8:49.
Oh goodness. James would be here in eleven minutes.
“It’s just dog training,” she muttered to herself as she smoothed her sweater. “Not a date. Definitely not a date.”
Jake didn’t seem to hear her, too busy stuffing spoonfuls of cereal into his mouth while Bash waited hopefully for dropped pieces.
“Okay, finish up,” Doreen said. “Then take Bash out for a quick bathroom break before Deputy Pike gets here.”
Jake gulped down the rest of the cereal, practically launched himself off the chair, and scrambled for his boots. The moment the door clicked shut behind them, Doreen grabbed the lip balm from the counter, hesitated, and quickly put it on, anyway.
For moisture.
Totally for moisture.
She had just tucked it back into her pocket when the cabin door flew open with Jake’s usual dramatic flair, letting in a gustof cold air and a boy who looked as if he’d already lived three adventures since breakfast. His cheeks were pink from the cold, his breath puffing out in little clouds as he rushed inside.
“Aunt D! It’s almost time! I need my hat. Do you know where it is?” He darted across the room like a wind-up toy wound too tightly.
Bash padded in behind him, tongue lolling, golden fur fluffed from rolling in the snow, looking far less frantic about his upcoming training session than his small handler.
“It’s on the hook by the door,” Doreen said, trying and mostly failing to hide her smile.
Jake grabbed the navy-blue hat and jammed it onto his head at a distinctly heroic angle. He crouched down in front of Bash and cupped the dog’s face in his small hands.
“Today is the big day, Bash,” he whispered with reverent seriousness. “Today we become champions. Well… eventually. But today we start.”
Bash responded with a happy huff and a wag that nearly knocked Jake over.
Doreen watched the pair with utter love and pride in her nephew and the way he poured his whole heart into whatever he was doing. He reminded her so much of Pauline. Her sister was bright, wholehearted, certain the world was full of good things waiting to be found.
And just like that, the familiar ache brushed her ribs, soft but sharp. If life had gone differently with Walt, maybe she’d also have a child who adored her with that same unwavering devotion. But she pushed the thought aside before it could take root. This was her life. She couldn’t change the past.
And for now, her life centered around Jake and Bash.
A sudden shift in Bash’s posture pulled her from her thoughts. His ears pricked, body tensing as his tail wagged with gathering speed.
“What is it, boy?” Jake whispered, following the dog’s gaze toward the door.
Bash froze for a moment, his attention beyond the door, before he leaped forward, whining as he pawed the door.
“He’s here!” Jake knew Bash well enough to interpret his actions. He swung around and launched himself toward the window like a missile.
“Jake…wait…” Doreen warned, but he was already plastered against the glass.
Her stomach dropped.
Oh no.
James was here.
Right now.
She caught her reflection in the hallway mirror on her way past. Yes, she’d really nailed the casualI am absolutely not trying to impress Deputy Pikelook.
Of course, that didn’t stop her from circling back for a second glance.
Her cheeks were already a little flushed from the warmth of the cabin, her eyes bright with a nervousness she had no business feeling. She smoothed her sweater, tightened the ponytail, and tucked a few rebellious strands behind her ears.
