Southern Devotion (Southern Heart 4)

That’s how we drift off to sleep—her in my arms, and laughter and love surrounding us.

David was gone this morning when I woke up. It’s Saturday, but he told Evan and Aaron he would help with a couple of new horses that were being delivered today. He said that was the least he could do because they let him off to help me move. It is, but I don’t like waking up without him. I knew he was going, but I wish he would have woken me up before he left.

Speaking of David…. I look down at my cell that’s ringing, his picture flashing on the screen.

“Hey,” I greet him.

“What are you getting up to today?” he asks.

“Thought about unpacking some boxes.”

“Why don’t you call one or all of the girls and go dress shopping? I can help you unpack. I don’t want you lifting all of those boxes.”

“Can you hear me rolling my eyes?” I sass.

He laughs. “Really. You know Mike is at the bar getting ready for tonight. I’m sure Jamie would love to get out of the house.”

“What about Dixie?”

“Leave the baby gates up and she’ll be fine in the kitchen.”

“I guess I can call her. I still feel weird about this.” I know we’re going to do it, but it feels presumptuous, even if we are both on the same page.

“Don’t. It’s happening, Livy.” His voice is solid, strong, and I have zero doubt that he means it.

“I missed you this morning,” I tell him instead of acknowledging his “It’s happening” comment.

“You looked too peaceful to wake up. I won’t be home until later. How about I swing through town and pick us up some dinner? Mexican?”

“That sounds great. I’ll text you later if we decide to go shopping.”

“Sounds good. Love you.”

“Love you too,” I say before the line goes dead. I stare at my phone, wondering if I really should start dress shopping. I mean, it never hurts to just look around, right? Besides, maybe Jamie needs a dress before next weekend. That’s how I can pass it off.

Plan in place, I dial her number. She picks up on the first ring.

“Hey, girl.”

“What are you doing today?”

“Not much. Mike is at the bar. I thought about going to see if he needs any help, but you know how he gets when he’s in the zone with the books.” She laughs.

“That I do. So, about this wedding in two weeks. Do you have a dress?”

“No, I was actually going to just try to find a nice white or off-white sundress or something.”

“What do you say we start looking today? Dave is working. I guess they’re getting a delivery of horses or something, and since he took a couple days off this week to help me move, he didn’t want to turn them down.”

“Sure. Let me take Ace outside and then put him in his cage.”

“I’ll pick you up. I have to take Dixie out too, so say thirty minutes?”

“Perfect, see you soon.”

I rush through taking Dixie out to pee, which she does, though she still isn’t used to her leash and tries to wiggle out of it. “Come on, you little wiggle worm.” I laugh, picking her up. “I have to go out, but Daddy and I will be home later to love on you,” I promise her. I realize I’m talking to this puppy as if she’s my kid, but she’s just so dam

n cute I can’t seem to help myself.