Page 157

“Agent Kelly is transferring to Charleston.

“He is?”

“Yeah, he’s gonna head up a small task force here.”

I narrow my eyes, knowing all this didn’t appear out of thin air overnight. “You’ve been busy. How long have you been planning all this?”

“You moving in was a no-brainer. It was going to happen sooner rather than later, but when Kelly mentioned his promotion, that set the ball in motion.”

I chew on my bottom lip and think about Bryant living in my place. There is no way a man like him will be comfortable with all the girlyness. “Maybe we can make a few changes, like switch out our couches. I’m kinda attached to my living room.”

“No problem. I’ll have Marcus bring his truck so we can load it up. He’ll help me make the switch.”

“You don’t mind?”

His face goes soft, and his dimple pops with a wide grin. “No, baby, I don’t mind. I love your stuff and am okay with whatever it takes to make you more comfortable here.”

“I’m comfortable here, but are you going to be okay with me adding color to your house? The whole masculine rustic vibe is going to take a hit.”

“That whole vibe took a hit the first time you walked through the door, and as of a few minutes ago, it’s no longer my house. It’s our house.”

My heart melts in a puddle of Walker induced goo, and I throw myself at him, squealing in delight. There’s a rustling and high-pitched bark as the puppy finds us in the bathroom and starts running circles around Walker’s legs.

“You okay for me to take him back out?”

“Yes, I’m good.” I raise my face to his and kiss him briefly. “I’ll meet y’all in the kitchen.”

He scoops up the dog and leaves me alone. I hop off the counter and flinch at my reflection. My cheeks are splotchy, my eyes rimmed red, and my hair is a mess.

“This is why you shouldn’t cry, Emi. You look like a maniac,” I say to myself and start on the damage control.

As soon as I’m somewhat presentable, I join Walker in the kitchen and notice the dog bowls on the floor and a large crate in the corner. The puppy is passed out inside, laying on a blanket.

“How did you find him?” I grab my coffee mug and curl into Walker’s side.

“Mom and Dad’s breeder.”

“I’ve always wanted a dog, but it never happened. He’s the best present ever.”

That earns me a squeeze and a kiss on the forehead. “We need to name him.”

“How did you decide on the name Micky?”

“Dad, Marcus, and I were shooting the shit around their pool one afternoon. We were drinking Michelob Ultra, so we started calling him Michelob.”

“You named him after a beer?” I look up at him in disbelief.

“Yep, it didn’t make Mom too happy. That’s why she started calling him Micky.”

“Somehow, I don’t think Lemon Drop or Chardonnay seem appropriate.”

He chuckles, shaking his head. “I agree on that. He’s going to be a big dog, Emi, I’ve already spoken to a trainer and a fence company. We’re going to have to fence in the yard for him to roam, but we’ll also take him out to the cabin as much as possible.”

At the mention of the cabin, I place my mug on the counter and twist in Walker’s arms so I can face him. “I wanted to talk to you about the cabin. I think I’d like to get married out there. Would that be okay with you? I want a simple ceremony and a huge party. It’s so beautiful, and I think we could truly make it magical.”

One side of his mouth tips up in a small grin. “I think it will be perfect. Anything you want.”

“Anything?”