Finding Home in Redemption

Chapter Thirteen

On Sunday, we both took advantage of being able to sleep in, thank God. Feeling my bed dip, I opened my eyes to see Dog sitting beside me staring down into my eyes.

"Hi, buddy. I'm going to ignore the fact that you're on my bed, only because I feel like I haven't been paying much attention to you." He inched closer until he was snuggled close to me. He sat his head on my belly and closed his eyes.

I picked the book up off my nightstand and read while scratching Dog's ears. Aaron appeared in the doorway a little while later.

"Good morning. I see you have company," he said.

"Yeah, I think I hurt his feelings since I haven't spent any time with him lately. Maybe we could go for a walk or something today."

"That's a great idea. Did you want to go this morning?"

"What time is it?" I asked.

"A little after nine. Maybe we can go to breakfast."

"Okay! I'll get ready and be out in a few minutes."

Once we dressed, we headed to Bucking Bandits. I was excited to see the gang. As soon as we walked in Dog ran to the back and sat in a booth. He was ready to eat some human food again since he'd been on a strict diet.

"Hey Sylv," Aaron called out.

"Aaron! It's good to see you again. Where have you been honey?" she asked, hugging him. She moved to me and squeezed me. "We've missed you around here, Bentley."

"I know, I'm sorry I haven't been here in a few weeks," I said. Aaron walked over to talk to Pete and Rick, Sylvia's brother and their only cook. I grinned at Sylvia.

"Aaron moved in," I whispered. Her eyes widened.

"Really? How does ol' Pop feel about that?" she asked.

"It was weird. I don't think he liked the idea, but he said I was an adult and could make that decision on my own.

"He sounds like a smart man," she said. I nodded in agreement. "Honey, you know we love that boy. If I'd had a daughter, I'd have wanted her to be just like you. Unfortunately, Pete only gave me a few rowdy boys that think it's fun to burp the alphabet." We laughed and headed toward the bar seats.

Rick whipped up the works for all of us, then we ate and caught up with each other. Nothing new had happened to them, so Aaron and I did most of the talking. It felt like the first time he had breakfast with me all over again. I don't think they knew what to think of his open features and talkative attitude.

After breakfast, we decided to head out for our walk after saying our goodbyes. Sylvia made me promise to come back soon, and since they had refused payment for the food, I was even more excited about convincing Pop to let the Cooper's employees have an extended lunch break the next day.

"Where do you want to walk?" I asked Aaron once we were outside. It was freezing, but I knew Dog needed some fresh air and a chance to run around.

"There's an empty field a few minutes walk behind your apartment if you want to head out there."

"That's fine. I've never been out there. Well, I don't ever walk for pleasure so that could be why."

"You mean once spring comes you won't want to start jogging with me?" he asked.

"You don't jog!" I said. I ignored the pang in my heart at his mention of spring, knowing he wouldn't be living with me anymore.

"I do."

"I guess that shouldn't surprise me. You have the body of someone that works out."

"Bentley? Have you been checking me out?" he asked. I rolled my eyes.