Page 121

“Dad, I was in the service for a lot of years. I got this.”

He starts to say something else when an ear-piercing, bloodcurdling scream tears through the cabin. My heart stops at the sound, and I take off to the bedroom; my dad on my heels. When I get there, I find Emi shielding her face as Micky enthusiastically greets her. He’s leapt up, using her shoulders for balance, licking her relentlessly.

“Micky! Down now!” I yell at him, and he stops, looking at me with his wide puppy eyes. He lands and slinks to the bed to hide.

“Micky? That’s Micky?” Emi looks at me in horror. “He’s bigger than me!”

“He’s a Great Dane.” I go to her, wrapping my arms around her shaking body.

“I came out of the bathroom, and he pounced. It scared the shit out of me.”

“He’s a big fan of greeting people with a kiss,” I try to explain.

“Sorry about that, Emi. He’s used to having free reign when he’s here,” Dad tells her. “He’s very friendly.”

She turns in my hold and looks at him. “Morning, Travis.”

“Morning.”

“Okay, let’s try this again.” She goes slowly to where Micky is pouting. He perks up a little when she crouches in front of him. “Hey, Micky.” She carefully holds out her hand for him to sniff.

That’s all the encouragement he needs, licking her fingers a few times then rolling so his legs are in the air, his belly fully exposed. She scratches him, cooing as he waggles excitedly. He nudges her foot, and she plops on her butt, letting out a little squeak.

“Be careful, Emi. He may be a large dog, but he’s truly a big baby. He’ll snuggle like one, too,” Dad warns her.

As if on cue, Micky curls into her lap and lays his head against her chest, licking her neck.

“I’m sorry I screamed at you. What a sweetie.” She continues to give him a rub down.

He melts into her, huffing in contentment. The dog’s a smart fucker. I let them get to know each other for a few minutes, listening to her praise his sweetness. When she mentions he’s such a beauty, I have to intervene.

“Emi, he’s a HE, which means he’s not beautiful.”

“I think he is. These eyes, this grey coat, the floppy ears—he’s the most beautiful dog ever.” She looks over her shoulder at me. “And for the record, you’re a HE, and I think you’re beautiful, too.”

My dad tries to cover his laugh with a cough, but fails.

Now would be a great time to change the subject. “My mom has been busy. Tonight, she’s throwing a barbeque and invited some family and friends.”

Emi’s eyes flare in surprise as she bites down on her bottom lip. For a second, I think she’s upset, then she snaps and looks at my dad. “Can I help with anything?”

“No, we have it covered.”

“Does Leslie like margaritas?”

“Loves them,” he answers.

She turns her head back to me. “Is there a liquor store close? I can make my margaritas.”

“Sure, we can run up there after our shower.”

Her face heats up and eyes grow wide at my blasé announcement, not caring that my dad heard.

“That’s my cue to go.” He claps his hands for Micky, who doesn’t listen, pawing at Emi for her attention.

“I’m gonna bring Emi up to the house to show her around the property later. Micky can stay with us,” I tell him.

“Okay, see ya later.”