Le's Soldier

Part 76

18 Weeks — Ash Settles In

The house changed after Ash.

It felt louder.

Warmer.

More chaotic.

There were toys everywhere now.

Dog hair already somehow appearing on everything.

And for the first time in weeks—

Leah laughed more.

Even if she still looked permanently exhausted.

⸻

06:40 AM — Wake-Up Call

Lilly woke to weight on her legs.

Heavy.

Warm.

She frowned sleepily.

"...what the fuck?"

Then remembered.

Dog.

Ash.

The now-not-so-tiny German Shepherd puppy sprawled across the bottom of the bed like he paid rent.

Leah was curled into Lilly's side, still dead asleep.

Ash's head rested across Leah's legs protectively.

Lilly stared.

"You've stolen my wife."

Ash opened one eye.

Didn't move.

Leah stirred sleepily. "...morning."

"You know your dog's trying to replace me?"

"Our dog," Leah corrected instantly.

Ash lifted his head at Leah's voice and immediately shuffled up the bed—

Straight to her.

Tail wagging aggressively.

"Oh my god," Leah laughed softly.

Ash licked her face repeatedly.

"Okay— okay— gross—"

Lilly crossed her arms.

"Interesting how he suddenly likes you."

Leah raised an eyebrow.

"Suddenly?"

Ash climbed partly into Lilly's lap too.

Like he'd heard her feelings were hurt.

Lilly looked down.

"...alright."

Ash licked her jaw.

Leah grinned sleepily.

"He loves both of us."

"Good," Lilly muttered quietly.

And honestly?

It made something in her chest loosen.

⸻

09:00 AM — Training Starts

"If we're doing this," Lilly said firmly, coffee in hand, "we're doing it properly."

Leah blinked from the couch.

"...he's a baby."

"He's a German Shepherd."

Ash sat proudly in the garden.