Chapter 26

Landon

It’s early in the morning as I pull into the parking lot of Bark Buddies. Chili, Burrito, and Taco are safely inside their crate in the backseat. I’m really excited about the group training session with Brooke today, and I’m even more excited about her moving into my house in two weeks.

I step out of the car and get my dogs. With Guy out of the picture, I know I won’t have to be antagonized about owning Chihuahuas. But then again, if that fucker ever shapes his mouth to hurl a vile insult again, I’ll deal with him in a way he won’t appreciate.

I probably wouldn’t hit him because I know Brooke wouldn’t approve, but I would definitely give him a piece of my mind while backing him into a corner. Thinking back, I should’ve spoken up for myself from the start. I truly love these dogs, and if anybody has a problem with them, they automatically have a problem with me.

I walk inside of the building, and Pam stands behind the counter. Her hair isn’t blonde anymore. She’s a brunette. I actually think it’s a flattering hairstyle for her. Not that I’m an expert on this sort of thing.

She smiles at me. “Hi, Landon.”

“Hey, Pam.”

“Brooke is in the–”

“I know.” I take the dogs to the obedience training room.

When I walk inside, Brooke leans against a concrete wall in her t-shirt and jeans. The way the fabric hugs her curves, I just want to rip that t-shirt from her body and devour her. But I’d never take the risk of embarrassing her at work. Besides, in a few days, I’ll have her all to myself, and we can bring every single fantasy in my head to reality.

“Hey, sweetie.” She gives me a big hug, and I envelop her soft warmth into my arms. I could get used to this.

“Hey!” I kiss her cheek. I love how she just called me “sweetie.” It’s so much better than those early days when she referred to me as Mr. Crabby Pants.

“You’re just in time. We’re about to get started.”

I nod and take the Chihuahuas to the back of the room. There are a few people inside with their dogs. The old lady with the poodle is back, and so is the kid with the golden retriever. I also see a woman with a little girl who looks to be about six or seven years old. They have a Jack Russell Terrier.

“Welcome everyone to our group training session,” Brooke says. “Today, we’re going to cover the basics and have a lot of fun along the way. My boyfriend, Landon, can attest to that. Right, sweetie?”

“That’s right.” I flash a wide smile. I love to hear Brooke claim me as her man in public. Not many people get one chance at an epic love, and I’ve been blessed with two in the same lifetime. My heart overflows.

“Okay, let’s begin with something simple. When you want to get your dog’s attention, what do you do?”

“Say their name!” the little girl says.

“That’s right, very good. Dogs are a lot like people. Say their name, and that’ll get their attention. Works for us, right? So, let’s try that, but I want everyone to look your dog in the eye and then say their name. Almost like you’re talking to a person. Say it clearly and speak up. Okay, let’s try that!”

I look down at my dog. “Chili.”

Everyone else follows suit and the noise level escalates, reverberating over the concrete walls and floor. My Chihuahuas are a little confused by all of the commotion. They start barking.

“Keep going, everyone. I don’t want you to stop until your dog is looking you in the eye.” Brooke walks around the room.

Suddenly, Chili breaks my gaze, turns on his tiny heels and heads toward the little girl. He leaps into her arms.

“Chili! No!” I shake my head and trot after him. Maybe I’m not as good at utilizing Brooke’s training techniques as I thought.

“It’s okay, Landon. I think he’s really cute,” the little girl says. “And my grandma makes the best chili in the world, so I’ll never forget his name.”

“I don’t want him to bother you,” I say. “I’m trying to teach him not to jump up. He can be a handful.”

The girl pets him as Chili snuggles into her chest. “I really, really like him.”

“Are you sure?”

The girl nods, and the woman shakes her head. “Give the man back his dog already.”

“If it’s okay with you, ma’am, she can hold him,” I say.

The woman nods. “That’s very nice of you.” She turns to the little girl. “What do you say?”

“Thank you, Landon,” the girl says with a big smile on her face.

Brooke leads all of us through a series of training exercises. I try to concentrate, but I’m too distracted by her beautiful blue eyes, sexy calves, and that heart-shaped ass of hers. Dirty thoughts fill my mind as I go through the motions.

I follow Brooke’s instructions and take Burrito through a small obstacle course. I glance over and see that Chili is still nestled in the little girl’s arms. She looks so happy.

When the session is over, I walk back over to the woman and her daughter. “Thanks for taking such good care of Chili.”

“You’re welcome,” the girl says. “Can I keep him?”

The woman frowns. “Young lady, what’s gotten into you? It’s not appropriate to–”

“But Mommy...” the girl’s voice trembles.

“I don’t want to hear it. Give the man back his dog right now!”

The girl slowly opens her arms. Chili doesn’t budge. He looks way to comfy to go anywhere.

I whistle. “Chili, come!” I clap my hands as I look down at the little girl. She’s serious. She really wants him. “It’s not working. He must really like you.”

She smiles and pets him again. “I really like him too.”

“Maybe you can help me. Why don’t you try it? What’s your name?”

“Carla.”

I look into the girl’s eyes in disbelief. “Your name is Carla?”

“Yes, it’s Carla Madison Andrews.”

I take a deep breath, overwhelmed by all of my emotions. Memories of my late wife flash in my mind. I try to hold back my tears. “That’s a really cool name.”

“Are you okay?” the woman asks.

“I’m fine. It’s just…” I feel a hand on my shoulder. Brooke’s faint scent tickles my nostrils as I feel her warmth. I point to the little girl. “Her name is Carla.”

Brooke smiles. “I know. That’s such a pretty name.”

“Thanks,” Carla says.

“She just asked me if she can adopt Chili,” I explain to Brooke and look at the little girl’s mother with a raised brow. Very slowly, the woman nods, a smile spreading over her face. “And my answer is yes.”

“Really!” Carla’s eyes light up. “Thank you a million, a billion, a zillion, Landon.” Carla holds Chili close in her arms, tears shining in her eyes as she looks up at Brooke. “Your boyfriend is really, really nice.”

Brooke kisses my cheek. “I know.”

“Yeah, that was very sweet,” the woman says. “I’ll make sure that she takes excellent care of him.”

“Of course, I will! You don’t have to worry about that, Mommy. Chili’s my new baby.”

As we start to walk away, Brook leans in close to whisper something in my ear. My heart gallops, anticipating her words, hoping she’s going to explain what she wants to do to me later. Instead she says, “I hate to be the one to burst your bubble, Landon. But the two dogs you have left…are girls.”

I laugh and pull her in close for a snuggle. My girls. All four of them are going to be the new center of my universe.

Tears prick the backs of my eyes as I watch Carla holding Chili. I know in that moment that my Carla is an angel watching over me. All of us, really. There isn’t a doubt in my mind that she had a hand in sending Brooke to mend my shattered heart. Brooke gives me a big hug and Taco and Burrito twirl at our feet. In just a few months, my life has gone from agony to ecstasy. Mr. Crabby Pants has officially retired from his role. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.