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Chapter 1

The air was crisp as Ja Alex see up, which was fine by her She figured six as were okay now It used to be easier, and earlier, but back then she didn’t have soled Life certainly wasn’t rough, nor was she co one little bit

Getting an hour to herself was a great start to the day Plus, she really wasn’t all by herself

"This works good, doesn't it, buddy?" She tugged on Jake's leash and pulled him from the warmth of the house as he whined in protest

The cute little brown ball of fur Alex had given her for Christ to lookthan a puppy

"Co with Uncle Mark thisYes, I am Come on, boy" Jamie reached down and scratched his ears as he pulled back toward the house

With a groan, she turned around and let hi off the front porch She would have to take her jog alone Her four-legged partner had called in sick and wasto tear up while she was out The cute little thing had torn up more of their shoes than she cared to think about

"Da you're so cute," shethe snoas iht, and rather enjoyed the exhilaration that the cold brought with it She could have gone down to the gym and run on a treado back in and change She was tough; she could handle a little freezing weather

Alex didn't expect her in the office until nine today, so she could take an extra-long tiers and toes didn't protest too much

Mark wasinto her old apartment over the next week, which would iven her a key to the house, but this, somehow, made it feel more certified

A s another step with hi She chuckled at how stupid she had felt at Christ froiven her a box with a key to the house Why was she so desperate for the ring? She should be happy here they were now

He was a slow- man when it came to commitment

"That's probably why his coot to be sure of the risk before he takes it" She waved to the guy across the road, who lifted his hand in the air

Her phone buzzed in her pocket and she pulled it out, but didn't stop running "Hey, baby What's up?" She glanced behind her to check for cars beforeacross the road

"Are you headed this way yet?" His voice sounded pinched, which wouldHe was stressed

Great "No I’, but I can turn around if you need ed in place as a thick cloud for

"Did you take Jake with you?"

"No, but I tried He wouldn't budge froh