“Or she could have had a fun activity for a change,” Penelope said. “Have you ever considered that to be a possibility or are you so impossibly set in your ways that you refuse to see that?”
“You are not to take her outside anymore without my permission,” he told her firmly. “Not even to the gardens. You have proven that you cannot be trusted.”
That stung. Penelope tried to hide the hurt that was already forming on her features.
“You cannot stop me,” Penelope said to him.
“I said no!” Alexander raised his voice, louder than he had ever spoken to her before.
The instant the word rang out, Apollo launched himself forward with a sudden bark. With surprising force for a dog of his size, he leapt at Alexander’s chest.
Alexander stumbled backward, caught completely off guard. As he did, his boot slid in the slick grass. He fell hard, directly into a shallow puddle left behind by the morning rain, the water splashing up all around him.
Penelope froze, while Apollo stood over him triumphantly, tail wagging as though he had just saved the day.
What hasjust happened?
Alexander swiped water from his face and looked down at the dog. “You traitor!”
“He was only trying to protect me,” The laugh burst out of Penelope before she could stop it.
“You’re laughing,” Alexander looked up at her, drenched.
“I’m sorry,” she gasped, eyes watering, “it’s just, oh, heavens?—”
The serious moment had been transformed at once into something lighthearted, and the tension had eased.
Alexander looked at Apollo, then back at her. And then, before she could even blink, his hand shot out. Penelope barely had time to squeal before he caught her by the wrist and gave her a sharp tug. She lost her balance, stumbling forward.
“No, wait, don’t you dare…”
But it was too late. With a splash, Penelope landed beside him in the puddle, muddy water soaking through the back of her gown and her palms as she tried to push herself up.
“Alexander!” she shrieked.
It was his turn to laugh now.
Apollo barked again and came trotting over to investigate, then promptly flopped beside them both in the puddle, splashing more water over Penelope’s skirt.
“You're enjoying this far too much,” she scowled.
“Oh, I really am.”
They were both breathless now, their laughter finally fading into uneven breaths. Penelope glanced sideways and suddenly realized how close he was. His shoulder brushing hers, his face only inches away.
Alexander’s smile faded slowly, as the reality of the moment came rushing back.
“I’m sorry,” he said finally, “For raising my voice at you. For what I said.”
Penelope looked up at him, surprised by the gentleness.
“You and Odette… you’re all I have,” he continued, eyes flicking down to the muddy water before returning to hers. “You’re my family now. I would destroy anything that ever tried to hurt either of you.”
She didn’t know what to say. The words sat between them like a truth he hadn’t meant to speak but couldn’t take back. Her heart fluttered painfully in her chest.
He was so close. But neither of them made any effort to move. His eyes dropped to her mouth for just a second but then…
“Bark!”
