The Sweetest Sound

JC was having a hard time keeping the lid on Clare’s anniversary present as he drove toward the beach. It had been a year ago today that he had met CG and that she had taken payment in kisses. A lot had happen in that year. Some bad things. But mostly wonderful things.

They had truly become a couple, both secure in their love for one another. Clare had quit as a covert government computer hacker, much to JC’s relief. JC’s solo CD had proven to be a solid hit. He wasn’t anything flashy, but the true genius of his work made him highly sought after as a writer and producer. When the time had come for him to tour and promote his record, Clare had cut back on her workload, taking on only what she was able to do on the road. He hadn’t even asked; he hadn’t had to. She’s simply done it so they could be together.

After meeting his parents and brother at Challenge for the Children, Clare had been comfortable with the idea of the ‘family holidays’. She thoroughly enjoyed all they entailed, from helping his mother in the kitchen, to singing carols around the family piano. Upon discovering Clare had never decorated a Christmas tree, JC brought home a large blue spruce and took her shopping for ornament. She had been thrilled as a child at the twinkling tree. A couple of times he’d awakened in the middle of the night to find Clare gone from the bed. She would have crept downstairs to look at the tree. Once she had even fallen asleep on the carpet beneath the tree – and JC’d carried her back to bed. Despite the fact that Clare had been a sexual vixen, she had the heart and wonder of a child.

Mmm…and the lovemaking…Clare still could blow him out of the water with her adventurous ways. She was eager and aggressive but no longer called it sex. JC had even learned a little light bondage could be exciting and fun. He had to stay in shape now, whether he was touring or not, just to keep up with Clare! Not that he would ever complain…

The large box on the seat next to him shook, nearly dislodging the huge red bow on the top. Maybe a couple dozen red rose would have been wiser…

“There you are!” Clare called as JC carried the big box into the house. “I’d thought you would have been here an hour ago. The guests…” Her words drifted off with a frown as she looked at the box. “What in the world is that?”

“I…umm…your present,” he told her. She didn’t look pleased.

“I thought the ring was my present.”

”No. I just got that because I wanted it for you.”

“Well, whatever it is, the box is leaking.”

“Leaking?…” JC looked down to see a yellow puddle on the kitchen’s vinyl floor. “Ah, shit!” He set the package on the floor quickly and waved at it. “Guess you’d better open it now then.”

“I didn’t get you anything much…”

He kissed her. “Having you to wake up to in the morning is gift enough.”

“You’re a hopelessly romantic sap,” she accused softly.

“Yeah, I am. Sue me.”

The box rocked and emitted a small sound.

“Wha?…” Clare looked from JC to the box then back to JC.

“Happy Anniversary, babe.”

Clare cautiously lifted the lid. Once she saw the contents, she let the lid, bow and all drop from her grip. Two brown eyes peered up at her from a furry white and rust-colored face. Long orange-ish ears flopped and a white tail tipped in rust wagged merrily. When Clare hesitated, the puppy yapped at her, expecting to be picked up.

“Oh, JC…” Fat tears rolled down Clare’s cheeks.

It was JC’s turn to frown. He’d bought the Bassett hound puppy thinking Clare was ready for another pet. He was told a dog that was nothing like the first one was the best idea to prevent comparison and bad memories. “Honey, if you don’t want her—“

“Not want her? Who could resist that face?” She swept the tubby furball up into her arms. The little dog insisted on licking Clare’s face while the woman was examining the small paws and counting tiny toes like a proud, new mother. “She’s perfect!”

JC let out a whoosh of relief.

“Does she have a name?” Clare asked as she cuddled the wiggling puppy.

“Not really. Her papers say ‘Smooth Jazzman’s Pure Honeycomb’; that’s a mouthful.”

“Well, Jazzman’s out. She’s a girl.”

“Jasmine?” he suggested.

“That’s wonderful!” JC put his arms around Clare to bring her close. She sighed happily. “You’ve been with me through a lot of firsts, JC. Even some seconds.”

“Just wait until the thirds and fourths and—“ He halted when he felt something warm and wet spread over his shirt. “Ah, shit!”

Clare laughed. “The package is leaking again!”

The sound of her laughter was the sweetest sound JC thought he’d ever hear.