Page 124 of Only the Devil

“Yet,” Jake repeats, grinning. “I’ll take it.”

An hour later, we’re loading Ranger into the back of Jake’s truck along with enough supplies to outfit a small army. Dog bed, food, toys, leash, collar, and approximately thirty different treats because Jake couldn’t decide which ones Ranger might prefer.

“You know,” I say as we pull out of the parking lot, Ranger settling into his new bed like he’s been riding with us his whole life, “my horoscope was right. New life entering our world.”

Jake reaches over to squeeze my hand. “Better read tomorrow’s for clues as to what we’re adopting next. A cat. A goat. Lots of plant upgrades out there.”

I glance back at Ranger, who’s watching the world go by with quiet curiosity. “Actually, I think I’m good with letting the future surprise me.”

“Even better,” Jake says, bringing my hand to his lips. “I was getting tired of competing with horoscopes for your attention.”

He’s being ridiculous. “Jealous of astrology now?”

“Darlin’, when it comes to you, I’m jealous of everything that takes your focus off me. Give it time, and I’ll bet I get jealous of ole Ranger.”

Ranger chooses that moment to poke his head between our seats, sniffing Jake’s neck and giving him a lick.

“Looks like I’m the one who’ll have to learn to share,” I tell Jake, scratching Ranger’s ears.

“Nah. He’s gonna be a momma’s boy. But I suppose I can make room in our relationship for this old survivor. And what is it they say when couples have a kid? You don’t think you have it in yourself to love more, and an additional child arrives, and you just do.”

I suppose he’s right. There are days I feel like I can’t possibly love him more, and then I do.

As we head home with Ranger snoring in his bed and Jake’s hand warm over mine, I realize life doesn’t need to be predicted to be perfect.

Some futures you don’t read in the stars—you build them, one ordinary, extraordinary day at a time.

* * *

The End