Page 46 of Beyond the Cage

“Thank you, baby,” I say as I lean over and kiss his cheek.

He responds with a smile and pets the puppy.

“Hmm…what are we gonna call you? What do you think, Daddy?”

He shrugs.

“He looks like a warrior…just like you. I think I’ll call him…Spartacus.”

A key in the lock draws my attention and I turn to see Chels walking in. I jump up from the couch with a squeal and head in her direction.

“Chels!”

After a too-tight embrace, she looks down at Spartacus with raised brows. “And who is this?”

“Look…we had a baby. His name is Spartacus.”

“Hey, Cameron.” She waves as she peeks over my shoulder.

He gives her a smile and a small salute as we join him on the couch.

“He’s adorable, Jas…but…the results are in. Cameron, you arenotthe father.”

I double over in laughter at her Maury impression.

“You’re right. Must be that Norwegian guy I’ve been seeing.”

We both give him mischievous grins but he’s gone mysteriously grim, clenching his jaw.

“Come on, Spartacus.” Chels takes him from my arms. “Come help Auntie Chels put her stuff away.”

I mouth a ‘thank you’ to her as she leaves the room, then straddle him and wrap my arms around his neck.

“Why are you so jealous? You should know we were just joking.”

He takes a deep breath and stares into my eyes.

“Don’t you know?”That I love you?

His brows draw together in confusion.

“I wouldn’t do that. Trust me.” I place my palm on his cheek, stroking it with my thumb. “Besides…I don’t have the time or energy for someone else, Mr. Insatiable.”

“Have you two made up yet?” Chels asks impatiently as she re-enters. “I think your baby’s hungry…and so am I.”

I climb down from his lap and take Spartacus from Chels.

“Poor baby! Daddy didn’t feed you?” I ask, scratching his neck.

Cameron reaches into one of the bags and removes two bowls, puppy chow, and milk replacer. While he’s taking care of that, I search the bags. He thought of everything. There’s a crate, collar, leash, grooming brush, treats, toys, potty trainer, and a little doggie bed. Spartacus and I are all set.

When Cameron returns, he sets Spartacus up in a corner, laying down old newspaper before setting down the bowls. While the puppy is eating, he sets up the crate, placing the toys inside. I watch him, thinking about him as a father. I can imagine him doing things like this for his children – building doll or tree houses. I think I was right; he’ll be a great dad if he ever decides he wants to be one.

Chelsea plops down next to me with a bowl full of cookies, dragging me out of my thoughts.

“I see you found the cookies.”

“I’ve been thinking about them all week!” she mumbles around a mouthful.