Expanding Horizons

Everest had arranged for a slumber party at an empty cabin, so they could plan the puppy showers.

"So did we not want to go to the spa?" asked Yeshe, "I was kind of looking forward to another spa day."

"I actually did one better," Everest said as she opened the door. Katie and Gale had the tubs set up in the main room of the cabin. "I brought the spa with us."

"Awesome Everest," said Skye, "I'll admit, you topped my previous parties."

"I learned from the best," said Everest. "But I thought you deserved a great party thrown for you for a change."

The girls all enjoyed the party and now Everest's slumber party joined the legendary club.

***

Buster was walking the perimeter when he noticed Karuna walking up.

"You didn't have to come," said Buster, "I told you, I have your shifts for the week.

"I know, and I know why," said Karuna, "so, fell asleep, huh?"

"I know it looked bad," said Buster, "I'm ashamed that I ruined the date. You worked so hard to help me make it perfect."

"Give me a break, You didn't ruin it," laughed Karuna. "In fact I overheard my sister telling Lizzy that it was perfect. You got away with it, and while you're going to be tired for a week, you really got off pretty easy. I don't think my parents were really all that upset."

"They did accept our excuse pretty quickly," said Buster, "I'm sure one or both of our dad's came and found us."

"Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised," said Karuna. "So you really didn't do anything?"

"No, I would never," yipped Buster. "Well that's not true, I hope to someday."

"Whoa TMI," laughed Karuna, "I don't want to imagine you knotted with my sister."

Buster laughed, "seriously, no I never even thought about it. I enjoyed everything and we were laying back talking about our futures. I was asking Gale if she was going to go to school to be a vet or not. She asked if I planned on remaining a Guardian. We talked about where we would live and how great it would be to wake up with each other each morning. She was laying on my chest and I was petting her head, then we were waking up."

"Wow, I have to admit," said Karuna, "that sounds pretty perfect to me. So would you say all this is worth it?"

"Short of them not allowing us to see each other," said Buster, "I would have gladly accepted anything. I don't mind the extra shifts. And you get the week off."

"Yeah, Lizzy thanks you for that by the way," laughed Karuna.

***

"So you really just fell asleep?" asked Katie.

"Honestly, we did," said Gale, "It was perfect. Buster was a perfect gentlepup. I had to kiss him first. And it was a great kiss. He fed me fruit and cheese, then pup treats he made. He even fixed a great chef salad. I love chef salad. He thought of everything, although I know my brother helped him get everything together. We talked about our futures and then I was laying on his chest listening to his heartbeat, I felt his chest rise with his breathing. It was hypnotic, the next thing I knew he was jumping up hyperventilating that Mom was going to kill him."

"It sounds like a perfect date," said Katie, "So where is this pond?"

"I don't mind the extra shifts," said Gale, "It gives me more study time. I'd have done anything to keep them from not letting us see each other."