Page 97 of Up in a Blaze

Arlo lifted his eyes to Blaze, gripping his tee. “We do.” He looked over at me. “We really do love you and Dad.”

“Christ,” Blaze bit out, hugging Arlo to him again. I got up and walked around the table, curling my arms around Sawyer.

“We love you both so much,” I told them.

“We know,” Sawyer said.

A knock sounded on the door. I straightened, and Sawyer quickly jumped out of his seat. “I’ll get it.” He stalked off to answer.

I glanced to Blaze. He stood, too, picking up Arlo, who laughed, before placing him on his feet. “You two eat.”

Arlo and I took our seats and started piling our plates. “Your… dad…” Emotions clogged my throat as such a sweet feeling filled me when saying that. “He will pick you up from school today.”

Arlo swallowed around a mouthful. “Cool. Will he be out front?”

“Yes.” Waiting to scare some children.

“Firecracker,” Blaze called. “Arlo, get in here.”

Arlo grinned and grabbed a piece of bacon to eat on the way. He ran off, and I made my way more slowly, pausing on the threshold of the living room.

“A puppy?” I cried, hands pressing to my cheeks, eyes widening.

Loyal stood next to Blaze while Sawyer and Arlo were crouched on the floor with a little golden retriever bouncing around between the boys.

Sawyer stood. “I got him for you. Well, for everyone really. A family dog. And since Loyal overheard you talking to Blaze, last month, about how cute it would be to have a puppy to complete the family, he told me, and surprise. I didn’t just pick randomly. I did some homework about the best pet for a family and learned this breed is good.” He blushed. “I hope I didn’t overstep. I just wanted to surprise you both.”

Loyal shifted. He wanted to reach out to Sawyer no doubt.

“It’s the most precious gift someone could ever give. You took all the hard work out of picking and helped us. He’ll be the perfect family addition,” I told Sawyer, smiling wide.

Sawyer relaxed. “I’m glad you like him.”

“What are we gonna name him?” Arlo asked.

“We will watch him for a while and all make suggestions. I am sure we will find something,” I said.

Honestly, I couldn’t be happier. I was filled up to the brim with love for the people in my life. I would do anything to protect this, and I knew my big, beautiful beast would do the same.

“He is weeing,” I cried, rushing over to pick him up and running to the back door while pee went everywhere with a laughing Sawyer and Arlo rushing after me.

Still, even with the pee accident, I knew our family would have a wonderful life together.

Even when there would be bad days, I believed the good days would outweigh them by miles. Not only did I have the love of my life at my side, but Blaze would do anything to make sure we had everything we desired. He also knew I would do the same too.

We would fight together to keep this home happy and safe, and no matter what might arise, we would come out stronger in the end.