Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
“No argument here.”
The sky explodes with color, cheers sounding as a speaker blasts from somewhere playing Sayge’s music.
I’ll give the guys in the band credit. They put on a great show.
But in the end, we owned the contest.
“What has the fucking world come to?” Can’t miss the disappointment in Major’s tone.
“Damn shame,” Ace retorts.
“Never thought I’d see the day.” Talon covers his heart for emphasis.
I drink my beer, staying silent as I watch it play out in front of me. Harley and Rowan run around in little circles, squealing and clapping as our four-month-old puppy crouches down and chases.
After months of watching Rowan with Pepper, I knew she needed a dog.
Robbie and Ember explained how they adopted their dog, Blaze. They suggested I put Presley on the hunt. Within two weeks, she called with what she referred to as a ‘unicorn’.
A Belgian Malinois puppy came available for adoption. Being a veteran, my application went to the top of the list. The dog was ours if Rowan agreed.
I’d been around Malinois in the service, but she needed to know what we were getting into. The breed is energetic.
It’s also brilliant, loving, and protective.
We came home with him that night.
At four months, he is already shaping into a big dog.
Right now, you wouldn’t know it.
It’s not enough that Rowan babies him with most of her attention.
It’s worse.
Because, in this moment, in a yard blanketed in snow, my dog is leaping around in a goddamned fucking argyle sweater.
“I can’t watch. It’s a travesty.” Talon pretends to wipe a tear.
He’s grown close to Mack these two weeks since we brought him home.
Which is why I’m putting my friend and my dog out of misery.
“Hand me your knife.”
Talon tosses it, and I whistle loud, calling the dog. He sprints our way, uncertain who to leap on first.
Ace holds him while I slice the material down the middle and tear it from his body.
I swear he eyes me in relief.
“What are you doing? I didn’t get pictures yet.”
“Thank God for small miracles. No proof.” Major takes the words out of my mouth.
“Major, Shayla ordered that from a company that specializes in high-end canine fashion. It’s stylish and warm.”
“I’ll build a damn fire. Come on, Mack.” Talon pats his thigh and the dog follows dutifully after him.
“Achilles, I’ve been thinking,” Harley starts, and we already know what’s coming. Finn gave us a heads up earlier.
She’s fallen hard for our dog, too.
“Talked to Presley and she’s on the hunt,” Ace finishes for her.
Jay beams, falling into him. “Thank you.”
“You next?” I gear my question to Major.
“Fucking wish it was that simple. Jewls wants to stable a horse close by for the boys to learn to ride.”
“They’re two months old.”
“Tell her that. Good thing is Gil promised to break one in and bring it down. I bought some time since the next colt isn’t due ‘til summer.”
“Nice to have a father-in-law in the business.”
His phone dings and he looks at the screen, a grin playing on his lips. “The boys are awake. You guys ready for dinner?”
“I am starving.” Harley rubs her stomach dramatically. “It’s been forever since I’ve had steak.”
“Baby, I fed you steak two days ago,” Ace counters.
“What can I say? I can’t get enough meat.”
The statement is simple, but the innuendo hangs in the air. Ace smiles wide, pulling her to him. Major and I exchange a look.
Ace loves his wife pregnant for many reasons—her appetite for sex being one of them.
Rowan squeaks, planting her face in my chest and vibrating with giggles. Apparently, she knows this fact.
“See ya at the house. By the way, Jewls says if you don’t bring Mack, she’ll cut a bitch.”
“She realizes that Mack isn’t completely potty trained, right?” Rowan asks nervously.
“Do you have any idea what we deal with on a daily basis? The dog is not a concern. Bring him.” Major flicks his fingers and goes inside.
“We need to stop by our place and get the salad. See you there.” Ace takes Harley’s hand and leads her carefully around the house to where they parked.
I pull Rowan’s beanie over her ears and tighten her scarf. “Never want to see my boy in clothes again, baby. Spread the word to Shayla.”
“But he was so cute.”
“He’s a warrior.”
“Even warriors can be cute.”
“Didn’t give a shit about the green towels. But my dog in an argyle sweater comes close to eradicating my masculinity.”
Understanding washes over her and she bursts out laughing. “Got it.”
“You talk to the moms today?”
“Yes, they’ll have the guest lists ready by the weekend. Now we need to deal with the caterer.”
“I dealt with them today. They are on board. Anything you want.”
Her eyes sparkle. “Scale buildings, bust drug rings, take down cartels… Is there anything you can’t do?”
“I can’t get my fiancée to marry me before May.”
“Planning a wedding in twenty-one weeks is no easy feat.”