'Alexa, will you be free to go out with me tonight?' Wayne asked two days later when he called.

'I...I..em' Alexa stammer, thinking if she could and if it was advisable.

'Nothing serious, just lighten up, have fun with an old friend, okay?' he said, the lightness in his voice belying the seriousness he felt.

'Okay!' she consented. 'When will you pick me up?' she asked.

'Let's make it six pm. This is so that you will be back early for the children!' he considered.

This was one thing she liked greatly about Wayne Farmer, his care for her pups was uncompromising. She just might consider making him her children's...