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“I’ her,” I declare

She laughs lightly “You didn’t let e and then co wet And um …” She waves a hand atarea “I’ that old lady heart palpitations”

I look to where she’s indicated and find a white-fluffy-haired lady of about eighty staring at rip on her Persian cat

I chuckle as ht But I’ back”

“And I’ht tell her to stay

I srip her hand in mine I cherish these moments, where even for a second, it feels like we’re a real couple I crave the freedoed for it

Without a word, we head out to my truck and home

Cade and Rae are in the family room e come inside

“Heard you ran over a dog” Cade chuckles, eyes glued to the TV

“I didn’t run over it,” I snap with a bite to my voice

He looks up and his brows scrunch together “Where’s your shirt?”

“With the dog” I sigh, heading for the stairs “Thea and I are changing and then we’re going back to the vet”

“Why?” Rae asks, peering over the couch at us Thea’s already started up the steps and I stand on the botto, piecing together whatunder their noses Granted, I don’t think she’d ever guess we’reout eventually or get Thea to spill with as close as those two are

“Because I adopted her”

“You got a dog?” Cade laughs