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“How?” The single as hardly encouraging

“I have a nuuy, and he’s unsettled the dynamics Papadum could use some space from all the dra in the world He wasn’t part of the probleured Bree didn’t need to know that “Plus, you get to hang out with the coolest canine in town”

The dog chose that moment to wave one mop-like paw in Bree’s direction “See?” Rylan said “Papaduood idea”

“Why do I feel like I’ ive it a trial Two days If it doesn’t work out, Papaduoes home with you”

Rylan resisted the impulse to punch the air in celebration Papadum would take better care of her than any sophisticated alarm system “It’s a deal”

“What does he eat?” Bree asked

“That’s a whole other conversation” He handed her Papadum’s leash “We can talk about it later e decide where you’re taking me for dinner”

Before she could reply, a car pulled up next to Rylan’s

“Clearly, I ah the words were spoken under her breath, the sreet the wo to see you this , Mom”

Audrey Douglas Colton was an attractive African American woman in her early sixties She had ray and glowing golden-brown eyes It was obvious that Bree got her stunning looks from her mother

“I had half an hour to spare before my volunteer shift at the cohter’s cheek before turning to survey the dog “Oh, ? What is it?”

“It’s a dog His na with me for a while”

Audrey’s gaze met Rylan’s for a second He read the question in her eyes This is your doing? He answered with a brief nod, and saw her features relax Anything that kept her daughter safe was fine by her