Page 47 of Leather & Lights

“We have a surprise, Dad!” Caleb says, totally excited.

Dad opens the first. It’s a small rectangular device. I watch him push a button. Then, a steady thumping fills the room.

“What’s this?” Dad asks, clearly confused.

Caleb shoves the second box at him. “Here, open the next one!”

Dad shuts off the device and lays it back down. Then, opens the second box. It’s a shirt, and he holds it up. His body blocks it, so I can’t really see, but I already know exactly what it looks like.

“You’re pregnant,” Dad says quietly, looking from the shirt to Mom and back again.

Mom nods, crying and smiling. “The tap is the baby’s heartbeat.”

Dad’s hands shake. “I thought something was wrong. I got a call from the hospital confirming your appointment, but they wouldn’t tell me anything. I was so worried.”

Caleb holds up his shirt. “Look, Dad, it tells everyone I’m going to be a big brother.”

Dad puts his down, but I already know it says he’s going to be a future girl dad. “It sure does, son,” he says, hugging Caleb. He puts a hand on each side of Mom’s face and whispers, “I was so worried.”

Mom shakes her head. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were worried. I just wanted to surprise you for Christmas.”

“I fucking love you so much, Gwen.”

“I love you, too,” she says and then, boy does Dad lay one on her.

The room erupts. Cheers. Laughter. My crew howls.

I glance at Maude, licking and nibbling on her fur. Happiness shines in her eyes. That’s exactly what I want for her. Dad always says a good woman deserves respect, care, and devotion. I take that seriously—with Maude.

Rocky and the crew stand up and start opening pizza boxes. My crew and I saunter over, wanting our fair share. I bark atRocky, snarling until he tosses me a piece. I catch it mid-air and immediately drop it for Maude, licking her snout.

“You’re growing on me, Buddy,” Rocky mutters.

I ignore him. Instead, I get behind Maude and start licking around her tail. She may have some miles on her, but I know what Maude likes, and I’m going to give it to her after I make sure she eats.

My baby girl continues eating her pizza but looks back at me with a glint in her eyes. I let out my bark and continue licking her. Dad’s going to have a kid. Maude feels she’s too old, but she tastes sweeter when I lick her. I have a feeling her heat is just around the corner. There’s also no way that I can let my dad outdo me. The thought of Maude having my pups turns me on, so once she finishes her pizza, I pull on her ear and insist she follows me to my doggie bed in the living room by the tree.

The tree lights should be romantic enough. Girls like that shit. Then, I get down to business. Eventually, the crew from the kitchen make their way out into the living room. Rocky arrives first, which I find hilarious. He stands at the door and stares at me. I give him a toothy grin, because I’m knotted inside my Maude and she’s being a good little girl, keeping her head down and giving her daddy—me—exactly what I’m demanding.

“Motherfucker,” Rocky hisses. “Horse, get your ass out here and get your dog under control.”

I howl my dominance and happiness. Rocky will just have to suck it up. Maude’s mine. If he’s good, I’ll allow him to come here to visit her from now on. After all, my girl loves the asshole. You have to make allowances for annoying family. I’ve seen how Dad does that with Cora, Chip, and Robin.

Dad comes out, takes one look at me and Maude, then slaps Rocky on the shoulder. “Looks like you’re going to be a grandpa, Rocky. That a’ boy, Buddy. Give it to her good,” he praises me, as I bite down on Maude’s back making her shudder in pleasure.

Rocky curses again and stomps out. Eventually my knot eases, and I start licking on my woman, soothing her.

We lay together in silence, watching our family together. In the distance, the clock strikes midnight, signaling it’s officially Christmas. Maude begins to beg for more, and I climb back on her, giving her what she wants. To the humans, it may sound like I’m just barking, but Maude hears what I’m really saying.

“Don’t worry, baby. Daddy’s got you. I’ll always give you what you want.” I’m a dog so I don’t purr, but as I move so she doesn’t have pressure on her hip, I feel like I could.

Maude whimpers back. “Love you, Buddy. Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas,” I croon.

I’ve lived a damn good life, but ever since my dad and mom got together, it’s been better for everyone. Dad says Mom was his Christmas miracle last year. I think he’s wrong, and he was probably ours instead. In the end, it doesn’t matter. The truth is a miracle happened last Christmas and more is happening this year, for my parents and Caleb, and for me and Maude.

I really can’t wait to see what happens next year.