And just like that, they claim me.
I look up to see Erik walking toward me, leashes looped neatly in one hand.
“How?” I ask, breathless, still half buried in dogs.
Remy comes to stand beside him. “We intended to get you one dog. A rescue.”
Erik nods once. “But Dewdrop,” he says, indicating the red one, “could not function without Raindrop.”
The white and gray dog presses closer, tail wagging hard enough to thump my leg. Dewdrop is quivering but burrows in nonetheless.
“So,” Erik continues, tone utterly reasonable, “we got both.”
My throat tightens before I can stop it.
Both dogs settle against me like they’ve always belonged here.
Chapter fifty-three
Remy
I don’t want to overstay our welcome or let things get weird.
I give Erik the let's go nod.
“Hey, we’re going to head out, give you guys some space,” I offer.
Meg looks at me and jumps to her feet. “Wait. Can you do us a solid? Well, another one?”
“Of course.”
“Christianna, where are your keys?” she calls over her shoulder as she heads toward the house where their purses are.
“Outside pocket,” Christianna calls back. She's stretched out on the grass with the dogs.
I follow Meg. “What’s up?”
“She had a flat tire when we came out today. Can you either change it or get it fixed?”
I hold out my hand. “On it. Text me when the furniture gets here if you need help.”
“I will. Thank you for everything today. I know she’s overjoyed.”
I glance back.
Christianna has stood to say goodbye to Erik. He initiates the hug.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen him voluntarily touch anyone other than her.
We head out, and once we’re in the truck he turns to me.
“See how well this could work?”
I don’t answer. I’ve thought of little else since our conversation earlier. I start the engine and point us back toward the Opera House.
Her little Toyota sits where she left it, listing slightly to one side.
I take the keys and head for the trunk to check the spare.
