Chasing Air

by DeLaine Roberts

  “You have some really cute puppies,” she said to the little girl as they approached.

  “One of them is yours,” the little girl answered.

  Makenzie turned to look at Ryler, who was nodded his head yes and wore a bright smile.

  The front door opened and a young woman walked outside to join them.

  “Mom, they’re here to pick out a puppy.”

  “Allie, I’m so proud of you. You’re being such a big girl about the puppies and remembering our deal.”

  The girl nodded her head yes and picked up one of the puppies. She turned to Makenzie, “That little grey one loves to give kisses.”

  “You must be Ryler and Makenzie. I’m Pam and this my daughter, Allie. We just don’t have room for six dogs, so I made a deal with her that she could keep just one. Looks like she’s made her choice, so you can play with the others and pick the one you want.”

  Makenzie knelt down to play with the three remaining mini-schnauzer puppies. Two of them ran off through the yard, but one ran to her, a little silver-haired female. She was so tiny, weighing about three pounds, if that. Ryler joined her as they became familiar with the little bundle of energy. While they played with the puppy, Pam went over the particulars. After a few more minutes, they decided that one was the one they wanted. Ryler paid Pam for the puppy and they found their way to the nearest pet store for supplies.

  They left the pet store with a puppy bed made for a princess, a pet crate, a pet carrier that looked more like a designer purse, and all the amenities for a diva-dog-in-training.

  “So, let me get this straight. You’re homeless, you want to shack with me, and you want us to have a puppy? Does that sum it all up?” Makenzie asked.

  “Yep.”

  “Ha. Well, this was the last thing I expected today, but I’m in love with her. What are we going to call her?” Her eyes lit up as she plastered a huge kiss on his lips, a squirming little puppy between them.

  All the way home, they discussed names for their new family member. Ryler didn’t want to be the one naming her, he wanted Makenzie to develop that instant chemistry he noticed she had with the little puppy. He read that dogs were great for people suffering from PTSD and he needed Makenzie to have the one-on-one bond with the puppy.

  Finally, she came up with the name Daisy. He wasn’t a fan, but he didn’t utter a word in defense of the puppy who would be stuck with that name. This was all about Makenzie.

  Makenzie wanted to stop by the hospital and check on things. She also wanted to introduce David and Veronica to her new family addition. She noticed that David and Ryler were deep in discussion about something off to the side, but he didn’t mention what it was. She made a mental note to ask him about it later.

  When they got back to the loft, she danced around to music and was ecstatic over having four little feet get under foot.

  Because she had an office, she thought she was going to be able to put Daisy in her carrier and take her to work with her, but only if Daisy was quiet, which remained to be seen. Daisy was a noisy little puppy with the cutest little moans, growls, and yawns.

  “Let’s walk up to Astoria’s for dinner. They have tables outside and you can take Daisy in her carrier.”

  Over dinner, Ryler brought her up to speed on the sale of his house and asked her to go look at some properties with him the next day. “Are you asking me to move in to a new house with you and live together?” Her question had a tone he wasn’t certain about.

  “Yes, but only if you want. There’s no pressure for you to give up your space. I’m patient. I can wait.” Her resistance took him by surprise. He began to rethink his future plans for a moment.

  “I still have three months on my lease. But after that, yes, I’ll move in with you.” She was so excited, she knocked over the chair when she jumped up to hug him. All the action scared Daisy, who had been sleeping peacefully in her carrier under the table. Daisy let out a “brrrrl” while they both laughed.

  They took the puppy back to the loft and got her settled. Makenzie was overjoyed with the little thing. She wanted to let her sleep with them, but she gathered from Ryler’s look that a dog in the bed was a bad idea. Besides, she had ideas of her own for him once they got the puppy down for the night.

  “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”

  “I love you. I would do anything for you.”

  “Anything?” Her question left room for many answers, but her look said there was just one answer.

  “Yes, anything, and I would think by now you already know that.”

  “Then give me more.”

  “Music to my ears.”

  Their love making was tender and special, their connection no longer overcast by her past. She gave of herself completely and he knew that what he had planned the next day would seal the deal.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Makenzie made omelets and toast for breakfast. She peeled a couple of oranges, but was a little greedy about sharing them with him. Daisy played at their feet as they ate.

  “How many houses are we looking at today?” She popped orange slices in her mouth just before she shared a kiss with him.

  “Hmm, oranges. Reminds me of our first morning together and how wonderful your lips tasted. Keep that up and we’re going to mess that bed up one more time before we go find us a new house.”

  “It’s your house, Ryler. Why do you want me along so badly?”

  “Oh, you know, the little woman’s eye is so much better about domestic things.” He winked at her.

  “You did not just say that to me. Domestic comments get men put on restriction. Care to take that back?”

  “You win!” He put his hands up in surrender.

  With Daisy loaded in her carrier, they took off to meet Cooper Roberts, the real estate agent. Cooper had several properties for them to look at.

  The last house they viewed was the one. Newer and larger than Ryler’s current home, it came with a pool already built but in dire need of landscaping.

  Makenzie made a mental note that there were two bedrooms downstairs and two bedrooms upstairs, along with a game room for kids to play. She stood in the kitchen and looked out over the family room. She thought about children and her mind drifted to what it would be like to have babies with Ryler.

  “Mak, what did you think about the pool?”

  No answer.

  “The game room would make a great media room too, yes?”

  No answer.

  He’d called out to her several times, but it was obvious that she was daydreaming. He put his hand on her hip and pulled her close to his side, resting his chin on her head.

  “Hey, where did you drift off to?”

  “I was thinking about the game room upstairs with kids playing, and my mind went to what it would be like to have babies with you.”

  “Oh, is that all?” He played it cool. “You had me worried there for a minute. I thought you might not like the house.”

  “I love this one. The house is beautiful and the pool will be, with some landscaping work. You think this is the one?”

  “Mmm, yep, I do. I’ll tell Cooper to make an offer.”

  They hung around the house for a little while looking for a place to put in a doggie-door and watching Daisy play. With the contract offered, Ryler tormented her with his surprise.

  “Off to our next stop!” he said with a beautiful grin.

  When they arrived at the McKinney Airport, Makenzie was a bit confused. She knew he had something up his sleeve again, but she had no clue as to what. She saw David and turned to look at Ryler. “What’s he doing here?” Nothing seemed to make sense.

  “Patience, grasshopper.” He gave a low, sexy laugh. He knew he was tormenting her, but he loved every minute of it.

  David and his dad started pulling long lines of cord and fabric out of the trailer before wheeling out a large basket crate. She realized it was the hot air balloon that David was always talking about. At that moment, she thought
she would just be watching hot air balloons. She had no idea of what was to come.

  “We’re going to watch hot air balloons?” she asked with excitement.

  “It’s my first time, I was hoping that it was yours, too?” He avoided her actual question, hoping she didn’t catch him.

  With everything assembled, David’s dad, Pete, had the balloon fired up and ready to go. He opened the door to the basket and invited Makenzie in. She turned in excitement to Ryler, “I get to ride? Aren’t you going with me?”

  “Babe, this ride, I wouldn’t miss.” He joined her and Daisy in the basket. They waved goodbye to David as he watched them rise higher and drift off. It was a beautiful day with calm winds and the perfect day for a flight, according to Pete.

  Makenzie and Ryler were in awe of the ride.

  When they were a bit settled and used to the movements of the balloon, Ryler took Makenzie’s hand.

  “I want to spend the rest of my life chasing air with you.” He dropped to one knee and took out a black box from his jacket pocket. “Makenzie Holder, I’d be honored if you would grow old with me. Make me the happiest man on the planet and marry me?”

  With tears of joy filling her eyes, Makenzie leaned down to kiss him, “Yes, I thought you’d never ask!” She whispered. “I love you so much.”

  “I love you, too. I told you I’d wait you out, my girl.” He kissed her hand.

  “That you did. I can’t wait to tell my family,” she said while wiping tears away.

  “They already know, I got their blessing before they left.”

  ***

  Four weeks later, Ryler had just finished moving his things into the new house. They were together at Makenzie’s apartment, packing for the final stage of moving her things into the new house. The movers were taking the last few items down to the truck when Makenzie noticed that Daisy was not in her carrier and not perched on her bed. The search began for the little puppy. She looked everywhere, but Daisy was nowhere to be found.

  Makenzie was at the end of her rope. Tired from packing and stressed over wedding details, she didn’t want to think that she’d lost Daisy.

  “What are you looking for?” Ryler asked her as she opened and closed cabinet doors. “We’ve emptied those already.”

  “I’ve lost Daisy.”

  “You mean Miss Busybody has disappeared?” He poked fun at her, but he put his detective skills to work and went downstairs. He called out for Daisy, but couldn’t find her. The way she liked to climb into things gave him an idea. He went over to the moving truck and asked the movers to open the last few boxes that had recently been loaded. Tucked into the box containing Makenzie’s clothes was the puppy, all nice and cozy, taking a nap. The guys shared a laugh and Ryler shook his head, before picking up the little rascal and taking her back upstairs, stowing her in the carrier.

  “Where was she?” Makenzie gasped in amazement at how fast he found her.

  “Hitchin’ a ride with the movers. You packed her up in a box with your clothes.”

  Makenzie snickered and shook her finger at Ms. Daisy. “We’ll have our hands full with her at the new house. She has way too many square feet to hide in.”

  “I think she needs a playmate,” he said as he came up behind her, pulling her close.

  Makenzie just turned to him and glared. “She’s a handful. At least she won’t be going to work with me anymore since you put in the doggie door at the house.”

  She went back to the last box, wrapping up the last few dishes. When done, she taped the box shut.

  “You know you loved having her in your office.” He laughed at her with his hands on his hips.

  “Well, she might need a playmate, but I don’t think we need another dog right now.”

  “I wasn’t talking about a dog.”

  Makenzie turned her body to face him in slow motion. “No cats, I’m allergic.”

  “No, not talking about a cat either. How about a baby?”

  Makenzie dropped the taping gun and slowly raised her eyes up to look up at Ryler. “You want to have a baby?” Her eyes misted over immediately. Her heart began to race with excitement at the thought of having his baby. She’d been wanting to talk about having kids, but didn’t want to rush things. They weren’t even married yet and so much had happened over the last few months.

  “I want to start trying as soon as you’re ready, there’s no rush.”

  Makenzie wrapped her body around him. “Want to start right now?” She nibbled at his neck.

  Ryler reared his head back in laughter, “Um, in case you forgot, we’re in the middle of a move. We have big guys and a big truck downstairs to deal with.”

  “Dang, what’s a girl gotta do to get lucky then?”

  “Hurry up with the last boxes and get your ass to my...um...our house. I have a surprise for you.”

  “Sweet. I love your surprises.”

  She kissed him passionately and tried to maneuver them to the bathroom, but he grabbed a hold of the door facing. “Nope, you’re not getting it right now. Go, move your ass. I’m heading out with them. I’ll take this box down and I’ll meet you at the house.”

  Not even a kiss bye, dang, he wasn’t playing fair, but was teasing her by playing hard to get, she thought to herself.

  Makenzie grabbed her purse and Daisy’s carrier, and walked around to check that she hadn’t forgotten anything.

  When she walked towards the french doors going out to the balcony, she had a flashback to the night she thought the door had been purposely jammed. She hadn’t checked the locks once since Drew died. She’d finally let her ghosts die with him. Therapy was helping, and the love that she and Ryler shared was more than anything she could’ve ever imagined for herself.

  She went into the property management office on her way out to turn in her key. She and Sarah were talking about Sarah’s pregnancy when Jonathan walked in. At first, the conversation was awkward about her moving, but when he noticed her ring, she saw the sadness in his eyes.

  “When we were together, I really thought I might be the one putting a ring on your finger. I really messed things up, didn’t I?”

  “It wasn’t you. I’d already committed my heart to someone else, I just wasn’t ready to accept it. Ryler is a great guy, he’s the one for me. I’m sorry if I hurt you, it’s not something I meant to do. You’ll meet the right person, for you and for Trippe. When you do, I want to hear all about her over coffee.”

  The look he gave her when she moved passed him made her heart ache. She knew what she had begun to mean to him, but some of his actions reminded her of Drew and for that reason alone, they would’ve never worked.

  “Friends?” he asked.

  “Always.”

  She walked out of the lofts able to leave her old life behind and excited about her future.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Makenzie pulled into her spot into the garage at the new house. The movers were unloading the last bit of her things. She yelled for Ryler, but didn’t find him until she went outside. He was in the backyard discussing the final plans with Manny, a landscape designer.

  “Hey you,” she said, snuggling up to his side.

  “The movers are on the last few pieces. They need you to sign off on the load list, they said I couldn’t do it.”

  “Got it. And what have we here?” She smiled as she looked around at all the beautiful plants sitting on the patio and in the yard.

  He looked around. “I think they call it progress. Manny is telling me that they will be done in a couple of days. But he needs to know where you want to put this?” He held up a photo of a koi pond.

  “A koi fish pond, really?”

  “Yep, complete with a bridge and waterfall. He’s picked two spots where it will work great, but if we put it here, we won’t be able to have a playscape in the future.” He pointed to an area over in the corner. “But if we put it over to the left side of the pool, he can tie it all in. Which would you prefer?”

  “I th
ink maybe leave room for a playscape. It’s beautiful, I love it.”

  When she left, Ryler and Manny finished with

  their plans. With only the last few boxes left to unpack, she took a break and joined Ryler in the backyard. He stood there gazing out into the distance. A cold November air rustled past them as she snuggled against his back.

  “You make me feel special,” she said, as she wrapped her arms around his waist.

  He took her arm and pulled her around to face him. “I love your spirit, your fiery passion. You’re the most cherished blessing I have.”

  “Strange how we came together, isn’t it?”

  “Not strange, Mak, it was fate.”

  He kissed the top of her head and pulled her tightly to his chest. “By the way, did you see that new collar I got for Daisy? I laid it on the kitchen counter.”

  “Yes, it’s blue. You got her a boy’s collar?”

  He realized she didn’t even look at it or pick it up, and started laughing. “Well, I didn’t think about the color being an issue. It was the only one with a bell on it. Now, you’ll be able to hear Ms. Priss wherever she manages to hide, unless she’s asleep, which isn’t often.”

  “That’s just the puppy stage, she’ll slow down. Hey, what do you want for dinner? I’m heading to the store.”

  “I’ll go with you. All the boxes unpacked?”

  “Just a couple left, kitchen stuff.”

  “Let’s knock ’em out and then we’ll go.”

  They unpacked the last of the boxes and put the new collar on Daisy. Makenzie frowned at the blue color.

  “You’ll thank me when she’s missing the next time.”

  Chris called Ryler’s cell phone while they were on the way to the store. They had a new homicide case and he needed Ryler to meet him at the crime scene. Ryler turned the car around and headed home.