Mirabe nced at Zach and handed him the smaller box with a warm smile. "Happy Birthday, Zach."


    "Thanks, Mirabe." Zach''s eyes sparkled as he took the gift, cing it on the coffee table, hands rubbing together in anticipation of opening it.


    Just as his fingers touched the box, he hesitated, his eyes darting around before pulling his hand back.


    Mirabe raised an eyebrow, puzzled. "Why aren''t you opening it?"


    Zach cleared his throat and pushed his sses up. Trying to keep his excitement in check, he said, "Let''s wait until everyone is here. We can open it together."


    Mirabe shrugged, knowing the box was well-padded and had air holes to ensure the puppy inside was safe. She ced another box, filled with dog food and a small dog bed, on a side table. "I''m gonna go change. Be right back."


    Zach waved her off and nced at the clock. It was 6:30. Where were Emmitt and Leo?


    Frowning, he pulled out his phone to call them, too eager to show off his gift to wait any longer.


    When Mirabe came back downstairs, she found Zach circling the box with the puppy, propping his chin on his hand as if deep in thought.


    Suppressing augh, she walked up to him. "If you want to open it, just open it." Zach''s eyes flickered, and he shook his head. "Mirabe, what exactly is in here?" Mirabe raised an eyebrow and teased, "Haven''t you heard anything?"


    "Sounds?" Zach looked puzzled. "No, why?"


    Mirabe nodded, thinking this must be a particrly quiet Husky. A rare breed indeed.


    Momentster, Leo and Emmitt arrived. Nick had left after New Year''s, so it was just the six of them.


    They all gathered in the living room, dinner forgotten for the moment. Zach stood by the coffee table, his excitement barely contained.


    "Before I open it," he announced, "I want you all to know this is a special birthday gift from my sister."


    Mirabe coughed lightly, her gaze dropping.


    "What is it?" Leo asked, a hint of envy in his voice.


    Zach grinned. "Let''s find out."


    He slowly untied the ribbon and lifted the lid. But when he saw the puppy inside, his hands trembled, and the lid fell to the floor. His voice shook. "Holy... what is this?"


    He''d been terrified of dogs ever since one bit him as a kid.


    The previously silent Husky chose this moment to bark twice at Zach.


    Paling, Zach took a few steps back.


    Mirabe, now standing beside him, patted his shoulder gently. "Zach, you don''t like the gift?"


    Zach''s cheeks twitched as he met his sister''s gaze. The words "I don''t like it" stuck in his throat, finallying out as a strained, "I... I like it..."


    Shawn and the others, knowing his fear of dogs, couldn''t help but chuckle.


    Mirabe blinked and then nced at the puppy. "Well, he''s practically your son now. Aren''t you going to hold him?"


    Zach: ".


    He was speechless, feeling a mix of dread and determination. Tomorrow, he''d


    face his fear. For now, he thanked everyone for their support and promised more updates during the holiday season. Goodnight!