Chapter 42

Poor, emaciated Andy poops out about half a mile before we reach my house and we walk the last few blocks very, very slowly. I feel a little guilty, actually, but it's good to know two and a half miles is about her limit. I'm whistling Jingle Bells when we walk through the front door at noon.

“Why are you so happy all of a sudden?” Trudy asks.

“I should've asked you about this, and I'm sorry.” I try and try, but I can't seem to wipe the smile off my face.

“What is it?” Trudy turns greenish. “Is Chris coming over? Did he call you?”

“Oh my gosh,” I say, “No, nothing like that. I'm so sorry I frightened you. I was texting Luke back and forth and, well, I invited him to dinner.”

Trudy drops the bowl she's holding and it clatters to the floor. Thankfully it was plastic, and empty.

“You're excited, clearly.” I laugh. “Sorry I didn't run it past you. Are you mad?”

“Not at all. It's your house,” Trudy says. “You don't need my permission to invite someone over.”

“It's your house too, now,” I say. “If you're upset, I can text him back and beg off.”

“Not at all. I'm actually really happy to meet him. But Paisley and Addy are going to lose it if you don't invite them, too.”

“Well, they may just have to lose it. I can't deal with Addy's negativity and Paisley actually likes him, but she's a loudmouth and I have no idea where we are.”

Trudy nods. “True. Mum’s the word for now.”

“He's bringing his kids,” I say.

Troy claps. “Kids, kids, kids.”

“How old are they again?” Trudy asks.

“He has a four-year-old boy named Chase, and a precocious five-year-old girl.”

“Party, party, party!” Troy yells.

“He's bringing rolls,” I say, “but I can run grab whatever else we might need.”

Trudy gives me a list and I head for my car. Andromeda scratches on the garage door after I close it, so I open it back up. “You can't come with me, Andy.” I scratch her ears. “But I'll be back. Eventually you'll realize that I will always come back.”

She licks my hand and then lays down in front of the door, face forlorn, resting portly on her paws. I ruffle the hair on her head and she sneezes.

“I am sorry I'm leaving again so soon.” I reach up to the top shelf and grab a rawhide stick. When I close the door this time, she's eagerly engaged in chewing it to a pulp.

I reach Super Target quickly, and while I shop for the items on Trudy's list, I keep my eyes peeled for something for Amy and Chase. And Luke. He's the hardest, and I can't find anything that perfectly suits how I feel about him. I finally check out, frustrated and confused.

How do I feel about him?

I want to see him every day. I want him to kiss me. I like his kids. I like that he supports me in the things that matter. I like what a great dad he is. I like that he's polite and generous, and that he's persistent, but not overbearing. I like that he's funny and quotes Dr. Seuss.

I'm not as nervous about the children part anymore. In fact, I'm looking forward to seeing Amy again, and Chase too. I mentally note that I should hide all the balls.

But they're moving in a few weeks, with no way of knowing when or if they'll be back. Normally I'd say whether he was here or not, I wouldn't see them in the winter and early spring. I'd be far too busy with tax returns. But now, with my promotion, my months will be largely the same.

By the time I reach my house, it's time to make dessert. Troy and Trudy asked for my chocolate layer cake, and that takes some time to make, bake, cool, and frost. We listen to Christmas music while we bake, and I trip over Andromeda fifteen times. I need to remember to call her Andy, but my heart is full.

“My house is so much nicer with you and Troy in it,” I tell Trudy. “I know it's easier to have your own space, but for now, I'm so happy you're here.”

“You're just happy because Luke's coming over.” Trudy winks at me.

“It's not only that,” I protest. “It's having my family here with me.”

Trudy hugs me, and then we both run to our rooms to change into presentable clothes. I pick a red and green plaid tunic, shot with gold threads, and dark green leggings. I pair them with my favorite pair of knee-high, flat-bottom boots. I even have time to touch up my make-up.

Trudy whistles when I walk back out. “Wowsa! I hope Luke knows how lucky he is that you like him.”

I roll my eyes. “You're so biased. But thanks.”

Trudy cleans up pretty nice, too. She lost all the baby weight she gained in the year after Troy was born. She hates running, but she does little workout videos during his nap religiously. She's got sandy brown hair, which she highlights, and the same greenish eyes as me. She's taller than I am, and somehow curvier too, which just isn't fair, and she's got dimples I'd kill for.

“You look beautiful too, Trudy. You deserve better than . . .” I don't want to name Chris in front of Troy. I'm not sure how much he understands. “Well, you know. And you'll find the right guy too eventually, I know you will.”

Trudy grabs Troy under his arms and swings him up to her hip. “I've already got the only guy I need, and the first and last man I've ever loved without reservation.” She kisses Troy all over his face, and his giggles fill the room.

He's laughing so hard snot runs down his face when I hear the door. My stomach flip flops and I want to run and hide in my room. The last time I saw Luke, I said awful things. I told him he's failing his kids. What do I know about raising kids, or losing a spouse? I'm such an idiot. What if he only came to shut Amy up and pick up the dumb gift?

Trudy waves me over to the door. “Hurry up, it's cold out there.”

Duh. I jog across the room to the front door and pull it open. For a moment, my eyes lock on Luke's impossibly handsome face, his dark honey hair, streaked with dark grey around a face that’s usually smiling.

“Hi,” he says. “Merry Christmas.”

I can’t help myself from grinning, and he smiles back at me. I hear the clicking of Andy's claws on the tile behind me, and then a squeal from waist level. “You have a dog? But you said you didn't!”

I want to smack myself in the forehead. I should've warned Luke. He's going to think I've gone insane. “Well, I didn't have a dog until yesterday.”

Amy hugs Andromeda around the neck. “It's the prettiest dog I've ever seen in my whole entire life. I didn't even know dogs this beautiful were real on the earth!”

I grin, and Luke does, too.

“Her name is Andromeda, but we are going to call her Andy. I came across her by accident, and found out her family didn't want her anymore. They said they didn't have time to care for a dog. The pound would kill her if she wasn't adopted before the week was up. A nice woman from a rescue agreed to take her until they could find her a home, but the other dogs were eating all her food and bossing her around. When I heard that sad tale, and she behaved perfectly for me, I decided to adopt her.”

“Are you only helping out with her, then?” she asks.

I shake my head. “No, she's my new dog. I'm not a fan of puppies. They're too chewy and barky, and jumpy, and they aren't house broken so they pee all over, but this lovely lady is only three years old, and she has impeccable manners. Once we get her fattened up a little, I think she'll be about perfect. I took her for a jog today and she did great for about two and a half miles. I think as she gains strength she might be able to go a little further. We'll see, I guess. I don't wanna hurt her paws.”

“Oh, Dad, did you see? I told you Mary was perfect. She even adopted a dog.”

Chase is hiding behind Luke's leg. “Hey buddy, would you like to pet Andy?

He bobs his head, and I hold out my hand. He takes it, and lets me tug him around to where he can pet Andy. His little hands ball up in her fur and she whimpers. He lets go, but she doesn't growl, or snap or even whip her head around. I'm impressed.

“We may need to go over some rules for how to treat a dog, Chase, okay? I had to go over the same rules with my nephew Troy. Speaking of, he's right inside, waiting on you two. He's been dying to show you his room and his toys.”

I stand up and make the introductions, and then go over some basic rules of dog etiquette. Troy, who had been chattering about this visit all day, grows a shy side and hides behind the couch for a full five minutes before we can lure him out, but eventually, Chase and Troy warm up and run off to his room. I take a seat at the kitchen table, and Luke and Trudy do the same.

“I'm not sure we'll be able to pry Amy's hands off of Andy in time for dinner,” I say. “Speaking of, are we almost ready to eat? Trudy?”

“Sure, yeah, the soup's been on a low simmer for a while. The fruit's cut up, and I've got glasses out, and the dining table is set.”

“Perfect, thanks.”

Luke slaps his knee. “Oh, the rolls!”

“Did you forget them?” I ask. “It's no big deal. I'll toast some sliced bread.” I stand up and walk toward the cabinet.

“They're just in the car,” he says. “I'll only be a minute.”

“Oh, and don't forget the stuffed animal.” I point. “It's wrapped and sitting on the end table there.”

Luke nods, and when he heads for the front door, I call out to the boys. “Chase! Troy! Wash your hands, it's time to eat.”

Amy doesn't move. She's still lying on the rug next to the sofa, an arm thrown over Andy. I crouch down by Amy, intent on getting her to wash her hands. “Sweetie, Andy's not going anywhere, and you clearly adore one another, which is great. But can you come wash your hands so we can eat?”

Amy sits up and exhales. She pats Andy's fluffy head and stands up. “It's going to be so hard for me.”

My eyebrows crinkle together. “What's going to be hard?”

She walks toward the bathroom with me, slowly. “Going back to my house after being here.” She throws her arms around my waist and squeezes me tight. “Why can't you just be my mom?”

So that idea hasn't shifted at all. I drop to my knees, and I hear the front door open, so this will have to be quick. “Sweetheart, I'm sure your dad has lots of lovely friends who are girls, and one day maybe he'll want one of them to be your mom. But it's really his choice to make.”

“And yours too, right?” she asks. “Because I've never met any other friends who are girls. Dad never ever brings any of his friends home, except you.”