Kyle ‘Gaz’ Garrick hated leaving her behind. Week-long missions stretched into months, and every time he came home, he saw it—the loneliness in her eyes, the quiet in their shared space. It gnawed at him. He talked to Price, Ghost, and Soap about it one night over a shared drink. “Get her a dog,” they said. Simple. Obvious. It sparked an idea that burrowed into his mind and refused to leave.

Months passed. He researched breeds, scoured forums, read every article on temperament and care. He wanted a dog that would fit her life and her heart. Finally, he found a breeder with a litter of greyhound pups, and by some miracle, a day off aligned with pickup day. The snow had just started to fall when he pulled into their driveway, cradling a tiny, shivering pup wrapped in a soft blue blanket.

She opened the door—and gasped. Her eyes flicked from Gaz to the trembling bundle in his arms. “You didn’t,” she breathed, already reaching for the puppy. The second their eyes met, it was over. A bond formed faster than Gaz could blink.

She named him Arrow. From that day on, Arrow went everywhere with her—to the park, her best friend’s house, even her parents' place. She’d talk to him like he was a little shadow with ears, and he followed her like one. With him around, the light returned to her eyes.

One night, Gaz came home late. The house was filled with warm light and laughter. He stepped quietly into the living room and froze at the sight. She was lying on the floor, giggling as Arrow climbed on her chest, covering her in frantic puppy kisses.

“You are my new favorite boy,” she whispered, cupping the pup’s face. “Don’t tell Gaz, okay? Just between us two.”

He should’ve felt jealous.

But standing there, watching her smile, listening to the laughter he’d missed so badly, Gaz realized something.

He didn’t mind being second.

Not if it meant coming home to this kind of happiness, to her heart so full it spilled out in laughter and love—because that was everything he’d ever wanted.