“I’ll drop those muffins by later, Fin. It’s a new recipe I think you’ll like.”
“Hey, thanks, Pearl. That has my mouth watering, I’m not going to lie. You want me to drop by and fix that guttering?” he called to the elderly woman who was striding by him in black ski pants that swished as she walked. On top she wore a thick pink sweater, and her headband matched.
“I’d be grateful. I’ll make you a chicken pie; you just let me know when you’re coming!” She lifted a hand in a wave and continued striding down the street as if it wasn’t peppered with snow and ice.
“The seniors in this town,” he muttered. They put the younger generation to shame with their energy.
“Morning, Fin!”
Turning, he saw Mr. Goldhirsh and his wife, Joe’s aunt Jess. Where Mr. Goldhirsh was thin, she was a sturdier build. Long gray hair was braided, and a hat pulled low to her eyebrows. She was one of his favorite people.
When he’d arrived, she’d welcomed him, let him move into her house, and simply accepted Fin into her family. Three Trainer nephews, her own daughter, Pip, and him. Those had been some of the best days of his life.
He’d learned to laugh there. Love and laugh, he amended.
“Morning, Goldhirshes. What are you doing out here in these temperatures?”
Aunt Jess moved in and hugged him, as she always did, even if she’d seen him an hour ago. He inhaled her scent. Home cooking and love.
“We’re hardy stock, boy. This is bracing for the likes of us,” Mr. Goldhirsh said. For once he was in trousers, a thick jacket, and woolen hat rather than sports clothes.
“How’s the injury?”
“Coming along, and the cycling helps.”
“Not sure how it could. All that flying about in freezing conditions minutes away from mortal injury,” Fin teased him.
“No stamina, you young people. It’s the thrill, Fin. Makes a man feel alive. That and the love of a good woman.” He leaned down and kissed Aunt Jess. She swatted at his chest, but her cheeks were pink.
More people loved up. It was enough to put a man off his breakfast.
“You sleeping okay, Fin?” Aunt Jess asked him.
“I am.”
“The femur business had to be nasty on you.”
“It was only a bone, Aunt Jess, I didn’t find a body.”Yet,he thought. “So I’m all good, but thanks for asking.”
“We’re heading to Phil’s for coffee and a cinnamon and hazelnut donut. Coming?” Aunt Jess asked him.
“I’m just going to the bank. I’ll head there after. Don’t eat them all before I get there.”
“Did you hear Jeb and Jenny Morrison’s pups are about ready for homes?” Mr. Goldhirsh asked.
“I hadn’t heard,” Fin said, wondering where this was going. Knowing the man usually had an agenda, he waited.
“You should take one.”
“Should I?”
“Yes. He can work with you and keep you company. Nothing like a dog to teach you a few lessons.”
“And I need a few lessons?”
“Everyone needs lessons, boy.”
“I’ll see you soon,” he said as they reached the bank. “A dog,” he muttered entering the building. But the idea had lodged inside his head now, and he found he couldn’t shake it. “A dog,” he said again.Do I want a dog?
