Ethan

“Daddy!” Paisley’s sweet voice whispers in my ear, as one of her sharp little fingers jabs my side. “Daddy, are you awakes?”

My eyes are still closed, and it feels as though I just fell asleep a moment ago. I’m not sure what time it is, but I know something must be up if Paisley is trying to wake me. Normally she climbs right into bed with me and snuggles up without a word, perfectly content to snooze until I’m ready to get up – even if her tummy is growling with hunger, she’ll happily choose cuddles over food.

“Daddy,” she whispers again, giving me another prod.

“No.” I moan, throwing an arm over my eyes dramatically. “I’m asleep.”

“Daddy!” Paisley giggles, the sweet sound lifting my sleepy spirits. “I’m serious.”

“So am I” I grumble, pulling the covers up over my head to hide from the adorable creature.

A moment later the duvet is yanked back down, and Paisley is sitting on my chest, determined to interrupt my rest. “Daddy I needs to talk to you.”

Begrudgingly I peek one eye open, assessing the serious pup and the low light filtering in through the windows. The sun must barely be rising, but my daughter’s beautiful green eyes are completely alert.

What’s wrong princess?” I ask, encouraging her to lie down agáin. She happily agrees, sprawling on my broad chest and resting her cheek against my shoulder.

“I’ve been thinking.” She says.

“Mhmm, about what?” I encourage, petting her tiny limbs.

okay,” Paisley pauses, betraying her fear that this isn’t actually

myself I was being selfish, putting my needs above theirs. When I don’t respond, Paisley presses on. “You could take me for a visits, see everyone

be with Jane and her siblings when they get the news.

to say no. Paisley is giving me the perfect excuse to see my beloved family before I go under the knife, and this truly will

bit more tightly. “We should go for

but Nina is another matter entirely. I tell her my decision

down the piece of toast balanced between her perfectly manicured fingers, “Are you sure

on the operating table, I don’t want my family’s last memory of me to be that day at the rest stop – when I took

everything you’ve been working for these last few months.” Nina objects,

know. I’m going to right a letter for Paisley to give her if I don’t make it, but I still need to see her one last time, even if I can’t tell her how I feel. And I can tell the other pups.” I insist. “Besides, this way Paisley will be with Jane and her brothers and sister already. You won’t have to worry

Ethan, but it almost sounds like you’re expecting the worst to happen.” Nina frowns. “Are you

realistic, Nina. I have a fifty-fifty chance. I don’t want to leave this earth with things unfinished. I

you’re going to do this, then I’m coming with

not sure if that’sa good idea.” I sigh. “I’m not Sure how Jane or the

to see your ex and left me behind. If you

marriage. The one you’re determined to make happen and that I’m going

in, but we’re agreeing to for convenience

to be alone with them, and

smiles gently. “We’re

This trip can be a good thing for us,

how little she seems to care for anything else. I know that isn’t entirely fair of me – there’s nothing inherently wrong with ambition and Nina explained why it was so important to her when we struck this deal. I just worry

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