Doggone Daddy

by Liam Kingsley

  I pushed the thought aside and climbed from my car. I had things to do this morning. Stacia needed my full attention, and as much as I wanted Trevor back in my life, I wasn’t sure that was possible.

  Keifer opened the door before I even had the chance to knock. He looked over my shoulder toward my car, and then pressed his lips together and gave me a stern glare.

  “Good morning to you too,” I said, but I sounded more resigned than light and joking like I’d intended.

  He shook his head with a sigh, and then glanced behind him. “Stacia’s brushing her teeth right now. I need to talk to you.”

  I saw tension in his face, and my mind immediately jumped to the worst. “Is everything okay with Stacia?”

  “Actually.” He ran a hand over his jaw. “I’m worried about her, Jason. She keeps talking about how much she misses Trevor. She’s acting depressed. I’ve never seen her this way. And…”

  Guilt weighed heavy on my shoulders. I hated knowing how badly my decisions were affecting her. Hated that she was hurting too.

  “And what?” I asked, almost afraid to know.

  “She said she’s worried about the baby. She doesn’t like the idea of Trevor being alone. She said she doesn’t want her baby brother or sister to grow up without a real family.” He said that last part with a tired sigh.

  I stood stock-still, floored by his words. She’d mentioned it before, that night Trevor and I had taken her to the Taylor Swift concert; that she didn’t want the baby to have to split its time between two dads. It broke my heart that she was worried about that again, that she was worried at all. But that was Stacia for you. She had the biggest heart.

  “What do you want me to do, Keifer?” I asked, lifting my hands up helplessly.

  “Make it right. That’s what you do, Jason. Look, I’ve known you long enough that I can just give it to you straight. I don’t give a shit what you think, and I’m not holding back because in the end what matters is that we have each other’s backs. That’s what friends do. And I’d be a shitty best friend if I didn’t tell it like it is.” He pinned me with a pointed stare.

  He was right. He’d been there for me as a great friend my entire life. We’d made it through a drunken night that ended in pregnancy and come out on the other side still the best of friends. I knew whatever Keifer had to say, he meant it, and he was only saying it because he cared what happened to me.

  “How am I supposed to do that?” I asked. “I pretty much fucked this up in every way possible.”

  “Yeah, you did,” he said with a wry grin. “Glad you can see that.”

  “Don’t hold back now,” I said, with a grin of my own.

  Then he grew serious again. “Look, here’s the thing. Trevor is your mate. I know what that means to you. To all shifters, yeah. But especially to you. It’s something you never thought you’d have. And you’re willing to just let Trevor walk out of your life and not even put up a fight?” He shook his head, baffled. “That’s not the Jason I know. Why aren’t you fighting for what’s yours?”

  “You know it’s complicated,” I said, hedging, but my arguments felt weak now, even to myself.

  “You need to man up. You’re seriously going to lose the best man that’s ever come into your life over some dogs? Really?” He rolled his eyes. “Yeah, sometimes pets do things we don’t like. Things that are destructive. But you know what? So do kids. Remember that time Stacia’s diaper leaked all over your designer suit.”

  The corner of my mouth lifted, and Keifer smirked. “Yeah. You didn’t toss her out did you?”

  “That’s hardly the same thing, Keifer,” I replied. But I got what he was trying to say.

  “Point is, when your pets are part of the family, you forgive them and love them unconditionally. You don’t just walk away or abandon them.”

  Was he talking about the dogs now or Trevor?

  Keifer’s gaze softened, and he reached up to rest a hand on my shoulder. “You don’t just walk away from fate and true love,” he said quietly. “You know exactly what that feels like.”

  I did. I’d been heartbroken when Gary cheated on me. My stomach clenched painfully because what I’d felt for him was nothing compared to what was between Trevor and me. And I’d hurt Trevor by not sticking by him and being there for him unreservedly.

  I’d already been thinking about whether I should try to win Trevor back, but hearing Keifer’s words helped solidify it in my mind. I had to do this. Had to at least try and see if he would take me back. If he did, I vowed to make it work this time.

  Just then Stacia came running up. “Hey, Daddy.”

  She gave me a smile, but it wasn’t nearly as cheerful as it used to be.

  “Hey, baby,” I said, wrapping her up in a hug. “You ready for school?”

  She nodded and then hugged Keifer and said goodbye. Once we were in the car and headed to school, she just sat there staring silently out the window.

  “Did you have a good time?” I asked her, hoping to draw her out with conversation.

  She shrugged then met my eyes in the rearview mirror. “I miss Trevor,” she said bluntly. “I want him to come home.”

  I nodded, pressing my lips together tightly. “I do too, baby. I do too.”

  She sat forward, drawing her eyebrows together. “You do?”

  “Of course I do. I miss him like crazy. It’s just not the same without him.”

  “Then why did you make him leave?”

  I took a deep breath. I hadn’t told her the details of what really happened, and I definitely didn’t tell her I’d made Trevor choose between his dogs and me. But on some level, she must have realized Trevor wouldn’t have left of his own accord.

  Keifer’s house wasn’t far from school, and we were already pulling into the drop off lane. I didn’t have time to go into it right now.

  “We can talk later. Don’t worry about this. Please, Stacia. Just focus on having a great day at school.” I gave her a wide smile, trying to let her know everything was going to be okay. I hoped.

  She pinned me with a firm stare, her hand on the door handle. “You have to make this right, Dad. You just have to.”

  I stared after her speechless as she jumped from the car. I sometimes wondered how that kid was wiser than her years because she was absolutely right. Just like Keifer was. I did have to make this right. I’d done this. I had to fix it. I just wasn’t sure how. What I did know was that I wasn’t willing to wait around and figure that part out.

  In a matter of seconds, my mind was made up. I would do whatever it took to fix this. I wanted Trevor in my life no matter what. That meant accepting every bit of him, including the dogs. They came right along with him, part and parcel. However, I didn’t just have to accept it for myself, I had to prove it, and actions spoke louder than words.

  I pulled out of the parking lot and turned onto the main road then called Trevor on speakerphone.

  “Jason?” His voice came through, bewildered.

  “Trevor.” Just the sound of his voice was like balm for my soul. And it had never been clearer than it was in that moment that we belonged together.

  “Have you left for work?” I asked in a rush, resolved and ready to put my plan into motion immediately now I’d made my decision.

  “I was just getting ready to head out the door,” he said hesitantly, a note of question in his voice.

  “Good. I’ll be there in under a minute.”

  He didn’t say anything for a moment, and part of me was afraid he might say no. Luckily, I was already pulling up in front of his house.

  This wasn’t some huge gesture to make this right. That could come later. I knew I had to accept Bonnie and Clyde—and not just with words but with my whole heart, treating them as part of our family like Keifer had said. I could do that. I would do that. But right now I had to see my mate and make it clear I wouldn’t spend another second without him.

  The front door opened just as I was climbing out of my car. I strode toward my
mate, knowing in my heart that this was what was right, what was meant to be. I just had to hope he would forgive me and take me back.

  I sent a silent plea up to the heavens that it wasn’t too little, too late.

  18

  Trevor

  I had no idea what to think about Jason showing up at my house. But the look on his face as he strode across the lawn and right up my porch steps told me he was determined about whatever it was.

  My heart gave a little leap. I didn’t want to get my hopes up, but I was missing him so desperately I couldn’t help it. I ran to open the door, and then quickly closed it behind me to stop Bonnie and Clyde from darting out to greet him.

  “What are you doing here?” I asked, keeping my tone even.

  Jason stood two feet in front of me. I seriously wanted to throw myself in his arms, to feel him pull me in close, but I forced myself to stay still and wait for him to speak.

  “I came to take you to work,” he said, his eyes searching mine. He sounded like he wanted to say more but was holding back to see what I would say next.

  We were both a little on guard, not sure what the other was thinking. Why did he want to take me to work? Was there more to him suddenly showing up on my doorstep? God, how I wanted it to be.

  Carefully, I thought through my words. “And the dogs?”

  His response to that would tell me all I needed to know.

  His carefully schooled expression disappeared, and he closed the distance between us, taking my hands in his.

  “Trevor, I was so wrong. About everything. I’m so sorry.”

  Hope fluttered to life, despite my caution. “Everything?”

  He nodded earnestly, his chocolate brown eyes never leaving mine. They were soft, drinking me in like he couldn’t get enough of me. “Yes. I was wrong. I love you, and I want to be with you. These last two weeks have been pure misery. I can’t stand being apart from you. You’re my mate, and I want you in my life every second from now until forever.”

  At a loss for words I simply stared at him. It was everything I’d wanted to hear. Everything I hadn’t dared hope for.

  Jason released my hands and cupped my cheeks. “Tell me I haven’t ruined this. That you’ll give me another chance to prove to you I want to love you for the rest of our lives.”

  I swallowed hard, and then shook my head, finally finding my voice. “I love you too. You haven’t ruined it.”

  His eyes slid closed in relief, and then he lowered his forehead to mine with a sigh. “Thank you,” he whispered.

  I reached up to grip his wrists and pulled back slightly so I could see him clearly. There was one thing I had to know, though, and I had to know now.

  “We have to talk about the dogs, Jason. No wait,” I said quickly as he opened his mouth to interrupt me. “Let me say this.”

  He nodded, his brow creasing.

  “You can’t speak to Bonnie and Clyde with any more animosity or anger. I’m serious. I won’t tolerate you doing that again. I love them and they’re part of me.” I meant every bit of it. If we were going to give ourselves this chance, things had to change.

  “I get that, sweetheart. And I can’t apologize enough. I know Bonnie and Clyde aren’t dangerous. They aren’t a threat. I was afraid, and I let it get the best of me. I… I’ve never had a pet before, so I don’t really know how to act around them. I guess my alpha nature came out instinctively to show my dominance. It’s not an excuse, though.”

  I couldn’t help a small laugh. “All you need to do is act the same way you would with your own pack. The dogs are family. Just treat them like they care. Like they have feelings too.”

  “Family,” he said with a smile. “That’s what I want, Trevor. I want to put the past behind us and truly accept the dogs into my heart. Into my life. Into my family. Our family. I want all of it with you. A lifetime together, with my mate and with our children—shifters and dogs alike.”

  Tears pricked my eyes, his love reaching out in the space between us to wind even tighter around my heart. “I’m already yours,” I said softly. “I think I always have been.”

  With that, he finally pulled me closer, angling my face up to his and bringing his lips down to mine. He brushed them gently, and a gasp escaped my mouth. With a smile he placed one hand on my back and tangled the other in my hair, and then he was kissing me deeply, passionately. Declaring his love, claiming my heart.

  “God, I’ve missed you,” he whispered against my lips.

  I melted into him, clinging to his chest. The feeling of being in his arms again was like breathing fresh air for the first time. I don’t know how long we stood there and kissed, making up for lost time, but eventually reality set in.

  “We have to get to work,” I murmured between kisses.

  Jason groaned, but started to let me go. “You’re right. Let’s get these kids in the car.”

  I lifted an eyebrow in amusement. “Kids?”

  He shrugged and grinned. Then moved to open the door for Bonnie and Clyde. They bounded out, so excited to see Jason they jumped up on him, fighting for attention. He gently pushed them down, but then bent to rub at their necks. “You two willing to give me a second chance?” he asked.

  Bonnie jumped up and licked his face, and he grimaced. I stared at him wide-eyed, biting my lip, but then he chuckled and shook his head. “Let’s take it slow there, girl.”

  I let out a breath and laughed. It looked like he was serious. He was willing to do whatever it took to make this work. And I loved him all the more for it, if that were possible.

  Jason got them loaded into the back of his car, and then drove us to work. I felt lighter than I had in weeks. When he told me he was going to close up the flower shop for the day and help me out around the daycare, I felt nearly giddy.

  I was so high up on cloud nine it took me a minute to remember I’d been trying to get in to the shop early this morning. “Oh damn,” I muttered when I saw the car sitting out in front of Pampered Paws.

  “What’s wrong?” Jason asked as he pulled up next to the parked car.

  “I was supposed to be here to interview this lady fifteen minutes ago,” I said, glancing at my watch. “I guess I got a little distracted.”

  Jason gave me a little wink. “Totally worth it.”

  I laughed. “Yeah, but this is pretty important. I’m interviewing her for a part-time position.”

  Jason’s eyebrows flew up. “You’re hiring someone?”

  “Well, the baby will be here before we know it.” I bit my lip, not sure I should say the rest. But I was done holding back. “I thought I might be raising him alone, and I need someone besides Charlie to help out once he’s born.”

  Jason reached for my hand, his eyes full of regret. “I’m so sorry,” he said yet again.

  “Don’t,” I said, shaking my head. “In the past, remember?” I gave him a quick kiss then opened the door. “Now let me interview her before she changes her mind.”

  “You go. I’ve got the dogs,” he replied.

  I grinned, and then headed to greet my interview.

  A half hour later, Sadie was my new assistant. I’d been planning on having her ease into the position between now and when I would need to take parenting leave when she’d fill in full-time, but she was pretty amazing and nailed the interview.

  Jason had taken care of the dogs in the playroom during the interview, but he’d poked his head out at the end and called me back, suggesting she start now so I could start working less hours during the last few months of my pregnancy.

  “Thank you so much.” Sadie shook my hand then Jason’s before bending to say goodbye to Bonnie and Clyde.

  Jason had his hands on their heads. “Hey, these guys love you, and they seem to be a pretty good judge of character.”

  It was true. The dogs had responded immediately to Sadie.

  She smiled. “Thank you. I can see how much they love you, so that means a lot.”

  Jason looked pleasantly surprised, and
I squeezed his arm. It seemed my mate had truly changed his outlook. He was going to do everything he could to make this work. My heart had never felt fuller than it did in that moment.

  Stacia screamed when she got in the car after school and saw me sitting there with Jason. “Trevor! You’re here! Does that mean you fixed it, Daddy?”

  Jason smiled and reached for my hand. “I did.”

  “Bonnie! Clyde!” she exclaimed, cuddling up to them in the backseat. “I missed you so much!”

  “They’ve missed you too, honey, and so have I.”

  She flung her arms around my neck from the back seat. “I’m so happy. We can be a family for real now!”

  “Couldn’t have said it better,” Jason said, squeezing my hand in his. “Now buckle up, baby, we’ve got a fun afternoon ahead of us.”

  Stacia squealed and did as Jason asked, and then we drove out of the school lot.

  “What do you have planned?” I asked. He’d stayed at the daycare all day with me, helping out until Charlie had arrived. Then he’d arranged for us to be able to leave early to pick up Stacia together and give her our good news. Now he had more up his sleeve.

  “Just thought we should check out the dog park,” he said with a wink.

  I shook my head, smiling. “You don’t have to go out of your way like this. I get it. You want to show me it’s all going to be okay. But I can already see that.”

  “Maybe I want to run around and play,” he said. “I haven’t shifted in a while.”

  We spent more than an hour at the dog park, walking them around, playing, hanging out on the grass under the trees. Jason was right in the middle of it, playing fetch with Bonnie and Clyde. They actually got their lazy asses in gear for Jason, having the time of their lives. When they were thoroughly worn out, we made our way back to Jason’s car. Jason led with the dogs on leashes, and I held Stacia’s hand.

  “This is the greatest day ever,” she exclaimed.

  I chuckled, looking down at her. “Even better than the concert?”