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  LOST AND FOUND

  EXCLUSIVE BONUS CHAPTER

  GIA ROSE

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  1. Olivia

  1

  OLIVIA

  O livia doubted she’d ever get tired of sharing breakfast with Jessica in the mornings. In fact, it’d become one of their favorite things to do before Jessica left for work. It gave Olivia an opportunity to cook for Jessica, which she loved to do, and Jessica didn’t seem to mind it herself.

  “Good morning,” Jessica said as she wrapped her arms around Olivia’s waist from behind, her lips brushing against Olivia’s neck and making her shiver — another thing Olivia doubted she’d ever get tired of feeling.

  “Good morning, love,” Olivia said as she stirred the scrambled eggs in the pan.

  “Love? That’s a new one,” Jessica said.

  “My mom used to call me that when I was a girl. I don’t know why, but I like it. I mean, it’s accurate,” Olivia said and Jessica laughed as she rocked Olivia side to side by her hips.

  “It is,” Jessica said.

  “I take it you slept well? You’re awfully bubbly this morning,” Olivia said, weaseling out of Jessica’s arms to turn and face her.

  “I slept like a baby, but that’s hard not to do when I’ve got you right beside me,” Jessica said and pecked Olivia on the cheek.

  “Jess, you’ve already caught the bus, you don’t have to keep chasing it,” Olivia said.

  “I’m not chasing. I’m just making sure I keep what I caught,” Jessica said.

  “No worries there. I’m not going anywhere,” Olivia said.

  “What do you want to do today? I’ve got the day off,” Jessica said.

  “What? How?” Olivia asked. It was news to her. The last she’d heard, Jessica had to work just like every other week day. Had she worked something out at the clinic to take a day off?

  “Simple, I asked,” Jessica laughed. Olivia shrugged.

  “Well that’s a pleasant surprise,” Olivia said. “I’m not sure what to do. I hadn’t had time to make any plans. I guess we could do some work on the wedding planning.”

  Jessica groaned and held her face in her hands.

  “What?” Olivia asked. “You aren’t interested?”

  “No, it’s not that I’m not interested, per se, I’m just burnt out looking at all that stuff,” Jessica said. “It’s all we’ve been talking about for the last few weeks and I can’t take it anymore. I need a break.”

  “Oh, alright. Sorry, I hope I wasn’t pushing you too hard, I’m just really excited,” Olivia said.

  “You didn’t, don’t worry. It’ll be fine, I’m sure, I just can’t spend another afternoon picking out decorations or looking at dresses,” Jessica said and Olivia laughed.

  “Yeah, I don’t blame you. It does get tedious,” Olivia said.

  “Why don’t we go to the park? It’s a little chilly, but it’ll be invigorating, and I’m sure Houndini won’t object,” Jessica said.

  “I could definitely use the exercise. I’ve been stress eating thanks to all the wedding planning,” Olivia said, massaging her stomach.

  “Please, you’re perfect, O,” Jessica said.

  “O? Is that your new nickname for me?”

  “You picked one out for me, it’s only fair,” Jessica said.

  “I like it. It’s cute,” Olivia said.

  “So are you, so it fits,” Jessica said. “Is the food almost ready? It smells delicious and I’m starving.”

  “I think so, yeah,” Olivia said and turned back to the stove. The eggs were nice and browned, the bacon was perfectly crisped, and everything looked the way it should. Olivia dished up enough of everything on two plates for herself and Jessica and set it on the small table.

  “Where’s Houndini anyway?” Jessica asked as she sat down.

  “I dunno, I thought he was with you,” Olivia answered. She went to the refrigerator and poured two glasses of orange juice for them both before rattling Houndini’s kibble dish and calling for him. Houndini came skittering out of the bedroom, his eyes half-closed like he’d just woken up but wasn’t about to miss out on food.

  “I knew that would get you,” Olivia laughed. “You wanna go for a walk with us, boy?”

  Houndini barked and pawed at Olivia’s foot excitedly.

  “Told you he wouldn’t say no,” Jessica said through a mouthful of bacon. “And he’s gonna need it to work this off,” she said as she slipped the dog a slice of the bacon. Olivia glared at Jessica, but Jessica only laughed.

  “I can’t believe I have to tell the veterinarian this, but you really shouldn’t do that, Jess,” Olivia said.

  “I know, but what’s a little treat here and there?” Jessica asked. “He’s in good shape for his age.”

  “And I’d like to keep him that way,” Olivia said as she sat down with the two glasses of orange juice.

  “Sorry, I won’t do it again,” Jessica said.

  “Please, I couldn’t stay mad at you if I tried,” Olivia said, smiling. They ate the rest of their breakfasts in relative silence, save for Houndini’s whining for more bacon.

  “That’s another reason why you shouldn’t do it. You’ve created a begging monster,” Olivia said as she wiped her face with a napkin.

  “He’ll forget soon enough, won’t you, boy?” Jessica asked as she stood from the table and went to the front door to retrieve Houndini’s leash they kept hanging on a coat hook. Houndini barked and started pawing at the front door as he climbed up it, desperate to get out.

  Laughing, Olivia washed the dishes and put away the leftovers before she slipped into her coat and joined Jessica and Houndini outside. It was chilly, even for a fall morning, but in the best kind of way. The wind off the water lifted Olivia’s hair and made her shiver, but it also helped fight off the post-breakfast slump she almost always felt.

  Hand in hand, Olivia and Jessica walked through the parking lot of the apartment complex with Houndini practically dragging Jessica forward by the leash. Of all the things Olivia appreciated about being in a relationship with Jessica, it was the little things like this that meant the most to her.

  Jessica never seemed like she was forcing things or putting on an act for Olivia’s sake; she was always genuine, always open and free with her love in ways big and small, and Olivia never wanted to take that part of Jessica’s personality for granted.

  “This was a good idea, thanks for getting me out of the house,” Olivia said, squeezing Jessica’s hand.

  “I know how you writers are, you’re hermits,” Jessica laughed.

  “And veterinarians aren’t?” Olivia shot back.

  “Hey, careful,” Jessica said, narrowing her eyes at Olivia.

  “Or what?”

  “Or I’ll tickle you,” Jessica said.

  “How scary,” Olivia said but jumped when Jessica poked her in the side. “Hey!”

  “There’s more where that came from too,” Jessica said.

  “Alright, alright, you win,” Olivia said and put distance between she and Jessica, but Jessica wasn’t having it. She wrapped an arm around Olivia’s waist and pulled her in close. Olivia didn’t object.

  They walked that way all the way to the dog park a few blocks away from the house. They’d only recently learned it was there, and when they did Olivia was convinced that must’ve been why Houndini had ended up at her house all those months ago.

  By the time they reached the park, Houndini was coming unglued. He tugged at the leash and nearly choked himself from the effort, so when they arrived and the gate to the park was safely closed behind them, Jessica unhooked the leash from Houndini’s collar and he tore off across the park toward the nearest dog, a Husky with piercing
blue eyes.

  “I can’t believe how fast he can move,” Olivia laughed.

  “Neither can I, but I’ve only ever seen him move this fast for two things: other dogs and food,” Jessica said.

  “It’s amazing how easy he is to please,” Olivia said. She and Jessica sat down on a nearby bench and watched Houndini chase and get chased by the Husky, whose owner was deep in conversation with another person by the water fountain.

  “This is much better than looking at wedding books, don’t you think?” Jessica asked.

  “You make it sound like it’s an awful thing. Do you really hate it that much?” Olivia asked. “I mean, we can downsize it if you want. It doesn’t have to be some big throw down.”

  “No, that’s not what I meant. It’s just that at a certain point all of the stuff starts to run together and look the same, you know?” Jessica asked.

  “I hope that’s not what you’re worried about happening with me,” Olivia said, smiling.

  “Don’t be silly, of course not,” Jessica said and pulled Olivia over by the shoulder to kiss her forehead.

  Olivia wasn’t sure what’d changed for Jessica, but she was undeniably different since they’d gotten engaged. Maybe Sarah had had some words with her, or maybe Jessica had just shrugged off all the worry she carried about being open.

  “I love you,” Olivia said and Jessica blushed.

  “Yeah? I love you too,” she said, stroking Olivia’s hair as they watched Houndini. It wasn’t much, but it was their family and Olivia wouldn’t have had it any other way.

  As she sat glowing, a woman in a beanie approached carrying the tiniest, cutest, all black Shih Tzu Olivia had ever seen. Olivia shot up and pointed out the dog to Jessica.

  “Wait a second… is that Sarah?” Olivia asked.

  “I don’t think so, she doesn’t have long enough hair,” Jessica said, but the woman was close enough now that Olivia could make out her face — and it was definitely Sarah.

  Olivia got up and walked to her, immediately reaching out to pet the adorable dog she held.

  “Hey, Sarah! Out walking one of your new clients?” Olivia asked. “He’s gorgeous.”

  Sarah smirked and shook her head.

  “No, not exactly,” Sarah said.

  “What do you mean?” Olivia asked. She turned to find Jessica approaching, also wearing a smirk, and Olivia’s stomach flipped. Was this another of Jessica’s cooked up surprises?

  “Olivia, this is Benji. He’s for you,” Jessica said and Olivia squealed.

  “What? Are you serious, Jess?” Olivia shouted.

  “Very serious. Sarah helped me pick him out. He’s a real sweetheart and Houndini already approves,” Jessica said.

  “Wait a second… you snuck Houndini out of the house to meet him before I got to meet him?” Olivia asked and Sarah laughed.

  “I told you not to tell her that part,” Sarah said.

  “I didn’t want to ruin the surprise,” Jessica said, shrugging.

  “I don’t understand. Why did you get me another dog?”

  “Consider it an engagement gift,” Jessica said. “I thought that since we’re getting married, it only made sense to expand the family a bit. Are you upset?”

  “No, not at all. I just can’t believe it. He’s so cute. Can I hold him?” Olivia asked, reaching for him.

  “Of course, he’s all yours. But be careful, he’s young and likes to squirm,” Sarah said. Olivia took the tiny dog from her and almost melted when she looked down into his amber eyes, like flames among coals.

  “I can’t believe you two,” Olivia laughed. Jessica wrapped an arm around her and scratched Benji’s head.

  As if he’d detected something, Houndini appeared, climbing up Olivia’s legs and sniffing at Benji. The Shih Tzu let out a bark, an unbearably cute little yip, and Olivia set him down next to Houndini.

  “Do you approve of your new little brother, boy?” Olivia asked Houndini but he was far too busy sniffing Benji down to pay her any mind.

  “You really didn’t have to do this,” Olivia said, turning the Jessica.

  “I know, but I wanted to. Making you happy makes me happy,” Jessica said.

  “I’m happy just being with you, Jess,” Olivia said and kissed Jessica.

  “Likewise,” Jessica said when they parted. “But I couldn’t resist that little face of his and I knew he’d get to you too.”

  “He did. He’s so cute I can’t handle it,” Olivia laughed.

  “I’m glad you like him,” Jessica said.

  “I do, but can this please be the last of your surprises?” Olivia asked.

  “We’ll see,” Jessica said with a wink, but Olivia didn’t mind in the slightest. Jessica had been nothing but a series of surprises in Olivia’s life, and she never wanted that to stop.

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  Olivia

 

 

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