“How can they not let him go to Cami?” Kim says.
“And how can I not choose you?” Danika whispers the words into the phone. “Let’s make that next date soon. Maybe something with the girls. Let them see us together as girlfriends.”
“Bella told me she’s thrilled we’re girlfriends,” Kim says. “She already asked me to marry you so she and Cami can live together.”
Danika stills and swallows hard. She hasn’t—couldn’t—look that far ahead. But Kim is joking, repeating the words of a nine-year-old.
“Cami hasn’t really said anything. But I guess I take second place to a dog right now.”
“I’m sure you do. It’s not unusual to Bella, though—there’s a kid in her class with two mums, and another with two dads.”
“How about we have a sleepover soon?” Danika suggests. “You and Bella could come here.”
“Are you suggesting we all four bunk down in Cami’s room?” Amusement tinges Kim’s voice.
“Let them see us as we are. How about next Saturday? There’s soccer in the morning, though.”
“I’m sure that will be a yes.”
“Nearly a week away.” Danika sighs. “I wish I’d thought of inviting you back tonight.”
“Hugo, remember? I bet you our next dinner out that Cami makes you go back to the shelter tomorrow to drop off her letter. She won’t let you scan and email it.”
“You could be right.”
Kim is right, and the next day they’re back in Oakleigh. Cami begged to be allowed to go late to school, and Danika called them first thing. Cami’s wearing her most respectable school uniform and hat.
She made Danika hold up nearly everything in her wardrobe before approving of a pair of dark jeans and a fitted blouse as acceptable responsible-dog-parent wear.
Tess finds them as Cami is again sitting outside Hugo’s pen.
“I wondered if you’d be back today,” she says.
With a final pat for Hugo through the bars, Cami stands and holds out her hand to Danika like a barrister asking for a court brief.
Danika puts the folder they compiled last night into her hand, and Cami hands it to Tess.
“This has more reasons why we’re the best for Hugo. There’s stuff all about my mum and me, and pictures of our fences, and our house, and where Hugo will sleep in my room. My sister Bella doesn’t live with me, but she’ll love him too when she comes over. My gramps is going to build him a kennel, and Mum says he can come on the couch if there’s a rug on it. My last school report is there too so you can see I’m responsible and kind and clever enough to look after Hugo properly.”
“I’m sure you are, but it’s a good idea to bring this to show us,” Tess says.
“And I know he’s an old dog, but he’ll have the best life with us,” Cami says solemnly. “I’ll walk him every day and teach him to play soccer with me and Bella in the park. I think he’ll like that.”
“I think he will too,” Tess says. “I’ll take this folder over to the office now and put it with your application.”
“Thank you,” Cami says, and holds out her hand.
Tess shakes it with great seriousness, then goes to the office with the folder.
Cami turns back to Hugo. His tail wags faster now, and he licks Cami’s fingers through the bars. “I’ll see you Tuesday, Hugo,” Cami says. “Then you’ll be coming home with us forever.”
As they walk back to the car, Danika squeezes Cami’s hand. “Don’t get your hopes up too much, sweetie. They have to make sure Hugo goes to the best possible home.”
“That’s with us,” Cami says with confidence.
Danika can only hope that’s true.
As arranged, Shirley comes around when Cami’s at school to make suggestions for changes to the house so that Danika gets the best price.
