“You actually got me a husky puppy?” She picks him up, then holds him to her chest.

“I did, for this exact reaction, sweetheart. Merry Christmas.”

She nuzzles her face against his nose. “He’s so sweet. Thank you, babe.”

Owen and Sadie come over and ooh and aah over him.

“What’s his name?” Sadie asks.

“We still have to pick one out,” I say, wrapping an arm around Everleigh and kissing her forehead.

“I’m seriously so shocked right now.” Everleigh beams.

“Tyler and Gemma helped and kept him for five days.”

“Scarlett’s obsessed with him,” Gemma says. “You better give us visitation rights.”

Everleigh laughs, then sets the puppy down so the other kids can meet him.

“You should name him Chase,” Tyler says. “Considering that’s all you’re gonna be doing.”

Gemma snorts and agrees. “He has a lot of energy, that’s for sure.”

“I love it actually,” Everleigh says, playing with him on the floor. “I can’t believe you all hid this from me.”

“We knew you’d lose your mind,” Gemma says.

“I can’t believe he’s all mine. This is the best Christmas gift I could ever ask for.” Everleigh’s eyes soften when she meets mine.

I lean in and press my lips to hers. “I love hearing that. I hope Sassy adapts to not being the only child anymore.”

She snickers. “God. Yeah right. She’s a spoiled princess.”

Everyone takes turns holding and playing with Chase. After an hour, we help Belinda clean up, then decide to leave so we can help Annie get ready for Santa coming.

“I think this puppy is gonna be more challenging than I expected,” Everleigh says over coffee the next morning. Between taking him out and hearing him whine nonstop, we got zero sleep.

“I think a newborn would’ve been easier,” I say around a yawn. “At least they stop crying when you pop a boob in its mouth.”

She snorts.

Chase comes barreling in from playing with Sassy outside. We watch as the two wrestle and bark at each other. So much for our quiet mornings together.

I don’t regret it, though.

Seeing Everleigh’s face light up when she first saw him and catching them snuggling together last night is worth the sleepless nights. I know it’ll get easier and we’ll adjust.

“He really is so dang cute,” Everleigh says as Chase sleeps on his dog bed.

“Yeah, when he’s not awake,” I quip.

“Uncle Archer!” Sadie shouts, and we quickly shush her, but it’s too late. Chase’s head pops up. “Oops, sorry.”

“It’s okay. What do you need, sweetie?”

“Chase was chewing on this. Should I throw it away?” she asks, coming closer with something in her hand.

“What is it?” I narrow my eyes.