“I’m not getting myself a dog for Christmas.” I put on the stern Daddy voice because we’d been over this.
“But you could get me a dog, see? I can’t have pets in the site-manager’s apartment, but if you get a dog, I could bring it around to visit a lot. We can share it.”
“Devious.” And if the dog was going to visit Levi a lot here, well then, someone would need to drive it to and fro. And maybe walk it with Levi. And stay for supper. I was beginning to see more of the appeal of this plan.
“Yep.” Levi’s eyes sparkled like he knew he was on the verge of winning. “Can I have a puppy? Please, Da— Hello, Inez. And Doug.”
Of course, my dad and Inez chose that moment to wander over, Dad carrying two plates fully loaded from the buffet. Inez wore an emerald dress and a huge grin as she hugged Levi.
“Still working on your plan to get Joe a dog?”
“Still working on my plan to get us a dog.” Levi shot me a shy glance.
And that did it. I was totally getting a dog for Christmas. Or rather we were getting a dog.
“Is graduate school going to let you have enough time for a dog?” Ever practical, my dad’s eyes narrowed like he was recalling all the pets he’d been saddled with when the three of us kids had become too busy.
“Joe told you?” Levi frowned. Oops. I’d probably hear it later, but I was so proud of him for deciding that he wanted to do more with senior citizens, and be eligible for more leadership and advocacy roles. “First, I have to get in. I’m not looking to move, so my options are more limited—”
“You could move,” I protested. I’d hate it, of course. But I wanted him to follow his dreams and trusted that we could find a way to make it happen as a couple, even if that meant moving.
“But I’m not going to,” he said just as firmly, giving me a look that could wilt a cactus. “There are online options for a master of social work. Something will work out if I don’t get into the college here. And I’m only going back part time, so yes, I’ll have time for a dog. And my favorite human.”
“Aww.” Inez hugged him again. “Well, we’re all rooting for you. You’ll get in.”
“You will,” Dad added, setting the plates on a nearby table. “And we’ll all help.”
“Better not make that offer.” Levi laughed. “I’ll put you on tennis-ball-throwing duty for the future puppy. And if you really want to help, I’ll let you peel the potatoes next week.”
“You’re on.” Dad clapped him on the shoulder. “Thanks again for helping Joe host.”
“It’s going to be fun.” Levi flashed his dimples.
I believed him. It would be fun. Our first winter holiday season together. My first time being the one to host Thanksgiving, which I’d volunteered for so Dad could bring Inez without needing Dad to host at the house where we’d all grown up. The new year would bring a For Sale sign to the old house, but thanks to Levi, I was able to keep perspective. It would be fun, picking through childhood mementos with him, and it was fun watching Dad be happy again. The sad parts were still there, but we’d weather them together.
Feel your feels, Levi told me with his eyes, and I nodded. “It will be.”
“I just wish my mom and baby Norah were ready to travel.” Levi had become a big brother in October, another fun thing that had necessitated a last-minute road trip to Scranton to meet the little princess. “Maybe next year. Then Norah will be big enough to meet the nieces and nephews.”
Next year. I loved how easily we both talked about the future these days. The holidays. Graduate school. Next year. The year after. The magical someday when other dreams might come true. It all felt within reach.
“Do you have any new pictures?” Inez asked.
“Tons.” Levi set the box next to the plates so he could fish out his phone. “She’s a cutie. Can’t believe I’m a big brother. Luckily, Ed’s family has a lot of little kids running around, so she won’t be as much of an only kid as I was.”
“That’s wonderful,” she said as she admired all the pictures Levi was scrolling through. “My daughter and her wife are having a baby in April. They’re coming for Christmas to visit.”
“More people to feed!” Levi crowed happily while shooting me a glance.
We both knew what Inez didn’t. Dad had been ring-hunting, and her kids from her first marriage were both coming to Christmas so they could witness the proposal.
“I hope they like dogs.” I shrugged.
Dad and Inez could take the express train to happily-ever-after. They’d earned it. Just like Levi and I had earned our more slowly meandering walk to the same destination. He had a few more months under his agreement to live on-site here at the housing project. Eventually, we’d wind up under the same roof, one way or another. I believed in us.
“You’re getting a dog?” Levi’s utter delight was totally worth whatever furniture was inevitably about to be chewed on.
“No. We’re getting a dog.”
“Levi. Tell Joe you need a ring before a puppy,” Inez mock-scolded.
“Who says Joe’s doing the ring-buying or the question-asking?” Levi matched Inez’s fake indignation.
“Point taken.” Both Inez and Dad joined Levi in laughing, and I couldn’t resist the merriment either.
“Levi can ask all the questions he wants when he’s ready.” I already knew my answer. I’d make it easy on him. Always.
Dear Reader,
Did Cup of Joe leave you ready for more Bold Brew coffeeshop romances? I certainly hope so! There’s a total of ten books, each from different authors. Next up is Allison Temple’s Puppuccino which has coffee and cute dogs both. You’re going to love it! The adult store, First-Rate Finishes, mentioned in Cup of Joe will be see again in a lot more detail in Erin McLellan’s Perfect Matcha. Levi’s fellow baristas also get books! Vann is coming in Crystal Lacy’s Vanilla Steamer and Blake gets his happy ending in Wendy Qualls’s Order Up. Lupé is a key secondary character for Anna Zabo’s Cinnamon Roll. So many books to collect and love! Be sure to check out our Facebook reader group for the series as well!
Want more quirky romances from me with coffee, food, and a little bit of kink? You might love the Rainbow Cove series from me, in particular Tender with a Twist. You might also enjoy Mr. Right Now and Sergeant Delicious which feature a fun look at Portland foodie culture.
If you enjoy age gap romances, I have many including Featherbed, which is coming in March 2021 and stars a buff chicken farmer and an older bookseller. A full list of my titles can be found at the end of this book. Many titles are also available in audio, and I hope you’ll give them a try.
Want more ficlets and updates on favorite characters? Make sure you’re in my Facebook fan group, Annabeth’s Angels, for all the latest news, contests, and freebies. And newsletter subscribers always get the latest news on releases, freebies, and more! Subscribe here.
Many thanks,
~Annabeth
Books in the Bold Brew Series
Cup of Joe—Annabeth Albert