It's Time

Little Giggles

Happy. Over the past few weeks, I can't think of a better way to describe Spencer and me than genuinely happy. Time is moving so fast while also moving in slow motion. Every time I hear his laugh, my heart leaps. I'll never get tired of it.

"Baby!" He yells from downstairs. I'm supposed to be sorting through the photos I took while on a walk yesterday, but I'm having such a hard time narrowing it down, so I welcome his distraction. He's probably just wondering where the laundry detergent goes in the washer. While Spencer is being a good sport about losing our mini-golf game, I'm just about ready to take back over the household chores. He's just not very good at it.

"Just leave it, Spence." I laugh. The other day I went to move the clothes to the dryer for him, and I discovered a massive pile of white clothes mixed with colored clothes as well as bath towels. I think he grabbed every piece of laundry we had in the house and just threw it in the washer. Such a guy, really.

"No, babe. I got it, I swear. It's just these little smell-good bead things. Exactly how much is, well, too much?" His voice is laced with guilt alerting me that he's probably already dumped the entire container in there.

"Spencer! I just bought a new one yesterday!" At this point, he has to be doing this on purpose. There's no way he's serious. I glance down at the little ball of fur at the bottom of my feet as a smile creeps upon my face. "Your dad is so silly," I say to the puppy as though he can understand me.

Last week, Spencer called me on his way home from meetings to say he had a surprise. I didn't expect that surprise to have four legs and make noise nonstop. I can't say I was initially thrilled, but Bentley has quickly stolen my heart. Spencer hates the name, but I don't care. If he gets to bring home a surprise dog, the least he can do is let me name him. I rub behind his ears for a moment causing him to perk up. He's basically my shadow, and I know it makes Spencer jealous. "Come on, Bentley, let's go help daddy." He jumps up, heading towards the door before looking back to make sure I'm following him.

We make our way downstairs, and Spencer is glued in front of the tv playing video games. I shoot him an annoyed glare. "What?! You said to leave it. I didn't want you to think I wasn't listening to you." He winks at me and struggles to hold back his laugh.

"I hope you're comfortable on that couch," I respond. That's enough to capture his attention because he instantly jumps, heading back over to the laundry room. One day he will learn that anything he can do, I can do way better.

"Babe, I was thinking we could go out to the strip of food trucks tonight. You know the one near that dog park? A little date night for us and playtime for Bentley sounds fun."

"Sounds to me like you want to do something nice for Bentley, and date night is just a coincidence," He jokes.

"You got me." I laugh. "I mean, look at his little face. How can you not want to spoil him?"

Spencer emerges, swooping Bentley up in one swift movement. "This dog is going back where I found him. He's pushing up on my girl, and we can't have that." I reach for my puppy, but instead of coming to me, he snuggles into Spencer's chest. I feel betrayed.

"Bentley! Are you really going to do that to mommy?" I can't hide the shock in my voice which only encourages Spencer to continue with his little performance.

"On second thought, Mr. Bentley is right where he belongs." Spencer begins hysterically laughing, and I can't help but join in on the moment. Bentley usually doesn't give him the time of day, so I'll let him have it this time.

"Well, since you guys are the best of friends now. Can you take him on a quick walk? I don't want him peeing in the car again. Also, can you gather up his leash, toys —"