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“Yeah, he’s a doll. He moved into a senior living apartment a month ago. I miss him. But he insisted a married couple needed their privacy and claimed he couldn’t keep up with the house anymore. Personally, I think it’s hard for him living here without Mom. I think he’s enjoying his new place.”

“Change can be good, I suppose,” she said without much enthusiasm.

The changes she’d gone through lately hadn’t been remotely good. But she was going to have to adjust her attitude. She didn’t want to bring Julie down.

“Thinking about your situation?”

“Mmm, trying not to, but every so often, my stomach dips at all the unknowns in my life now. But Ipromisenot to dwell. I wouldn’t do that to you. Besides, I’m stoked about being your maid of honor.”

“I wouldn’t have anyone but you. Come on, I want to introduce you to Muffy.”

“Muffy? I can’t wait.”

“Just hold on to your hat, she’s still a pup and she’s got a lot of energy.”

Julie helped with her luggage and together they entered the house. Immediately, a blond and white ball of fluff barreled toward them, lifting off on all fours to greet Julie. Once, twice, three times, until her tongue lagged out of her sweet little fur face and big, round, deep chocolate eyes implored Julie for attention.

Julie dropped the luggage and bent down. “Okay, Muffy. I’m here. Don’t you worry now.” Julie’s soft tone calmed the pup as she absorbed the love. If she was a cat, she’d be purring.

“She’s darling.”

Julie snuggled her. “And a handful and a half.”

Taylor bent to her knees too and rubbed her behind the ears. “Hi, Muffy. I’m Taylor.”

Muffy craned her neck over, darted her tongue out and slurped a wet kiss to her chin.

Taylor chuckled. “You’re fast.”

“You don’t know the half of it. If the door is open, she takes it as a personal invitation and out she goes racing down the street. I’ve had to chase her down three times this week. She’s signed up for obedience school after our honeymoon, because she’s a naughty little girl.” Julie said the last part with the teeniest, tiny loving voice.

“Does she know her way home yet?”

“I wish. But, unfortunately, she has no feline tendencies.”

“Meaning, she gets lost?”

“When she takes off, she’s too excited to know where the heck she is. Luckily, I’ve always been able to find her.”

Muffy sounded like a lot of trouble. But she was adorable, so that made up for some of it.

“Well,” Julie said, picking up the terrier mix and standing, “you must be tired. Do you want to settle in and rest?” Julie glanced at the staircase just off the living room. “Your room’s all ready for you. We haven’t changed a thing.”

Muffy gave Julie another wet kiss.

“Ah, I love that room.” It was a bedroom that overlooked the backyard and the hills behind. Taylor would stare out that window often, waking at the crack of dawn and waiting for the rest of the family to rise. Back then, they had goats and chickens. “I’m actually good. Just let me unpack and I’ll meet you down here and we’ll talk some more.”

“Oh, I was hoping you’d say that. I’m dying to see my gown. Do you think I could?”

“Well, I don’t usually show my work until it’s all finished.”

Hope died in Julie’s eyes until Taylor grinned. “Kidding. Of course you can see your gown. You can try it on.”

“Oh no. Not me. I’m a hot mess right now. I’ve been running around all day and still smell of crayons, glue and finger paint.”

Julie was a grade school teacher. She did look a bit frazzled at the moment, but in a good way. “Would you mind putting it on for me?” Julie scrunched up her nose. “Just for a sec?”

“You are not a hot mess. But if it’ll make you happy, I’ll model the dress for you. Just remember it’s not finished. There’s a whole lot more detailing that needs to be added.”