It’s peaceful, the heartbeat of these pups, the rippling of the water in the pond, the rustle of the leaves in the trees and the wind in the grass… the occasional chirping of a bird or squirrel…

So calming….

I close my eyes for a moment basking in the warmth of the sunshine before I sense Leo watching me and open my eyes.

He stands up. “Come on guys, let’s go for a round.” He holds his hand out to me and hoists me up.

His arm snakes around me, the other still holding Leona in his other arm. “Tonight, it’s just you and I.”

“Deal.” I say, sticking my...