Leo (Vigilance 3)

I glanced at Leo, then back at the puppy, then at Leo again. “You got me a puppy?”

“I did.”

The puppy was trying to brace against the side of the box and nearly turned it over. I reached down and lifted the little darling, noting that it was a girl. “What’s her name?”

“That’s up to you.”

I thought for several moments as she cuddled against my chest, licked at my chin, and made the sweetest little noises. The perfect name came to me. “Ramona.”

Leo looked confused. “Okay, but why?”

“Ramona Quimby was my favorite book character when I was a kid. She has lots of spunk, and I think our little Ramona does too.”

Leo wrapped an arm around me, and the puppy turned her face up at him. He bent down and let her kiss him. It was the cutest thing I’d ever seen.

“I can’t believe you did this.”

“I want to share this experience with you,” Leo said as he rubbed Ramona’s little head.

“This is the best present ever!” I cuddled the puppy against me, then someone made a noise in the hall, and she startled and gave the tiniest little bark. “Awww. Even her bark is cute.”

“You think that now,” Leo said.

“We’ll take her to puppy class and train her, and she’ll be the best dog ever.”

“Of course she will.”

“Are you ready for your present now?” I asked.

“I thought we were going to eat breakfast first.”

“You gave me Ramona. I want to give you your present. Do you want to hold her while I go get it?”

He took the wiggly puppy from me and let her snuggle against his broad chest. I could stay there watching them all day.

“I thought you were going.”

“I’m just enjoying the scenery.”

He waved me off. “Go on. Don’t tease me about presents.”

“I absolutely adore how much you love Christmas.”

When I came back, I knew I was blushing. I wanted to do this, but I was nervous. I turned over the frame that housed the artwork Leo had made for me and held it out.

Leo studied it for a moment. “I’m guessing there’s an explanation.”

“I want you to tattoo this on my back.”

His mouth dropped open for a moment, and Ramona barked, obviously sensing the intense emotion of the moment. “Really?”

“Yes. I know it’s not a traditional gift, but—”

“It is the most amazing gift anyone has given me. You’re allowing me to practice my art on you. You want something I made permanently on your skin, and you weren’t sure you ever wanted a tattoo.

“I do want one, but only if you’re the artist.”

“We could go into the shop this afternoon if you want. It will take several sessions, but we could get started.”

I scratched Ramona’s ears. “She would have to come with us.”

“Then it’s a good thing I got her a leash and a cozy little bed that we can take for her to lie in at the shop.”

I barely kept myself from jumping up and down. “You’re the best.”

“I even got some gates we can use to make her a little playpen while I work on you.”

“You thought of all that?”

“I didn’t want to risk us needing something today and the stores all being closed. I have two little bowls too.”

“And food?”

He smiled. “Yes. I called the vet Marco takes his cat to so I could get a recommendation.”

“You really do love taking care of your family.” Leo’s smile almost melted my heart. “I know we just got a puppy and we’ve only been together for a year, so I’m not talking about any time soon, but do you think you’d want kids someday.”

“I’ve enjoyed being part of my nephew’s life, but before I met you, I would’ve said no. Now… I think maybe I do.”

“Then let’s leave that as a possibility.”

“Deal. Are you ready for a cinnamon roll and some coffee now?”

“Absolutely.

“I’ve got bacon too.”

Ramona barked as if she already knew what that meant. “Can she have a taste?”

“You’re going to spoil this dog, aren’t you?”

“I won’t be that bad.”

“Yes, you will, but that’s okay. She’s too cute not to spoil. She can have a tiny bite of bacon, but I also got her some treats so she could have something special too.”

“This has already been an amazing Christmas, and I’m thinking about how amazing it is that I get to have more with you.”

“You get to have all the Christmases with me.”

“You’re very sure of that.”

“I’ve known since the day you spilled a glass of water on my table that you were special. It took me a while longer to realize that meant we belonged together. Now that I do, I’m never letting you go.”

“I love that it will be me, you, and Ramona here together.”

“That’s right. Our little family.”

As we held the puppy between us, Leo kissed me, and all the magic of the holiday season zinged through me at the touch of his lips.