He Knows When You’re Awake: A Naughty or Nice Novel

by Alta Hensley

“About time,” he says, stepping aside to let me in. “The little monster’s been driving me crazy.” As if on cue, a ball of golden fur comes tumbling around the corner, all paws and floppy ears. The golden retriever puppy skids across the hardwood floor before colliding with my shoes, immediately attacking my shoelaces with fierce determination. “Jesus, Knox. What have you been feeding him?” I crouch down, and the puppy abandons my shoes to lick my face enthusiastically. “The usual. Kibble, water, the occasional shoe.” He crosses his arms. “So you’re really doing this? The whole Christmas miracle thing?” I scoop up the puppy, who settles against my chest with surprising contentment. “I don’t have a choice. I screwed up.” “Yeah, you did.” Knox disappears into his kitchen and returns with a bag of puppy supplies. “I’m not going to say I told you so.” Knox hands me the puppy’s leash. “He’s already house-trained. Mostly.” “Mostly?” “Nah, I’m kidding. You’re screwed. Good luck.”