“Like I said, just thinking about it. I need to do my research.”
Her smile turned into a more serious expression and her eyes narrowed. “What kind of a dog do you want?”
He could see the cogs turning in her head. “I don’t know, but I’d like one that would be capable of running with me. And then I need to find that kind of dog at a rescue.”
“A rescue?” Her smile came back. “That’s awesome. I can help you with that, if you want. I could do some research on the best breeds for running companions. Then see what rescues actually have some.”
“You heard the part where I said I was just thinking about it, right?”
She laughed softly. “I did. And I understand. Adopting an animal is a big step. It’s a lifetime commitment. At least for their life, anyway. But the company and the unconditional love is such an amazing reward. Not to mention when you get a rescue dog, you’re changing that dog’s life.”
He smirked. It was his own fault for telling her. But the idea of a dog was now stuck in his head, like a story idea that he knew he was going to have to write.
Was that what he was doing? Starting a new chapter in his life? Felt like it.
What better way to do that than by adopting a dog and saving a life?
He nodded as he steered toward the marina. “All right. You can help me research.”
Chapter Twenty
Frankie floated into the house behind Harper, Willa, and Archie.
Okay, she didn’t exactly float. She felt grimy and greasy from the sweat and sunscreen, neither of which the dip in the river had done much to eradicate, but there was a lightness in her soul that hadn’t been there in a long,longtime.
Lucas had kissed her. Several times. And they were now officially dating. If that wasn’t float-worthy, nothing was.
She’d honestly thought that part of her life had ended with her divorce. Tom had left her feeling less than capable of ever attracting a man again. She’d felt frumpy and old and well past her prime.
She laughed. Lucas’s last name was Prime. There was a prophetic moment in there somewhere. Or irony. Or something. She was a little too sun-baked to think clearly.
“What was that laugh for?” Harper asked. “Did I miss something?”
Frankie shook her head. “Just amused by my own thoughts.”
“Are you going to share those thoughts?”
Frankie pursed her lips. “Nope.”
Willa, whose hair was now knotted on top of her head in a chaotic bun, kept going up the steps. “I’m going to shower. And then I want to lay on the couch and do nothing until dinnertime. What are we having, by the way?”
“Something easy,” Harper answered. “Salad or pasta probably. Or leftovers.”
“I wish we had some of that ginger shrimp Lucas made,” Frankie said. “I could eat more of that.”
Willa snorted as she continued to climb. “Why don’t you call your boyfriend and see if he’ll let you have the leftovers?”
Frankie could only smile. “Maybe I will.”
Willa stopped just before the landing, looking back to squint at her mother. “No argument about how he’s not your boyfriend?”
Frankie nonchalantly lifted one shoulder. “Maybe heismy boyfriend.”
Willa’s gaze shifted to her aunt. “And not a word out of you?”
“Nope.” Harper shook her head as she continued on into the kitchen.
Willa’s mouth fell open as she looked at her mom again. “Are you kidding me? You and Lucas?”
