All familiar characters belong to Janet Evanovich. I am not making any money from this. Mistakes are mine.
Even the Pup is an Unmentionable by Debra8652
Chapter 35
Remy's POV
Rangeman held their annual Memorial Day picnic on Sunday, May 26 in case people already had plans for the actual holiday on Monday. There were solemn moments as we marked the importance of the day but we also had a big picnic in the Rangeman backyard with all our Range guys and guests plus Mom's family and friends. After my second plain grilled hot dog (hey, Cal shouldn't have turned his back on his grilling duties - he really needs to be more aware of his surroundings), my tummy was full and I found a sunny spot in the yard away from everyone for a quick nap. Just as I was dreaming about the cute little Australian Shepherd I met at the pet store - her name is Kimmy - I smelled my mom's Dolce Vita perfume and cracked open my left eye.
"Remington Diesel Plum-Manoso, I know you're awake," Mom said. Crap - all my names - not a good sign. I guess she'd gone into the building and saw me sunning my hotdog-filled belly when she came out. "We have something to talk about." No, not the "We need to talk" conversation!
She reminded me that we were going to the Manoso-Santos Memorial Day get-together tomorrow. Got it - can I go back to sunning my belly now? I guess not, as she kept talking. "Three weeks after that is Father's Day." WHAT ? ? ? Me and my Dad D. just dealt with Mother's Day and now I find out there's a Father's Day, too? "So, we need to think of gift ideas for your Dad D. and step-dad, Ranger." That's just great. My dad is happy with a surfboard near a big body of water, and cold beer. Mom's Man can afford anything he wants. I throw my paw over my eyes and go back to sleep. Mom grumbles something about "men and shopping" and goes back to the picnic.
Luckily for me, my mom is way smart and clever. She'd already talked to Hector about her ideas and gotten some intel from Flash. First, a present for my dad. Hector and I went to the Rangeman backyard and he took a bunch of pics of me. He even photographed my good side - spoiler alert - I don't have a bad side. He and Mom will look them over later.
Next on the agenda - pics of Mom, Rex, Freddy, and me while Mom's Man is out of the office. Mom changed into a blue shirt and khaki pants so we would all show up better. Mom sat on a bench in the Rangeman yard with me on the bench beside her. Freddy sat on her leg and she held Rex in her hand. Good thing Hector is quick at taking pics, as Rex bites if you hold him too long. This will turn into a present for Mom's Man.
Mom changed back into her Rangeman uniform and later we had lunch in Hector's lair since Mom's Man is still out. Wow - the pics are great - I have enough for a portfolio! Mom chose her favorite photo of me for my dad - not easy, if I do say so myself. Then she chose an awesome pic of her, Rex, Freddy, and me and had it printed on Hector's photo printer to be framed for Her Man, and it will get emailed to Grandpas Plum and Manoso (screensaver, anyone?) after Mom's Man gets the framed photo. Mom's Man will love it - he can buy anything he wants but this photo is priceless!
A few days later, Mom got a package - it's my Father's Day present to Dad D. I helped her order it after she got size info from Flash and picked out her favorite pic of me. Mom's Man is on-site with a client so we sneak down to Hector's lair again. Holy Moly - the gift turned out awesome - Dad D. will love it! Soon he will be the proud owner of two pairs of board shorts - one white pair and one red pair - with an image of my dashingly handsome countenance printed all over them!
A/N Your reviews are appreciated!