Page 92 of The Wisdom of Bug

Alyssa had invited Evelyn and Richard to spend the holiday with her parents. Alyssa laughed repeatedly when Evelyn and her dad realised they would spend Christmas Day eating turkey out the back of a campervan. It turned out to be one of the best Christmases Evelyn had ever had, and she knew her mother would be smiling down on her.

Her dad had fit in surprisingly well with Alyssa’s parents. He and Alyssa’s father had bonded over a shared love of terrible puns and single malt whisky. Her mum had fussed over everyone, making sure no one’s plate was ever empty, and Bug had held court in the middle of it all, accepting tribute from everyone.

It had been chaotic and warm and nothing like the formal Christmases Evelyn had grown up with, and it had been perfect.

Evelyn would always be grateful to Alyssa and Bug for giving her back the magic of Christmas. In fact, she would always be grateful, full stop. Her life was everything she wanted it to be. Challenging, yes. Sometimes messy. But hers. Authentically, completely hers.

Alyssa wiggling beneath her brought Evelyn back to the task at hand. “Babe, we need to hurry. I have to help get the dog—”

“Alyssa, I’m about to eat you out. Zip the lip, put your head back, and enjoy this, love.”

“Well, alright then,” Alyssa grinned.

Yup, Evelyn would always be grateful for the wisdom of Bug. That grumpy little dog had brought her everything she’d been missing. Purpose. Joy. Love.

And really excellent morning sex.