At least they had the decency to greet him with their usual love and enthusiasm, but after their hugs and kisses he was pulled in a very predictable direction. The scullery was warm and somehow felt cozy and the moment they entered the room, the kids got very quiet.
“I’ve explained to the kids that the puppies will become afraid if they make too much noise,” Luke explained in a whisper after collecting his kiss with a smile. “It took you long enough to get here. Did you need to muster up some courage?”
Reid rolled his eyes.
“Not really. But I went by the store to get her some food. I don’t want her eating mine.”
Luke beamed when he stood up and threw his arms around Reid’s neck.
“Thank you,” he gave Reid a short and superficial glimpse of his gratitude and then softly caressed Reid’s cheek. The brown eyes send a promise. Later.
“She’s a Doberman, Daddy,” Danny whispered, completely hypnotized by the brown dog and her kids in the large crate. “Daddy looked it up. Uncle Will says she’s kind. He could tell by her eyes.”
“So why didn’t Uncle Will take her home then?” Reid teased, but the expression on Zoë’s face was nothing to laugh at.
“You don’t like her?” She looked like she was ready to cry.
“She’s okay,” Reid wasn’t going to lie, “for a dog…”
“She’s scared, you know,” Zoë’s voice sounded pedantic and Reid raised his eyebrow.
“I know. And she’s safe now.”
Zoë gave him an unclear look and then focused on the dogs again. Reid saw something change in her demeanor and he knew what he was looking at. Zoë had found a living creature she could relate to.
“Did you give her a name yet?”
“Daddy calls her Missy,” Danny didn’t look up.
“That’s more like a nickname,” Luke smiled. “A Doberman should have a strong name.”
“Apollo. Zeus.”
The Magnum reference didn’t go past Luke and he smiled.
“Not very appropriate for a lady, but you do get my point.”
“Gaia.”
It had left his mouth before he really thought about it, but the minute he heard the name, it felt right. And the rest of his family was visibly in agreement.
“What does it mean?” Danny asked, again without looking up.
“It’s the Greek myth name of the goddess of earth,” Reid explained, as he looked at the dog. “And with her brown fur and all…”
“It’s a perfect name for her,” Luke nodded, as he gave Reid an approving smile, “So now that’s settled, I want you all out of here and give her some rest. Show me what food you brought, Gorgeous.”
***
He hadn’t planned the evening like this, but he felt very good anyway. He raised the wine bottle.
“Will you join me?”
Katie smiled. “Yeah, half a glass, please. Then I’ll take my son and go home.”
She watched how Reid poured the wine, lifted her glass in a silent toast and took a sip.
“I’ve been looking at houses today,” she still looked at the wine.
“Okay…” Reid wasn’t sure why she was being so reluctant to look at him. “And…?”
She took a deep breath. “I found the perfect one.”
“You don’t look too thrilled,” Reid snorted and this time she did look up and smiled.
“It feels weird to leave…I loved being this close to you…all…”
“And we loved having you close,” Reid smiled, “So give it to me in yards…”
“It’s miles, actually,” Katie lowered her head again. “Three miles, to be exact.”
“That’s doable,” Reid drank his wine, “We’ll manage.”
“I know…it’s just…” Katie grinned, “I liked being able to just drop in and talk to you. Like tonight.”
“You know what…” Reid leaned towards her, looking all secretive, “they invented something magnificent to compensate for distance like that…” he pulled out his phone and put it on the table, making Katie laugh out loud.
“Hey…what’s this…having fun without me?” Luke ruffled Reid’s hair and then took a seat at the kitchen table too.
“Barely,” Reid grinned, “just introducing Katie to new technology.”
“Shut up,” Katie put her tongue out and they all chuckled, “but I just told Reid that I found a new place. It’s big, it has a gate… all it needs is a dog…”
Both men looked at her. One with interest, the other one reluctantly. So she smiled at the reluctant one.
“Luke, don’t look like that. It’s not like I’m ready to take a pup right now…I know they have to stay with their mom for at least eight weeks…”
They do? Reid frowned.
“…but I’m saying…I’d like to take one, if you’re okay with that.”
“Of course I’m okay with that.”
Luke’s smile was a mixture of bravery and sadness. He didn’t look at Reid, because he knew his lover would know. Hell, his lover probably already knew. He hated the thought of letting the dogs go. But he had to stay realistic. He knew that too. They couldn’t keep all of them. Maybe one. And Gaia. He couldn’t let go of Gaia, but he also knew he’d have a hell of a time selling that idea to Reid.
“Great!” Katie’s smile was huge. “I talked to Simon about it and he loves dogs, so he was all for it. Especially because it’s a watchdog. I mean…nobody will dare to enter the house when there’s a Doberman inside.”
“Half a Doberman,” Reid snorted, “We don’t have a clue who the father is…”
Luke pulled a face. “I’m so glad we’re talking about a dog…”
They all chuckled and when Katie saw Reid – almost absent-mindedly – caress Luke’s back, she stood up.
“I’m gonna get Jacob and leave you guys alone,” she blew them both a kiss, “Thanks again for dinner …”
“Again you’re welcome,” Luke waved, while Reid stood up and helped Katie with the coats. The minute he took over Jacob, the little boy woke up and obviously recognized his hero.
The big smile and the loud “Wheeeed” made them all laugh, but also touched something deeper in Reid. He held the boy above his head, making funny sounds.
“Be good to your mommy, right?”
Jacob babbled something incoherent and Reid nodded with a serious voice.
“When you’re right, you’re right, Sport.”
As tired as he was, Luke felt his body come alive watching Reid interact with Jacob. How he loved this man and how grateful he was for his current life. He’d always known Reid was special. Sure, not easy to handle and a downright ass from time to time, but always special. He had this inner glow. This deep love that was overwhelming when Reid decided to show it. And these last few months he’d shown it a lot.
“What are you smiling about?” Reid kissed him on top of his head and Luke leaned against the strong body.
“You. I love you so much.”
“I know,” Reid pulled Luke up and finally their lips could meet for some serious exchange of love and lust. When they came up for air, Reid softly touched Luke’s cheek and gave him a teasing wink.
“You’re not tempted to go and sleep with the dogs?”
“Nope. You’re the top dog for me,” Luke grinned, “but I do want to check on her before we go to bed. Join me?”
Feeling Luke’s hand in his made him shrug and follow his lover to the other room. They both watched how she tilted her head for a moment, but then lowered it again. The puppies made some soft squeaky sound and their mom joined them in a snore. It sounded content.
“She was really hungry,” Luke pointed at the empty bowl, “but I didn’t give her more than the recommended amount, because I didn’t want to upset her stomach. I’ll give her small portions throughout the day, just like we did with Danny when he just arrived.”
Reid nodded in silence. It felt like ages ago. The skinny boy. The scared look.
“We’re doing a good job, Looker,” he kissed Luke on his temple.
“We are,” Luke agreed, softly closing the door behind him. “Do you still have some energy to do a job on me?”
Reid grinned. “Always.”
