I Bet on Losing Dogs - Patrick Jane

Silver Ring

Kenzie pressed the back of her head against the cool wall, holding Biscuit's leash as the golden retriever stood on the fake grass in the animal room. With one eye open, she glanced at the people walking by. Planes sat beyond the large window.

Patrick thought it would be a great idea to book the earliest flight back to California for the Patterson family reunion. In all honesty, it did sound like a great idea. It wasn't until the family had actually gotten up for the flight.

Teresa and Kenzie were the only ones who'd packed the night before and were all ready in their airport outfit. Kenzie decided that a hoodie – an undershirt in case of emergency – and sweatpants would suffice. Teresa decided to wear a large jacket and pajama pants. The two of them were trying hard to stay awake. It wasn't hard.

Biscuit was practically jumping into their laps with his tail wagging, panting eagerly. Eventually, everyone else managed to come downstairs on time with their luggage. Lilly still wore her pajamas, with her bonnet covering her forehead.

Nicole wore a sleep shirt with a pair of jeans. Her bed hair covered half of her face. Kenzie then glanced at Patrick and bit back a sigh. He was wearing a suit with no jacket. It was too early in the morning to say anything.

Biscuit's bark brought Kenzie out of her thoughts. She blinked rapidly as she turned to the dog, thanking the universe that he didn't poop. Biscuit ran up to her and rubbed his nose against her thigh. She gave him a tired sigh before letting out a yawn.

Together, the two of them walked back to their gate and plopped back down in her seat. Biscuit eagerly jumped up onto Patrick's lap while Kenzie rested her head on Patrick's shoulder. His shoulder vibrated with soft chuckles.

"Wake me up when they call our boarding group," she muttered before her eyes fluttered closed.

♥️

The group of five groaned as the taxi drove away behind them. The farmhouse stood in the distance with the long driveway sliding seemingly further and further up. Lilly gave up holding Biscuit, who was very excited to have a big front yard. He launched up the grassy yard, barking up a storm.

With their luggage in hand, the five of them walked up the driveway. Despite the short distance, it seemed to take forever. At some point, Kenzie took off her hoodie and tied it onto her luggage handle. She felt Patrick's eyes staring at her.

"Patrick, stop staring at your girlfriend's back and walk faster," Nicole groaned.

Biscuit's barks grew louder and louder as the five of them reached the hill. Wilma was standing in front of the door, rubbing Biscuit's head. He immediately turned his head and ran up to Kenzie. She softly chuckled as Biscuit pressed his head against the luggage, trying to help them. Once they made it to the door, Lilly and Nicole panted heavily, resting their hands against their knees.

Kenzie smiled as her mother pulled her into a hug. "Hi, my girl," she whispered.

"Hi, mama."

"How'd the flight go?"

"Couldn't tell you. All I remember is the plane going up and then waking up to us landing."

Wilma pulled back. "Now, why on earth would y'all go on the flight so early?"

Kenzie pointed to the man behind her. "Blame him."

Her smile grew bigger as Patrick pulled Wilma into a quick hug. "We still got here, didn't we?"

She gave him an annoyed look, still leaning into him as he wrapped his arm around her waist. "Too early."

"Well, why don't you all come inside?"