Chapter 44

Ian

Are you okay? I asked when we finally walked into the house by midnight. I could see how stressed and tired she was, and it broke my heart.

She turned without saying a word and wrapped her arms around me. My precious! Precious, Iris! She was so special to me.

“I’m just so tired, Ian! So tired!” She whispered tiredly in my arms. And I held her close but was careful because of how delicate she was.

“I’m sorry that you had to witness that! I kissed her forehead and saw her muzzle close just the way she always does whenever she is comfortable.

“It’s fine; she’s just an old woman! What did you expect?

Her innocency was what amazed him at times—the way she acts and speaks. Even when it wasn’t her fault.

“You’re precious to me, Iris. So precious! I watched her place a kiss on my lips, then smiled.

“Thank you, Ian, for this wonderful night." And what she doesn’t know is that she could have this night all her life if that was going to make her happy.

“Let me go and freshen up,” she announ