Chapter 121

Asher’s POV

Zade gave me a conspiratorial nod. “You’ve got a shot to make her life easier here. To take care of someone who actually deserves it. Two someone’s, I guess.” He jerked his head toward Melanie’s wolf at my feet and the baby monitor blaring Theo’s demands for “Mick” upstairs.

I kept scratching that fluffy head because, let’s be real, pets are life. “I just hope she lets me,” I muttered, fingertips brushing over the soft gray fur. The dishes in the sink piled up like a leaning tower of porcelain, but they could wait. A nap sounded revolutionary.

“Anything else you want me to do?” Zade asked, shifting his weight from one boot to the other. He’d clearly been briefed on the hierarchy of these chores.

“Nah,” I replied. “You can swing by later if you want to help with the playground build-out, but I’ve got this under control if you’re busy. I think I’ll aim for most of the afternoon outside with Theo.”

“Alright, enjoy your nap,” Zade said as