Chapter Text
Vin scrolled though the website again. The same picture caught his eye every time. The dark eyes full of cheer, the soft brown and black fur. The German Shepard was the best-looking dog Vin had ever seen. Maverick should like him and the post on the shelter’s website said the dog did well with other dogs and cats (so the barn cats wouldn’t mind him). He was two years old; his dad did say no puppies. His dad had said that there were plenty of older dogs that deserved homes too. And Maverick was just a big puppy anyway so a second dog should be a bit more mature.
Vin looked around his room. It was spotless, and there was nothing just shoved in the closet (though the one wardrobe drawer was another story). He had done the laundry for two months now, and emptied the dishwasher every night. And tonight when his dad got home, they would be heading to the shelter in the small town by their ranch. Their new family member would be coming home. Yes, Vin played with and took care of Maverick but this new addition he would be HIS dog.
They already had a leash. Vin had sent his big brother Billy a photo of the dog, and the two had even picked a name, Cash, and this weekend Billy would be coming in to see them.
Billy was Mary’s son from her marriage. After her husband had died, Mary had sent Billy to live with his grandparents and they in turn had enrolled him in a private boarding school. When Chris and Mary had got together four years ago he debated moving back. He debated it again two years ago when they took in Vin, but he was fitting in well at the school and didn’t really want to leave. He had been back the first week of June. His school got our earlier then Vin’s. He had a chance to meet Ray, Ginny and Rose. Then he was going to his summer camp that his school offered. Billy went to St. John's Military School in Salina, Kansas. He had transferred there last year (his grade nine year) after determining that he wanted to be in the military when he graduated. He had previously been in a co-ed school in Colorado Springs. Vin had just finished grade three and was getting ready for grade four in the fall. He had no idea what he wanted to do after school. He wondered if by the time he was the same age as Billy he would.
It would be awesome weekend, tonight Cash comes home, tomorrow Billy comes, and on Saturday, Everyone would be coming out to meet Cash. Vin was not going to send out any pictures of Cash. He wanted it to be a surprise. He looked at the clock. Dad would be home in an hour better go sweep the porch.
-=-=-=
Chris pulled up to the ranch at just a few minutes after six. He had made good time on the highway home and traffic had not been too bad in the city.
He smiled as he got out. The porch was spotless, the plants were watered and there was even some extra wood on the ready to chop pile. He was proud of his son he had wanted his own dog so badly and had really put in the work of the extra chores to earn the extra allowance to afford the adoption fees and first check-up.
Chris headed inside. Vin was sitting in the living room trying (and failing) to contain his excitement. Chris was bad he took his time putting his briefcase away, Mary watched and smiled from the couch, and Chris slowly went through the mail bill, bill, bill, junk. Chris snuck a peek of his nine year old peeking up over the couch.
“Oh hey Junior, you waiting for something?” Chris asked with a sly smile.
Vin trying to not be rude and just blurt out.
“Today is Thursday”
“It is”
“And…..”
“Hmm something about a dog…” Chris smiled “get your shoes and get in the truck Vin”
Vin cheered as he darted for the door and pulling on his pre-tied runners. Mary smiled and followed.
-=-=
It took all that was in him to keep himself from running into the shelter. Vin bounced up and down on his feet as he and Chris approached the desk. The lad smiled.
“Hello Mr. Larabee are you here to pick up your dog.”
“We are.” Chris said.
“We will bring him out”
Vin got worried, did his dad pick out the dog, but he hadn’t told his mom and dad what kind he wanted, he thought he was going to get to pick it out. He didn’t want to be ungrateful, but he didn’t want any other dog but Cash the German Sheppard. Vin stood in silence telling his brain to tell his mouth to say thank you no matter what dog came through the doors.
Vin heard them in the hall, he closed his eyes as the door opened, he heard a bark, it was loud not that of one of the small dogs his mom liked. He opened his eyes to see it. It WAS Cash.
“Cash!” Vin moved forward and hugged the dog who in turn licked his cheek
Chris smiled “Cash, I like that name”
“How did you know?” Vin said still cuddling the dog
“Well you have been drawing German Shepard’s all over your sketch book and there was only one in the three shelters we looked at. That’s why I called ahead to get him ready. He’s all checked out so all we have to do is sign the papers and take him home.”
“Do I get to sign too” Vin beamed
“Sure” The lady from the shelter said, pulling up a duplicate copy of the forms so vin could sign something.