“You okay?”
“I’m not sure.” I tilt my head back and peer up at my brother through misty eyes.
“Believe me, you lucked up, finding out what he’s really like now. Once he had you across the country in California, it would’ve been next to impossible to leave him.”
“I’m glad you see it my way.”
“Look, Mom and Dad just need time. They’re only looking at the financial aspect.”
I sigh. “We’re not even going to be together because there’s too much tension between us, War. That’s my fault.”
“No. It’s our parents’ fault for being so old-fashioned. Listen, I have a special gift for you.”
“You do?” I ask, cheering up.
&n
bsp; “I do. Come on.” Wrapping an arm around my shoulder, he guides me away from the doctor’s office and the mess I’ve yet to figure out. He pulls up in front of a pet store, and I frown.
“What are we doing here, War?”
“You’ll see. Come on.”
We exit the car and walk into the shop.
“Warren, you’re back. Is this your sister?” The brown-eyed beauty with a head full of coarse black curls is a little too excited to see us.
How long has my brother been visiting ... I squint at her nametag, Riley?
“This is Faye. Riley here has been instrumental in arranging this surprise for you.”
I smile. “You don’t say?”
He flashes me a pleading glance that makes me choke back a giggle.
“I just gave him a few pointers. Are you ready for the grand reveal?” Riley grins.
“Yes?” I glance from Riley to Warren.
“I’ll be right back.” Riley walks away from the register and disappears through a door that leads into the back. A few moments later, she returns with a large, red present with gold stars and a gold ribbon. The lid pops off. A tiny beagle with floppy ears and a small muzzle hangs over the edge of the box, attempting to escape. It yips, and my heart lurches.
“This little guy is ready to be taken to his new home,” Riley says.
“With me?” I ask.
“Yes. He’s waiting for a name.”
I walk over to the box. “Hi.” He yips and licks my nose, making me laugh.
“He’ll be good company, and young enough to grow up with Flora.”
“Do you want to go home with me, sweet boy?” I scratch behind his ears, and he opens his mouth wide in a puppy smile. “Yeah, you do.” I lift him up into my arms. He snuggles into my neck, and my heart is gone. Any thoughts of extra responsibility being a bad thing vanishes. There is no way I’m letting this adorable puppy go back into that cold, steel prison and wait for someone else to take him home.
I smile up at Warren, who laughs. “I think we can safely assume she loves him.”
“How could I not?” I sway back and forth as my maternal instincts fly into hyperdrive. “What’s your name, buddy, huh?” I stroke his short fur, giving him scratches. “You’re so cuddly. Monty.”
“That’s a great name.” Riley leans over the counter on her elbows.