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I patiently wait for him to do his business, which includes a few s Fuck, he’s cute

Eventually, he sniffs around, tail high, and then abruptly squats to pee I thought boy dogs lifted their legs, but ive him extreme praise with an upbeat, positive tone thatout the side of his head Lucy is going to fall in love with this guy

Our pre- business done, I scoop Brody up in my arms and make my way to the sidewalk The kitchen is at the front of the house, so I can see through a peek in the curtains over the sink that Ella is at the kitchen island with Lucy on the opposite side My heart starts beating faster at the thought of spending the evening with irls—and apparently the new boy in my arms—and I find it almost shameful I have such excitement over it Shouldn’t I have always been this excited? Or is it norranted?

I don’t know the answer to that, but instead, choose to just revel in the exciteht now

At the door, I give it a few solid knocks and as planned, Ella will tell Lucy to answer it

Inup behind Lucy, but then hter, whose own are ith shock and pinned on the puppy squir in my arms

She stares mutely, frozen, as if she can’t decide what to do

Finally, I say, “Surprise”

Her gaze rises to et the puppy today? But it’s not supposed to be until next week”

I look over Lucy’s shoulder at Ella, who has a soft sive my attention to Lucy “Well, your mother and I decided to callously lie to you so we could make it a surprise”

Laughing, Lucy exclaims, “That’s a lie I can live with”

Still, shebefore I start sneezing all over the place His name is Brody”