Page 44

And just like that… Chaos.

Spotty chases Hat Trick around the deck, barking with excitement, while Hat Trick zigzags between the lawn chairs like he’s skating on ice.

“Are they always like this?” Abby asks, her voice full of laughter.

“Pretty much.” I sigh, shaking my head, but I’m grinning. “They keep things… interesting.”

Abby’s eyes soften as she watches Jake giggle uncontrollably while Spotty and Hat Trick continue their high-speed chase.

“You’re good with him, you know,” she murmurs, her voice quieter now. “Jake.”

I turn my attention back to her, my chest tightening at the emotion in her eyes.

“He’s a great kid,” I say softly. “It’s easy.”

Her lips curve, but there’s something deeper in her gaze—something vulnerable.

“Beck…” She swallows, her voice barely above a whisper. “What happens if this… keeps going?”

I blink, my heart pounding. “What do you mean?”

She looks away, her teeth grazing her bottom lip. “If we… if you and Jake and I… become something more.”

My throat tightens. “Is that what you want?”

Her eyes meet mine again, and for the first time…

There’s no hesitation.

“Yes, I think I do,” she whispers, her voice trembling just slightly.

My heart pounds harder. “Me too, Abby, me too.”

She bites her lip, her cheeks flushing. “I’m scared. But… I’m not running anymore.”

I take a step closer, cupping her face gently in my hands.

“We’ll take it slow,” I murmur, my thumb brushing over her cheek. “One step at a time.”

Abby nods, her eyes shining with something that looks a lot like hope.

“And what about them?” She gestures toward the chaos unfolding around us, where Spotty is now practically herding Hat Trick toward the door, while Biscuit and Mitts watch with what I can only describe as mild judgment.

I chuckle softly, pressing my forehead against hers.

“They’re part of the package.” I grin. “Full chaos included.”

Abby laughs, her body relaxing against mine.

“Good,” she whispers, her lips brushing mine again. “Because I think I’m ready for all of it.”

Just as I’m about to lose myself in her gaze, my phone buzzes in my pocket.

“Sorry,” I murmur against her lips, reluctantly pulling back.

“No problem.” Abby smiles, but her eyes are clouded with curiosity.

I glance at the screen, and my stomach drops.