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“Oh, it’s what I want. It’s what the kids want. They told me when you and Stephanie were cleaning the dishes. Then they went off to play with Taryn, Arnav, and the dogs.”

I chuckled. “You know you’re committed to getting a dog, right?”

“Cadence sent me Torah Dixon’s information. The trainer. Foster mentioned hearing about a bonded pair of schnauzers.”

“Pair?” My mind raced.

“Well, each kid would have their own dog. I mean, they hardly ever fight, but it would be nice to, I don’t know, give them each the responsibility. The house is big enough.” He snuggled me closer. “It’s going to be tough to find time to play, but…”

“But…?”

“Don’t be mad.”

“I could never be mad at you.” Well, that might’ve been an exaggeration. Him dropping his bombshell on the kids—if it had gone sideways—would’ve annoyed me. He’d barely confirmed we were together when he sprang it on the kids. On the other hand, better to deal with the fallout right away rather than let things fester.

Keegan had taken me aside and given me thedon’t hurt my dadspeech.

I’d nearly cried—all the while holding it together because I’d been aware of Demetrius’s gaze on us. I wouldn’t tell him Keegan’s precise words—those were between the young man and me—but I’d eventually share the sentiments.

“You say that now…”

I twisted in his arms so I faced him. I was incredibly grateful Alessandra had seen fit to make this bed a king—my new man took up a lot of space. “What do you mean?”

“Well…Foster and I were talking…”

“You two get on like a house on fire. I think it’s great.” And I did. My rekindled friendship with Arnav meant a lot to me—that Demetrius and Foster were growing close did my heart good. Made me happy.

“And apparently I have something in common with Arnav. And you have something in common with Foster.”

I blinked.

We’d left one light on, but the light cast deep shadows.

“What are you trying to say?” Because I couldn’t figure out—

“Foster’s a pup.”

“Excuse me?” I gawped.

“You heard me. Arnav’s a Daddy and Foster’s a pup.”

My eyes widened. “Oh my God. How didthatcome up in conversation?”

“We were discussing the responsibilities of taking care of pets, and Foster made a quip about keeping his toys away from Queenie.” Demetrius chuckled. “I swear he started blushing. Then I said I knew a few pups and casually asked if he had a bed he liked to use. He nodded and said he kept it under the bed he shared with Arnav. And I suggested I should get tips for the caring and love of pups from Arnav.”

“You didn’t tell—”

“Nope. Absolutely not. And Foster didn’t ask.” He closed one eye. “Although he did muse about you taking off that first night after giving the dog treats to Queenie and Taffy.”

My cheeks heated. “I forgot about that.”

“I didn’t say anything then either. I couldn’t tell if you were being literal—as in there are two dogs here—or if you were trying to say something. After you took off, I figured I’d just keep my mouth shut.”

“Odds are Foster’s recounting this story to Arnav right now.”

“That’s entirely possible.”

“And Arnav’s putting together the pieces.”