, eager for attention as the two newest additions sniffed his feet.

Lance grinned and squatted to play with the dogs. He was glad to see Jack was starting to be more active, following Sammy around the room. Jack even allowed Lance to pet him and hook up his leash.

“I’m coming to the house later for lunch,” Charlie said. “All of the ranch hands are, except for Owen. He’s spending the day with his girlfriend’s family. I’ll bring over the dog food and toys, everything you have for these guys, though. Don’t worry about trying to tote it all now.”

“Thanks, Charlie.”

“It was fun having them. Scooter enjoyed playing with them.” Scooter barked and they laughed. “Yeah, I know Scooter. You still want some one-on-one time with me.”

Lance stroked Scooter for a moment, then rose. Charlie had dark circles under his eyes and looked like he hadn’t slept again. Not that it was surprising after last night. “You doing okay?”

Charlie sighed. “Tired. But I’ll be okay in a while. Going back for a little more shuteye.”

Lance nodded and tugged the dogs out the door, telling Charlie he’d see him later. Sammy and Jack barked as they ran through the snow drifts, their breaths hanging like little clouds in the cold air. Jack was having a grand old time kicking at the snow when Lance glanced at the back door and found Wade standing in the doorway, arms folded over his chest, a peculiar look on his face. Lance stopped in his tracks and watched as Wade disappeared for a second, then reappeared with his coat. He headed into the snow, not stopping until he’d reached Lance.

He squatted and both dogs hurried to sniff him. He must have passed Sammy’s test, because the border collie jumped up and placed his snow-covered front paws on one of Wade’s thighs, trying to get closer. Lance felt a ribbon of happiness wind through him and he smiled.

“Who are you guys? You’re both good boys, aren’t you? Yes, you are! Yes, you are.” Wade rubbed their heads and behind their ears, and the dogs ate it up.

Lance’s heart nearly melted. “The one jumping on you is Sammy and the Jack Russell is Jack.”

“Well, hello Sammy and Jack. Are you having fun in the snow?” Tails wagged and tongues hung out as if trying to tell him that yes, as a matter of fact, they werehaving fun. He looked at Lance, the sunlight glinting off the snow so much he had to squint. “Who do they belong to? One of the guys in the bunkhouse?”

Lance shook his head. “Charlie was just watching them for me.”

Wade rose, his eyes wide. “Are these yourdogs?”

Lance grinned. “Kind of. Um, they’re…they’re yourChristmas present.”

Wade looked stunned. His mouth hung open and tears welled in his eyes. “You…you got me dogs…two dogs…for Christmas?”

A lump formed in Lance’s throat and he tried to swallow, but his voice still came out froggy. “Yes.”

Wade pulled him in for a bear hug while Sammy jumped up and pawed at their legs. Not to be left out, Jack chose just that moment to bark at the snow again.

Lance held tight to the leashes while trying to hug him back. “Merry Christmas, Wade.”

“Thank you, Lance. Thank you.” He gave Lance a sweet kiss while the dogs excitedly wrapped the leashes around their legs. Wade laughed and bent to pet them again. “But, Lance, they’re not just mine. They’re ours.”

Lance didn’t even try to hide the tears.