Free The New Year's Wish by Dani-Lyn Alexander

caught up in the fact her father obviously had money that he didn’t bother to look and see how generous she was. Sure, she was a little flighty and irresponsible, but she was also kind and warmhearted and fun. What have I done?
    GARRETT LOOKED AT GRACIE. A huge grin lit her face, and he resigned himself to the fact it was too late to back out. He tucked the box under his arm and rang the bell. Frantic barking was followed by the sound of Olivia’s voice. “Coming. One minute.”
    Gracie bounced up and down, completely unable to contain her excitement, a live wire ready to explode through the door the instant Olivia opened it.
    He thought briefly about the size of the dog in the picture. He didn’t want to dim her joy, but . . . “Gracie . . .”
    She looked at him. “When you go in, don’t rush the dog. Okay?”
    â€œWhy? Olivia says he’s the friendliest dog ever.”
    â€œJust humor me, okay?”
    She rolled her eyes and nodded a halfhearted agreement. He simply shook his head. This one was going to be trouble. Then he smiled, remembering he’d had the same thought about Olivia when they first met. His smile dimmed a little. He’d actually been right about Olivia. He turned to Gracie again, and she gave him her widest smile. Uh . . . oh.
    The door started to open, and an enormous ball of black fur shot through the gap.
    â€œBarney!” Olivia tried to grab his collar, but her deep-burgundy robe started to fall open, and she quickly put her hand back in place to hold it closed. A blush that almost matched her robe crept up her cheeks. “Uh . . . I’m . . . um . . . sorry. I was in the bath.”
    Barney skidded to a stop in front of Gracie, almost bowling her over in the process. He sat and wagged his whole back end as Gracie threw her arms around his massive neck.
    Garrett’s heart skipped a beat. “Gracie, be careful.”
    â€œDon’t worry. She’s fine. Barney adores kids.” Olivia stepped back from the door. “Come in, please. I’m . . . uh . . . just gonna go . . .”
    Garrett ushered Gracie into the small living room with Barney glued to her side. “Oh, wait. Here. I brought . . . um . . .” He looked down at Gracie, who was completely absorbed in rubbing Barney’s belly, then back at Olivia. He shook his head, praying Olivia would understand not to say anything in front of Gracie.
    A sad smile crossed her face, but she nodded, took the box from him, turned, and walked down the hallway without saying a word.
    Smooth, buddy.
    Her wet hair hung all the way down her back, almost to her waist, much longer than when it was dry and the curls sprang up.
    â€œLook, Daddy.” Gracie tossed a ball in the air and Barney jumped and caught it.
    â€œBe careful, Gracie.” The giant dog seemed friendly enough. He was just so big. He’d seen Newfoundlands before, but he didn’t remember any of them being as massive as this one.
    â€œThat’s better.” Olivia walked back into the room wearing ripped, faded jeans and a long, dark blue sweater that deepened the blue of her eyes. “Sorry about that.”
    â€œNo, I’m sorry for barging in on you. I just wanted to give you that box—”
    â€œAnd I wanted to meet Barney.” Gracie dragged her attention from the dog for a minute but kept a hand on his belly. “You said I could, right, Livvie?”
    â€œOf course you can. You can visit me anytime you like.” Olivia sat down on the floor beside Barney and Gracie crawled into her lap.
    Now what? How was he supposed to talk to her with Gracie right there?
    â€œDo you want to sit?” Olivia looked at him, obviously sensing his discomfort. “Do you want to give him a treat, Gracie?”
    â€œYay! I sure do.”
    â€œWant a cookie, Barney?” Barney twisted