It was the third day without Joey, and Lauren really didn't know why she was surprised when she heard another knock on the door. She took the flowers and the letter, managing to find another vase and actually almost being grateful that the first bunch of flowers was starting to die, purely for the fact that she would run out of places to put them otherwise if Joey kept this up.
Diane leapt into her lap as she opened the letter, and Lauren gave her an absent-minded kiss.
Dear Lo,
Three is the number of dogs you told me you wanted when we first moved into our apartment. I laughed at you, because I thought you were joking. You didn't speak to me for the rest of the day, and then after that when I apologised you didn't stop begging me to let you get them.
Three is also the number of times I almost gave in to you when you pleaded with me that we absolutely NEEDED three dogs, even though we both knew full well that we were only allowed two in the apartment. I don't know if you've realised this, but it's very difficult for me not to let you have whatever you want.
You may not own those three dogs yet, but I am so happy that we adopted Diane together. I know she is such a special part of both our lives, and seeing how happy she makes you is worth the diarrhoea breath and the constant peeing on the rug. I'm missing her almost as much as I'm missing you, so give her lots of hugs and kisses from me.
You are the most amazing mother to her, and I hope I do a half decent job at being her father.
Love Jojo xxx
She was calling him on FaceTime immediately, even as she swept Diane up into her arms and smothered her with kisses. As soon as Joey's face appeared on the tiny screen, Diane started barking and jumping around like crazy.
"I'd say you do better than a half decent job at being her dad. You know full well she loves you more than she loves me," Lauren said pointedly as she watched Diane's tail wagging all over the place.
"She just misses me. You'll always be her favourite."
Surprisingly, Lauren didn't mind the fact that this wasn't true in the slightest. She was just so happy that their doghter loved Joey just as much as she did.
