LOLA HOLDS MY HAND AS we climb down the steps of the private jet, letting go as soon as her feet touch the tarmac.
“Gigi, Papa,” she exclaims as she runs towards my parents.
I turn around and reach out my hand to help Marlow down the last couple of stairs, clasping her hand tightly in mine. She seems surprised to see my family here to welcome us home. The only people missing are Jack and Presley. They’re visiting next month for family pictures, and my mom is thrilled at the prospect of having everyone gathered under one roof for a few days.
It’s hard to believe that Marlow is really back in Aspen Grove. I’ve been counting down to this moment for the last three months.
We spent the past week soaking up every minute we had in Paris. The weekend was spent sightseeing, and on the days Marlow had class, Lola and I explored.
In the evenings, after Lola went to bed, Marlow and I stayed up well into the early morning hours. She’s been fucking insatiable since we reunited, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed worshiping every inch of her body, making up for lost time.
Thank god, she agreed to move in with me because I need her in my bed every night from now on, no exceptions.
The next time she wants to go to Paris or anywhere else, we can go as a family because I can’t bear the idea of being apart from her again.
“Oh, Marlow, we’re so happy you’re home,” my mom gushes, pulling her in for a hug.
“It’s so good to be back,” she says, grinning from ear to ear.
“Welcome home.” My dad gives her a side hug as he holds Lola in his arms.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I mutter when I see Cash holding up a sign that reads World’s Best Dog Trainer. Harrison stands beside him with a smirk on his lips as he holds back Waffles from darting toward Marlow.
What are they up to?
“Oh my gosh, did you finally train Waffles?” Marlow asks me when she sees the sign.
It’s a topic of conversation I avoided while she was in Paris.
“Sure, if you count teaching him to sit,” Cash playfully mocks. “Why don’t you show her, Dylan?”
Harrison gives me an amused look as he walks towards us with Waffles leading the way. When they get closer, I block Waffles’ view of Marlow, so I have his undivided attention.
“Waffles, sit,” I command, raising my hand like we’ve practiced.
After the third try, I’m relieved when he actually stops. However, instead of sitting down like I’ve taught him, he sniffs the air and spins in a circle, chasing his tail.
What the hell?
“Um, Dylan, I think you broke my dog,” Marlow says as she peeks over my shoulder.
When Cash and Harrison erupt into laughter, my suspicions are confirmed that they’re up to something. Sure enough, when I look closer, I spot a piece of a dog treat loosely tied to the end of Waffles’ tail.
I crouch beside him, placing my hand on his back to settle him down as I untie the treat from his tail and bring it up to his nose.
“Waffles sit,” I order again with my hand held out.
He tilts his head as if contemplating whether it’s worth complying before sitting on his haunches.
Marlow rushes over to kneel down next to me and Waffles jumps in her lap, yipping with excitement.
“I’m so proud of you, boy,” she croons as she scratches him behind the ears.
I clear my throat. “What about me?”
“You want a good scratch behind the ear too?” she taunts, sending both my brothers into another round of laughter.
God, it’s so good to have her home.
I squeeze Marlow’s hand as we pull into my driveway.
“Dylan, wow.” She gestures to the daisies, lilies, and dahlias I planted in the front yard. “They’re all so beautiful,” she gushes.
“I know how much you like to have real flowers around when you paint. I figured having a variety right outside your window would make for good inspiration.”
“Thank you.” She leans across the console to hug me.
“Daddy, can Waffles and I go play in the backyard?” Lola asks.
“Yeah, sure, ladybug.”
“Oh goodie. Come on, Waffles.” Lola scrambles out of the car, and Waffles chases after her.
Lola walks right past the gate leading to the backyard toward a particular section of the wooden fence.
“What is she doing?” Marlow asks.
“I’m not sure, but we’re about to find out,” I say.
Waffles nudges against the wooden panels, and three of them swing upward like a doggy door, allowing Lola to follow behind him.
Marlow bursts out laughing and looks over at me. “That explains how Waffles was getting into your backyard.”
I rub my hand across my face, realizing that I never checked the fence panels to see if any were loose. I don’t think I’ve ever shown Lola how to open the gate; I just assumed she knew. We usually go through the garage or the backdoor.
“Why don’t we go inside?” I suggest to Marlow.
“I’d like that.” She smiles.
I go around to her side and open her car door for her. She squeals when I lift her into my arms and carry her to the house.
“Welcome home, sunshine,” I say as I carry her over the threshold.
Never before have I spoke words that sound sweeter.
“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be,” she says as she cups my cheek with her hand, kissing me fervently on the lips.
I used to view the world in black and white. I prided myself on maintaining a strict schedule and followed a carefully planned regimen. Now, shoes are scattered across the floor, there’s a giant fort in the living room, and a dozen small canvases featuring brightly colored flowers hanging on the wall in the entryway. Marlow mailed us one each week she was away, and Lola was excited every time we put a new one on the wall.
When Marlow fell into my life—quite literally—she brought with her a new perspective. She taught me how to step outside of my comfort zone and to live in the moment. Because of her, I now see the world around me in technicolor, and it’s a beautiful thing.
Getting a new neighbor didn’t turn out anything as I expected, but now I know what happens when a single dad gets a nanny for his daughter…
She becomes their whole universe.
