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“Of course” I reach out and clasp his hand He threads our fingers iood “Be quiet”

His eyes travel quickly around my small house as I lead hi, but I give hi Finally, he joinsLillie lying on her side with Buddy curled up right beside her

“Oh,ever”

“He’s a Miniature Schnoodle Lillie named him Buddy”

“A Schnoodle?”

Turning quickly, I launch into the speech “Don’t worry, he can stay here at my house, and I told Lillie she could come and see him as much as she wants—”

“Hey,” Remi holds up a hand just in front of my lips “It’s okay Whatever you want is fine with me”

Warm hands drop toso sweet to her”

My lips press, and I want to kiss him so bad

I’ain “I’d like to kiss you, too, but I’ht violate your rule… the one where we’re supposed to be thinking about ant”

I’ closer when a little voice interrupts our moment

“Daddy!” Lillie sits up in the bed and we step apart “Look what Ruby got for me! It’s a puppy! His name is Buddy He’s a Schnoodle”

Re to his daughter “I think Buddy is a I’ve never heard of a Schnoodle”

“Isn’t that a funny word for a dog?”

Buddy wakes up and starts hopping all around “Lillie! He probably needs to pee Let’s get him outside, quick!”