Page 99 of Wag More Bark Less

“You know your grandpa. He probably snuck it in when no one was looking. The secret likely died with him.”

“That sounds like Grandpa. Hey, did I tell you my neighbor served in the same unit with Grandpa? In Korea?”

“You’re kidding.”

“Nope. One Seventy-Ninth Medical Company, Forty-Fifth Infantry Division. Walter worked in the mail room. Saw Grandpa like once a week because Grandma wrote him so many letters.”

“How astonishing. And this Walter lives right across the street, you said?”

“I think it’s Grandpa’s way of saying I landed in the right place at the right time. Like this whole trip was meant to be. But that’s silly, right?”

“It’s an interesting coincidence,” Mom said, hesitating a beat before adding, “You are actually coming home, right?”

“Of course I am,” I said at the shift in Mom’s tone. Gone was her cheeriness, replaced with fear that I’d do what I always did and plant temporary roots in some strange place and skip another holiday. The truth was, though, I was tired of constantly pulling up those roots for the next adventure. I craved stability in a way I never had before. For once, the thought of spending time at home didn’t make me instantly antsy.

“You have a tendency to change your mind, sweetie.”

“I promised Vi and Ethan I’d handle the littles for at least a month.”

“I thought you were staying through Christmas?”

“Remind me not to share secrets with Violet until her hormones are back to normal,” I muttered.

“I’m just worried about you.”

“I’m doing great, Mom.” I left out the part about having a full-on breakdown yesterday. Or lighting my wedding dress on fire. No need to make her worry any more than she already would on her own. Or cause her to increase her coddling. “Really. I needed this breath of fresh air. I’m helping veterans in my spare time, and I even have friends here.”

“Like your man friend.”

“His name is Luke.”

“Right. Just be careful. You called off your wedding two weeks ago. Getting involved with a man so fast⁠—”

“That’s not what’s happening here, Mom.”

“Good. Because if you tell me you’re changing your plans for a man again, I’ll be concerned.”

“Trust me. I’m not making that mistake again.”

“Good. But even just sex can get complicated.”

“Ugh. Can we not talk about my sex life?”

“I don’t want you to get hurt. Or knocked up with some stranger’s baby.”

The doorbell rang, and I was so relieved, I did a silent happy dance. Ellie let out an excited bark, first at me, and then another as she raced toward the front door.

“Mom, I got to go. Someone’s here.”

“Use protection. Do you need me to mail you condoms?”

“Love you, Mom. Bye!”

I ended the call and hurried to the door as the visitor rang a second time. I was out of breath when I pulled open the door. “Hey, sorry⁠—”

Alyssa stood on the front porch in a worn hoodie, hair pulled into a simple ponytail, and a please forgive me expression on her makeup-free face. She held out a pink bakery box with a Frosted Peaks logo.

“I brought apology cupcakes to make up for being a shitty friend.”