“Okay, okay,” I murmur, smiling as I push myself out of bed. “You’re right. We’ve got things to do.”
I dress quickly in tights, a soft T-shirt, comfortable tennis shoes—nothing fancy. I am going for comfortable. By the time I clip Neptune’s leash on, he’s already bouncing by the door, tail sweeping across the floor.
The moment we step outside, the first thing I see is Aiden.
He’s loading crates into the back of his truck, moving with that calm efficiency he seems to carry everywhere.
He looks up and sees me, and the softest smile spreads across his face.
“Good morning.”
“Morning,” he answers, easy and warm.
We look at each other for a second longer than necessary before I lift Neptune’s leash slightly.
“I was about to give him a walk. Have you taken Skye out yet?”
“I was just about to.”
“I can take her too, if you’d like.”
He nods. “That’d be great. Have you eaten yet?”
“Not yet. I’ll eat after we walk.”
“I’ll have breakfast ready when you get back. Just come in through the front door.”
“I can make breakfast if you want. You seem to be pretty busy.”
His smile softens, almost amused. “I’m done here. I can take care of it. I want to make something for my uncle before his caretaker arrives anyway.”
“Sounds good.”
“Let me grab Skye.”
While he disappears inside, I look over the truck again. Crates fill the bed, neatly organized and tied down, like he planned every inch ahead of time. Neptune sits patiently beside me, watching the door.
Aiden comes back seconds later, Skye trotting happily at his side.
“Hey, sweet girl,” I call as she rubs her head against my leg.
Aiden watches quietly as Skye settles next to me.
I take the leash, and both dogs fall into step like they’ve been doing this forever.
We start walking.
“I’m kind of jealous,” I say after a moment. Neptune looks up at me as if understanding. “I’ve never been invited on one of your hikes. I bet they’re so much fun.”
When we get back from the walk, I hesitate at Aiden’s front door.
He told me just to come in, but something about walking straight into someone else’s home feels too bold, even now. I shift both leashes to one hand and knock instead.
The door opens a few seconds later.
Aiden stands there with a kitchen towel thrown over his shoulder and a smile that suddenly makes me feel warmer.
“You’re just in time,” he says. “Breakfast’s ready.”
