She woke up, startled at the sound of a cup being set down. She leapt up and stumbled over her own feet and fell to the ground. She cried not because of pain, but of embarrassment. She stood up. "I'm s-sorry, love." She stammered. "M-my bad." She was shivering and she collapsed into Liam's arms, craving safety and reassurance. "We should tell everyone today. And." She hesitated. "I think we should tell my brother in person." She knew the terror was on her face as much as the determination was. She kept a straight face, but blinked back more unnessacary tears. She quickly swiped them away and nuzzled deeper into Liam's chest. "Don't you agree? He will want to come anyways. Might as well get it over with."

Liam caught Katie before she hit the ground, holding her to his chest as he sat down on the couch. Stroking her hair he nodded, "if you're sure then we can tell everyone. I will always be here for you, no matter what your brother says or does" he says reassuring her. Journey barked. "And Journey will also always be here" he translated chuckling.

"okay. Hand me my phone, please and thanks." She says. She dials the familiar number and he picks up on the second ring. "Hello?" A rough voice answers. "What do you want Katie?"

"I would appreciate it if you came down to the rescue so we can talk."

"No. I don't want to be near that place or him."

"You are coming, Alex, or so help me god you will never see Olivia again."

"No. You don't even know where I am!"

"Maybe not, but you I will find out. Be at the rescue in an hour. Understood?"

"Yes. I'll be there. One thing. Why? What is so imporatnt I need to come to that wretched place?"

"Come and find out. See you Soon."

"sure."

Katie hung up, angry at her stupid brother. " I wish he had been in the car with mom and dad during the crash." She muttered, hoping Liam didn't hear too clearly. She tossed her hpone onto the couch once more, and turned to kiss Liam. She sighed and ordered doordash breakfast for both of them. Ihop. Her favorite. After ordering, she snuggled back into Liam and traced the grooves on his chest and neck until food arrived. She stood when she heard a car pull in, no longer dizzy, and got the food. When she had walked back into the office and was sitting next to Liam, she set out the food. Pancakes and bacon smells filled the small office's air. She quickly ate her food, suddenly starving. They sat and waited for the sound of another car pulling in.

While Katie was making the call to her brother, Liam went to the kitchen and made the dogs their food. He put a beef patty in each of their bowls along with a quail egg and some blood flakes. He then commanded them to sit before placing the bowls down in front of them. Once Katie ended the call, he came back over and wrapped his arms around her again. "I need to head to the pet store later for the dogs" he told her. "Also, we don't need to continue to DoorDash food. I can always cook you and the baby something. It's probably healthier than having take out every day" he offers.

Liam took the dogs to the pet store, letting them take a free sample each. He then got some treats and bones as well as another bag of food. He also found super cute jackets, which he got one in size medium for Journey and a small for Captain. He then went back home to show Katie. "Look how cute they are!" he says, motioning to the dogs in their jackets.

Liam shoves Alex back. "You are a guest, Katie did not have to tell you about this" he tells him sternly. "You can either talk nicely or else I will have to ask you to leave" he says calmly, standing between Alex and Katie. When he began to left, Liam turned to Katie. "You okay?" he asks, stroking her hair. "I have to go and greet the vet, you want to come with?" he asks. Perhaps the vet could take her mind off the interaction with her brother.

"Sure. Maybe he was right, and this is a stupid idea." She mumbles. As they walk hand-in-hand toward the vet Katie quickly wipes her tears as to not surprise the vet too much.

Liam hugs her, "It's not stupid. If it makes you feel any better, once we tell my mom she's not gonna leave. She's gonna go all helicopter on you and be more concerned about you than you will be" he chuckles. He offers her some tissues before placing a hand on her back and guiding her to the barn where the vet had just arrived

"Thanks, love." She turns and kisses him. Shewrps her arms around him as they walk toward the vet.