Tiger adored Eli, Noah and Elliot, but he was completely attached to Liv. He was gentle and protective of her as her hand recovered. Even with her dominant hand in a purple cast, she'd adapted quickly and was mostly independent. She was nestled on the couch with Tiger, stroking him with her good hand, when Elliot got home. Elliot thought she seemed quiet and slightly sad, despite her smile.
"Anything wrong?" He asked, as he sat next to her, careful not to jostle her cast.
"I always wanted a dog as a kid," she told him. "My mom said no, then decided I could have one when her friend's dog had puppies. She was a tiny mix, who I loved. I named her Cookie. She slept on the rug next to my bed for three days, then I came home from school and she was gone. My mom screamed at me about how I didn't deserve a dog after all and how Cookie deserved someone who would love her and take care of her. I found out later that she'd told her friend I was too rough."
"Oh Liv," he said, "wrapping his arms around in her. You know none of that is true, right?"
"I know, but having a dog made me think about it again. I never had another pet until Tiger. I think part of me believed my mom that I didn't deserve one."
"I think your mom was talking about herself, you know. You are the most compassionate person I've ever met. But she couldn't love you or take care of you like you deserved."
He rubbed her back. "I've always been amazed how empathetic and loving you are, when you had so little love growing up." She smiled sadly at him. "You want to come with me to pick up Noah from dance, or stay with Tiger?"
"I might stay and nap," she admitted. "I'm still worn out. I forgot how much adapting to a broken bone takes out of you." He tucked a blanket around her and pressed a kiss to her temple.
Noah tapped his feet on the car ride home and couldn't seem to settle. "Anything bothering you, kiddo?" Elliot asked.
"Elliot," Noah said quietly, "can I call you Dad?"
Elliot swallowed. "I would be thrilled if you called me dad."
"What if you and my mom broke up. Would you stay my dad?"
"Your mom and I have been wanting to talk to you about how you'd feel about me adopting you. Your mom and I are committed to staying together, but then I'd officially be your dad.
"Yes," Noah said, smiling shyly at Elliot. Elliot pulled over and wrapped him into a hug.
"Should we stop and get something special for your mom for dinner? I think she's worn out from her cast."
Noah thought about it. "She likes when we make omelettes and pancakes or French toast for dinner. And they're easy for her to cut."
"That's a good idea. We can stop at the store for eggs and vegetables for the omelettes. I think we have everything else. Do you want to help me pick out flowers for her?"
"Yeah," Noah answered. "Yeah, dad," he said, looking nervously at Elliot. Elliot wrapped him into another hug. "I love you, Noah. Thank you. That's the best gift you could have ever given me."
