Daxton 

Verena laughed so hard that she could barely catch her breath as the golden retriever shook itself violently, splashing water on her. The solemn look on her face was now long gone and I could feel my heart melting at the joy her face radiated. 

She carried the retriever and for a second, I worried that she could trip and fall. 

“Easy, Verena,” I gave Josh a small pat on the shoulder, whispering. “Get to work,”

I returned my eyes to Verena whose face beamed as if the world hadn't just thrown rocks at her.

“Daxton,” Her eyes brightened as they held mine. “This retriever doesn't have a collar—”...