“Three months old?” I ask, remembering when Maddie did these things.
“Almost four.” Gavin rests her on his chest, placing a large hand on the back of her head.
I nod. “That’s when it all starts happening.”
“Yep,” he grins, kissing her little temple. “The eye contact, the smiles…”
He’s a big guy, but I can tell he’s completely wrapped around his daughter’s tiny finger. I guess I am, too.
I think of Maddie blinking her big brown eyes at me and making little coos and baby noises.
“Do you miss your daughter?” Haddy asks, and I glance over at her with a smile.
“Yeah. We’re never apart for long.” I push my chair back to stand. “Speaking of, I’d better get to bed so I can get an early start with the realtor tomorrow.”
Ladybird stands as soon as I do, and so does Spanky. The two lift their front legs and then take off down the wooden steps into the backyard, yelping and chasing each other.
“It’s a good thing Patsy’s not here.” Haddy takes her seat. “I’m afraid she’d get trampled.”
“Spanky looks out for her,” Gina argues. “I’m not sure if Ladybird would, though. She’s not used to her.”
“She’s always been gentle with Madison,” I note. “But you’re right. She’s not used to small dogs.”
Gigi looks up at me. “That’s a pretty name. Is it after someone in your family?”
Shaking my head, I look down, exhaling a laugh. “My late wife loved that old mermaid movieSplash. So I guess you could say my daughter’s named after Darryl Hannah.”
“I loved that movie!” Haddy lets out a muffled cry around her bite of soft taco.
Gigi leans closer to my side, surrounding me in the mouthwatering scent of cherries. “I’m pretty sure Haddy’s seen every movie ever made. Her mom’s a total movie buff.”
“Only the good ones,” Haddy says.
I grin at the four of them. The way they go back and forth, lightly arguing, always bantering, reminds me of myfamily back in Eureka. We’re all close, able to finish each others’ sentences and always have each other’s backs.
The dogs are jumping around when Ladybird suddenly catches a scent and dashes away. Gigi’s white dog is hot on her trail.
“Spanky’s trim doesn’t look too bad from here,” I observe, hoping we’re past that mishap. “I’ve never been into poodles, but he’s a good-looking dog.”
“He was bred to be a show dog, but I worked with the breeder to be sure it was done ethically.” She seems worried, as if I’d expect anything less. “Poodles were bred to be retrievers, but they love to learn tricks and entertain. It makes them perfect for showing.”
“I can see that.” I cross my arms, watching the two follow each other around the yard. “Why is he named Spanky? Isn’t that one of the little rascals?”
“He is a rascal.” Her nose wrinkles. “But I give all the dogs nicknames. His full name is Spank My Bottom. It’s a show thing. You know.”
I don’t really know, but I go with it.
Maverick walks up beside us, holding a beer and watching the dogs play. “They’ve really taken to each other.” His blue eyes flicker to mine, then his cousin’s. “It’s almost like they know something we don’t.”
Gigi narrows her eyes at him. “Like what?”
“I don’t know, but from all you’ve told me, dogs are smarter than people sometimes.” He nudges her with his elbow.
“They’re certainly more trustworthy.” Turning on her heel, she heads back to collect the dirty dishes.
The tone in her voice leads me to believe she’s encountered some untrustworthy humans, and I’m surprised by theburn of anger in my chest at the thought of someone hurting her.
“Hey, Owen, we’ve got plenty of room if you’d like to bring your daughter here now.” Maverick walks with me to the table again. “How old is she?”
