Page 124 of Choosing Us

“You wanted to give me a puppy?” I ask, my voice betraying the emotion I’m trying to hold on to.

“Yeah, I guess great minds think alike. Oh, Ryan, she’s so pretty! Look at how sweet she is!” Harlow claps and bounces with joy. “She’s perfect, Ryan. Thank you.”

I don’t know what the odds are that both of us would try and surprise each other with a puppy—and from the same breeder in Texas—but I think it’s a good sign for our marriage and life together.

I hum. “I think she’ll fit right in.”

My wife has no idea the lengths I would go to make her happy, and the fact that we were both doing this for each other makes the gift even sweeter. I run my hand up her jaw and tilt her head back before I murmur against her lips, “Thank you, Mrs. Callahan.”

And with our loved ones cheering us on, I kiss my wife on what has easily been the happiest day of my life so far.

CHAPTER SIXTY-FIVE

Me

I have brisket in the smoker for tonight’s game. Someone want to grab some beverages?

Finn

What about cookies from Sprinkles?

Jack

I’ll grab the drinks. Finn you can grab the cookies.

Finn

I didn’t say we had to get them. I was just asking if there would be any cookies. Not the same thing, broseph.

Theo

I’ll be coming in from a firm thing in Nashville but can bring whatever.

Liam

I’m going to be an hour or so late, but I’ll get there as soon I can.

Walker

Sorry to miss tonight, fellas. Good luck.

Finn

Where are you this time? Kansas?

Walker

Close. Missouri.

Me

Speaking of that, if they happen to wrap up and get out of there in time to get back to town tonight, I will absolutely be kicking all of you out my house. You’ve been warned.

Jack

Picking the wife over brothers? Good call.

Me