Page 87 of Blood

“Don’t leave a mark,” she warns.

“Hey, you two lovebirds, knock it off. Shelby just pulled up,” Michael’s voice booms.

I pull back with a groan. “Remind me to tell Lara that it was Michael who broke her Christmas bauble.”

“The glass one?” Sam gasps.

“Yeah.” I release her, making my way around the counter to pick up the platter of eggs. “He knocked it off the tree on accident. He’s commissioned another one from some place in Maine.”

Sam pauses in picking up the salad. “She thinks Rex did it.”

“I know.” I chuckle, following her out.

As if he heard his name, the golden retriever joins us at the kitchen door. Tripping, he misses a step with his back leg. All energy and no grace.Takes after his dad.I laugh.

Seeing her baby get underfoot, Lara calls out to him.

“Rexy!”

The eager pup sprints away.

I take a second to watch my family.

My family.Two words I never thought I’d get to say.

People who taught me what unconditional love truly feels like.

My heart swells.

Reaching down, I pat the small square box in my pocket again.

Best Fourth of July ever.

The End.