“You’re not fooling around. I love how they just crash every night now.” Connor put the bag down and headed back to the Range Rover. “I did my homework. The Labs are going to need bigger crates eventually, but the guys at the store said these were good for a while. And the smaller one is for Sophie.”
“Sophie?” Oh, so cute! He loved it. “That’s adorable. They’re about ten minutes out. Do you think Frick and Frack out there would be pleased?”
“Sophie if it’s a girl. If it’s a boy I’m going with Ollie. And Frick and Frack are going to love this.” Connor winked at him and hauled two of the dog beds up onto the porch.
They managed to get the SUV unloaded right as a pickup truck trundled up the road.
“That’s them. Should I get the boys or let them…discover our new family members.”
“Well, why don’t we let the pups sniff around a little and then get them? So they’re less overwhelmed by all the squealing and snuggling.” Connor chuckled.
“Good idea. Come on. Let’s do this.” Early led Connor over to the truck.
A young lady climbed out of the passenger side, a little white and gray ball of fluff in her arms. “Hey, y’all. She’s really scared. The big pups are barking like crazy. Can someone help Mommama or take her, or both?”
“Oh, I think she must be mine. I’ve got her.” Connor stepped right up and took the little fluffball, holding her to his chest. He was so protective, it was adorable. “Hey, little girl. I’ll get her settled in a crate in a quiet place and come right back to help.”
Early went and helped a dark brown and a golden pup down, both of them wiggling and barking and peeing.
“Meet Goldie and Brownie. Two girls. Both fixed. Both thirteen weeks old. Both convinced that everyone loves them to death.”
“Goldie and Brownie. I’m Early.”
“Martha, and this is my daughter Heidi and...”
“DADDY!” Jaxson’s scream split the air and two wet, mostly naked, excited boys came tumbling down the stairs.
“Boys,” he snapped. “Gentle. Do not scare them.”
They both skidded to a halt a few feet away. “Sorry, Daddy.”
“They’re so cute though.” Jaxson was wiggling where he stood he was so excited.
“This is Brownie and Goldie. They’re puppies, and this is a brand-new place, with brand-new people. Jayden, you remember that a little, right? Coming home to us?”
“Yes, sir. I wasworried.”
“Are they worried?” Jaxson asked quietly.
“A little, but they’re also wanting to meet you both. You’re going to be their people.”
“Can we pet them?”
“Yes, but be easy.” Early glanced at Martha. “Would y’all like to come up to the kitchen?”
“That would be nice, thank you.”
Heidi looked at the two boys. “We can bring them up, and then I can show you how they like to play. Okay?”
“Okay.” Jayden was very serious all of a sudden. “We want to take good care of them.”
“Don’t worry,” Heidi smiled at him. “They’re going to love you guys.”
Jaxson glanced up at him, tears flooding his eyes. “You got us dogs.”
“Y’all have proven that you’ll work for it, son.” He opened his arms. “Need a hug?”
Jaxson ran right over, sniffling. “They’re so cute.”