A puppy.A tiny golden puppy with huge paws, floppy ears, and a red bow around his neck.
Mila screamed. Quinn’s kids jumped up. Sloane grabbed Oli’s arm. Mom pressed both hands to her chest. Jaden said, “No way,” with actual emotion.
And I just stared.
Isla walked over carefully, holding him like he was made of glass.
“Merry Christmas,” she said.
My throat closed. “Oh my. . .”
Hunter’s thumb brushed my hand. “He’s yours. Ours, really. But mostly yours.”
I looked at him through watery eyes. “You got me a dog?”
“You said you always wanted one.” He glanced at Isla. “And someone made a very detailed presentation.”
“It had bullet points,” Isla said proudly.
The puppy wiggled, and I reached for him. The second he was in my arms; he licked my chin. I cried immediately. The puppy tried to eat my hair.
Hunter laughed and wiped my cheek with his thumb. “What do you want to call him?”
I looked down at the puppy, then at Isla. She looked at me. We both knew.
“Pua,” we said at the same time.
Everyone laughed.
“After the pig?” Jaden asked.
“Obviously,” Isla said referring to Moana’s pet pig Pua.
Pua yawned like he agreed. I kissed the top of his tiny head, then leaned into Hunter. “I love him.”
“Good.”
“I love you,” I said, and kissed him.
Hunter’s hand came to my cheek. For one second, it was just us. Me, Hunter, Isla beside us, a puppy between us, and both our families crammed into the living room. Then Dad grunted. I pulled back, laughing.
“I’m still getting used to the public displays of affection,” he said.
“You’ll survive,” Mom told him.
Dad looked at me, then Hunter, then Isla, who was already trying to reclaim Pua. His expression softened. Just a little.
“I’m happy for you,” he said. “Deeply uncomfortable, but happy.”
Everyone laughed.
Hunter’s shoulders eased beside me. “Thanks, Cole.”
Dad pointed at him. “Don’t make me regret it.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.” Hunter pressed his lips together, suppressing a laugh.
I thought that was the surprise. The puppy. My family here. My dad making a joke instead of threatening Hunter’s life. Then Hunter stood. . .