𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 | [𝟏𝟖+]

thirty two: the funeral.

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚'𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐯:

"Rose, there's a dog on our doorstep."

My head snaps over towards my door as Markus stands there with a confused look on his face. For the last few days, there hasn't been much that's happened. No arguments, no yelling, no threatening to kill each other every five minutes. It's been calm... But a little too calm.

We don't know how to act after what happened. Neither of us has said his name nor have we even mentioned the situation. I haven't even stepped into his room. I've been in the office trying to fix the shit he fucked up or have been in the gym working my ass off trying to get my body back to how it was.

"Dog?" I ask as I place down my eyeliner.

Oh yeah, I'm also getting ready for the funeral.

"I thought you'd know something about it. It's that breed you always wanted," he explains and my eyes widen.

I immediately stand out of my chair and rush downstairs. My heart racing from excitement but completely confused because I don't know whether this dog just ended up on my doorstep or it was a drunk night call to the animal adoption center.

Adopt don't shop.

Once I'm downstairs, Maria nods her head towards the door. Silently telling me that the dog is still outside. I walk towards the door and open it to find the cutest Goldendoodle I've ever seen in my fucking life. My heart melts as I squat down and lift them. I pull them into my arms as she sniffs and licks me.

"Hello beautiful, do you belong to anyone?" I ask sweetly as I look at their collar.

Bear.

"It's so nice to meet you, Bear," I smile before flipping the dog chain to see if there's a number I could call.

Stella & Leonardo Russo.

It says instead with Salvatore's number written under it.

My eyes widen and my mouth drops as I turn to find Leo and Salvatore standing behind me.

"Is he mine?" I ask and Salvatore nods. Tears fill my eyes as I sit on the floor and pull Bear farther into my arms.

"You remembered?" I softly ask him and he nods again.

"Of course. I always remember."

"Remembered what?" Leo asks.

"Growing up, we always wanted dogs. Specifically a Goldendoodle and a Doberman. We came up with names and decided that we both get to name one dog. He chose the Goldendoodle and I chose the Doberman. He kept going back and forth between the name Teddy and Bear but ended up with Bear because even though the dog looks sweet and friendly, he'll still protect his family," I explain.

I don't say anything as I continue petting Bear. The room grows silent and I feel myself becoming uncomfortable. I stand up, Bear in hand, and start walking towards the stairs.

"Can't be late to the funeral, I'll be ready in 20. Please find someone to watch the dog while we're gone," I keep walking up the steps before I pause and realize that I seem like a complete bitch. I turn around and walk down the stairs until Leo comes into view.

"And thanks for this. I appreciate it more than you know," I give him a soft smile which he returns.

"Happy one month, amore mio," he says and I feel my heart drop to my stomach.

"Huh?"

"We've been married for a little over a month. I couldn't give you Bear on that day because you were... grieving," he explains and it all clicks.