Chapter 155 Baby or Dog?
The next few days felt like the honeymoon period really began. They enjoyed everything the island offered, from swimming in the ocean to sipping cocktails on the beach. They finally did go on the birdwatching tour as well as snorkelling and hiking.
Still, Emily felt something was nagging at her. She couldn’t forget that poor flea-ridden dog she had seen that first day.
“I was thinking,” she said as they rested in hammocks in the pleasantly cool courtyard of the hotel, “Maybe we should see that dog again. I wonder how he’s doing…”
“I thought you might say that,” Byron replied.
“And we don’t have any outings planned for tomorrow.”
“I thought we were going to relax and enjoy the beach,” Byron said, “but if you want to see a smelly, mangy dog, that’s even better.”
“Byron!” she cried reprovingly.
“I’m kidding,” he said, “I kind of want to see the dog too. I hope he’s feeling okay.”
They returned to the shelter to find a young woman named Anya in charge of the dogs. She seemed like a genuinely warm and caring person, and Emily felt the dogs must be happy in her care.
“Oh, you’re looking for Odin,” Anya said, “We called him that because of the one eye thing. That dog had a serious case of fleas and other parasites. It’s great that you brought him in because he’s getting treatment and looking better already.”
“Could we see him?” Emily asked.
“We normally don’t allow dogs in quarantine to see the public,” the young woman replied, “but since you’re the ones who brought him in… I hope you don’t mind putting on all the gear to make sure you don’t contaminate yourself or other dogs.”
Anya showed them where the quarantine area was and how to put on the protective equipment.
“Still don’t regret coming here instead of relaxing on the beach?” Emily asked.
“My dear wife, I would do anything for you,” Byron said, “even dress up in these hospital clothes when I could be frolicking on the beach.”
“Now that is real love,” Emily said, giving him a kiss.
“I did promise to make all your wishes come true when I married you,” he said with a charming wink. “Maybe I should have kept my big mouth shut.”
Emily chuckled, losing her concentration when it came to tying on her hospital robe.
“Here, let me help you.” Byron tied it for her at the back. Then they both put on the elasticated caps made of the same papery fabric as the gowns.
“You look like a handsome doctor from a hospital drama,” Emily said when they were all suited up.
“And I prescribe lots of cuddles,” he said as they headed to the kennel.
The dog stuck out its tongue in a canine smile and wagged its tail, extremely happy to see them. Of course, it would have been happy to see anyone after being stuck in the kennel all alone.
“There you are!” Emily cried, “Who’s a good boy?” When she entered the kennel, the dog jumped all over her excitedly. Even though she was petting it with gloved hands, the dog seemed delighted with some human contact.
Byron followed her inside, and they spent a bit of time hanging out with the dog. Then Anya led them to the other enclosures where they could spend a little time with the three other dogs they found.
“Aren’t they adorable?” Emily said as they helped each other to remove the medical robes. “I want to take them all home with us!”
“Yep, I feared this might happen,” Byron said, looking both worried and amused.
“Does that mean you’re totally against the idea?” she asked, making an adorably cute face.
“Well… yeah. We don’t need so many dogs, and I’m sure someone else will adopt them.”
“We have a big house,” Emily reminded him, “There’s room for six dogs for sure.”
“That’s not the point. I mean, we could hire people to look after the dogs because neither of us has time to take care of that many dogs ourselves, but it would still make for quite a busy and noisy household. Imagine all these dogs in one house.”
Emily drifted away into the clouds of her perfect fantasy. “Yes… that would be amazing.”
“Not for me, sorry. I got Rupert because he’s so calm and peaceful. These are practically wild dogs.”
“They can be trained…” Emily suggested, although she was pretty sure he wasn’t going to go for it.
“You remember when you said you weren’t ready to have a kid? It’s the same thing for me. I don’t think I’m ready for so many dogs all at once, and I don’t know if I’ll ever be.”
“Okay, I see what you mean,” Emily said. “No wild dogs for us. Even though I almost got attached to Odin there.”
“I know,” Byron said with an apologetic look. “Are you going to be okay?”
“Of course,” she replied. “I would rather have a dog than a baby any day, but I respect your wishes. I don’t want to make your life difficult, and besides you’re the only one I need.”
“Thanks.” Byron’s eyes beamed at her with affection. They returned to the hotel feeling their bond renewed in a strange way. They had their disagreements, but they always tried to resolve them in a caring way.
The rest of their honeymoon passed in a flurry of sunny days and steamy nights. Emily was so sad when it was over and the day of their departure dawned.
The morning sun seeped through the lilac curtains of the bedroom, and the scent of flowers permeated the room. Byron stirred next to her as she opened her eyes.
“I want to stay in bed,” Emily groaned, “and never leave Fiji. It’s so amazing here… I do miss our dogs, though.”
“Speaking of dogs,” Byron said, “I have a surprise for you…”
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