Epilogue
One year later
I find Mattis pacing by the willow tree out back. His agitation has made my own heart flutter uncomfortably for over an hour, but I knew he needed a little time to himself. Usually pacing for a few minutes helps calm him when he’s got something on his mind, but not today.
“Hey, honey,” I say when I approach him, but when he passes me by without acknowledging my presence, I realize he’s even more anxious than I thought. On his next pass, I snag his hand and pull him into my arms. With a whimper, he throws himself at me and I gently guide his head to his favorite spot on my shoulder, where he can nuzzle under my ear.
I let him take in my heartbeat a few minutes, waiting for it to help calm him before I speak. “I’m here. Everything will be fine,” I whisper and slid
