Tangled Hearts.

~Chapter 40~

~Colby~

"Sam, dude, we gotta move quick before Rae wakes up," I whispered, nudging Sam awake. The sun was barely up, but today was special, and we had a mission.

Sam rubbed his eyes and sat up, "You sure about this, man? A puppy is a big surprise."

I grinned, pulling on a hoodie, "She's gonna love it. You know how much she misses her dog back in London."

We tiptoed past the others, who were sprawled across various couches in the living room. I sent a silent thank you their way for keeping Raelyn busy later.

The drive to the shelter was short, and as we walked in, I felt my heart racing. "There she is, Sam. That's her."

The little German Shepherd pup, with her floppy ears and big brown eyes, was the last one left. She bounded up to the fence, her tail wagging like crazy.

"Hey baby. Ready to meet Raelyn?" I cooed, letting her lick my hand through the fence.

Sam chuckled, "She's perfect, Colby. Rae is gonna freak."

We finished the paperwork, and with the puppy in my arms, we headed back. The house was in full swing, and I could hear Emily laughing in the kitchen.

"Guys, what's with the secrecy, where are Sam and Colby?" Raelyn raised an eyebrow as we walked in.

I held the puppy out to her, "Meet the newest member to the trap house. She's yours, Em."

Rae's eyes lit up, and she took her into her arms, "I love her. And I love you, Colby. Thank you."

As she licked Raelyn's face, I knew we'd just added the perfect new member to our unconventional family.

"What do you think you're gonna name your baby?" Devyn asked

Raelyn looked at her for a second as she scratched behind the puppy's ears. "Sadie." I smiled as I kissed Raelyn's head, "Sadie, welcome to the family."

We all spilled out into the yard, the grass cool underfoot and the morning sun casting a warm glow over everything.

"Ready, Sadie?" I called out, holding the ball high. Sadie's ears perked up, her gaze locked on the bright object in my hand.

Raelyn laughed beside me, her hand resting lightly on her growing belly. "Go on, throw it, Colby!"

I launched the ball across the yard, and Sadie bolted after it, a little streak of determination. Blake cheered and dashed after her, his laughter ringing out.

"Go, Sadie, go!" Blake encouraged, his young voice full of excitement.

Jake stood by Tara, his arm casually draped over her shoulder. "That dog's got energy for days."

Corey and Devyn were tossing their own ball back and forth, but Corey couldn't help but comment, "She's fast! Blake's got competition."

Sam stood beside Katrina, both chuckling as Sadie skidded to a halt and scooped up the ball, triumphantly trotting back to us.

"Good girl, Sadie!" Raelyn praised, her eyes sparkling with joy.

I ruffled Sadie's fur as she dropped the ball at our feet, ready for another round. "She's fitting in just fine, don't you think?"

Raelyn nodded, "Absolutely perfect."

As Sadie set off again, this time with Blake clinging to the ball, the yard was filled with the sounds of our laughter and the simple joy of a new day with a new friend.

After a fun romp in the yard, we all ambled back inside, Sadie leading the way with a contented trot. The couch welcomed us with open arms, and we settled in, a tangle of limbs and the soft shuffle of finding the perfect spot.

Devyn patted her lap, a silent invitation, and Sadie didn't hesitate. With a graceful leap, she claimed her throne on Devyn's lap, her eyes already drooping as the comfort of the couch enveloped her.

Raelyn grinned, a playful gleam in her eyes. "Looks like we know who Sadie's favorite is."

Devyn just chuckled, her fingers gently massaging behind Sadie's ears. "Can you blame her? I've got the magic touch."

The room filled with the soft sounds of a Disney classic starting up, the screen casting a gentle light across us all. Sadie's breathing slowed, her trust in Devyn complete as she drifted into a peaceful slumber.

"Guess we know who's the real Disney princess here," I joked, nodding towards Sadie.

Laughter mingled with the movie's opening song, and we settled in closer, warmth and friendship wrapping around us like the coziest blanket. Sadie's gentle snores were the perfect soundtrack to our lazy afternoon.