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“We are. Yes.”

Their faces were still very close together, and she couldn’t help but notice that neither one of them made any move to separate, which would have been the natural thing to do. Brynn reached up and brushed a strand of hair from Aster’s forehead before her gaze fell to Aster’s lips. Whoa. Okay. The entire thing made Aster’s stomach muscles tighten.

“You are a really peaceful sleeper,” Brynn said quietly.

“You were holding me,” Aster said, remembering the feeling of someone’s arms around her. “Weren’t you?”

Brynn nodded. “Just keeping you warm. It did the same for me.” She gestured with her chin. “Like the puppies.”

“What’s going to happen to them?” Aster asked. The mama dog was awake and grooming the pups, who were all still out like lights. The little one already looked chubbier, his belly round and full.

Brynn approached the run to watch the interaction. “The puppies will still need their mother for another few weeks. After that, we’ll look for good homes.”

Aster didn’t hesitate to announce what she’d been thinking since she’d arrived at the clinic. “I would like to adopt the little one when he’s ready.” She stood, shifted her weight. “Would I be able to do that?”

Brynn smiled. “Feels fitting to me. I like the idea.”

Aster joined her in that smile. “Okay, good. I’ll start makingarrangements. And I can apply formally. Fill out a background check. Fingerprints. Interview. Whatever you need me to do.”

“What you need to do is go home and get some rest. Let me take care of the brood.”

Aster rocked back on her heels. “Can’t. It’s Sunday. People need their doughnut fix, and it’s my job to give it to them.”

“No way. You’re going to work?” Brynn laughed. She had a really melodic tone. Aster could listen to her laugh a lot more. A new goal.

“Someone has to keep the church crowd fed.” Aster looked around. Waited. It felt strange to leave Brynn now, especially after what they’d been through together. She felt like a teammate. “Thank you for all your help. Letting me stay.” She hesitated but just decided to say it. Life was about putting yourself out there. She could try that. “I liked getting to know you better.” There. Done. It was out there.

“It was a good night,” Brynn said.

“Eating snow, huh?” Aster asked.

“Nothing is quite as refreshing. Trust me on this.”

They stared at each other. Aster, still feeling brave, moved to Brynn and pulled her into a hug, and something amazing happened. They fit together perfectly. No awkwardness that often came with the first time two people tried to maneuver a hug. Everything about it simply felt…right.

Aster left the clinic still clinging to the high, reliving that moment several times over. She didn’t experience that kind of connection too often, and now she craved more of it. Was it romantic, the nature of her feelings? Maybe. But maybe not. Maybe Brynn was brought into her life for a reason. The reason had yet to reveal itself. In the meantime, Aster seized the new energy, ready to take on more of this world, bolstered by the night she’d just spent on a concrete floor. She went about her morning, made her doughnuts, chatted with her customers more than she ever had before, and as she sat at home later that night, she opened her laptop and filled out the commitment form for the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts. She’d heard Boston was a beautiful city, one worth spending a little time in.

Chapter Five

Aster was beside herself with anticipation. She’d always wanted a dog. She’d just never imagined it would be happening so soon. She was a planner and geared up for most big decisions in life with days, weeks, or months of forethought, only to have a tree branch and a box of puppies upend the practice entirely. She was about to be a dog mom and took the job very, very seriously, was thrilled about it even. She’d read three books, found an online forum for new pet owners, and purchased a membership to a subscription box service for toys and food.

And now the day was here.

“He’s a smart little guy,” Brynn told her as she arrived with Dill for his official move-in. The puppy wiggled crazily in her arms, so much bigger than when she’d first met him, and straining desperately to get to Aster to lick her face. She’d visited him most every day at the clinic, and they’d developed quite the bond. Plus, he was adorable and handsome. She’d grown to love all his little markings, three black spots on his back in sharp contrast to his white fur and a black patch over his left eye. She’d chosen the name Dill because this little guy was a fighter and came with a kick. She liked his spicy little spirit already. She accepted him into her arms and let him kiss all over her face. “Oh, hi. You’re home. This is where you live now.”

“Ah, young love,” Brynn said and folded her arms to watch.

“Drink?” Aster asked, not wanting to ignore her guest, as if that was even possible when Brynn was in her presence. She’d come from work and looked a little bit tired. It never seemed to dampen her spirit, though. She was someone who was always friendly and warm.

“If you have a bottle of red open, I’ll steal one. If not, no need to go out of your way. I’ll suffer in silence.”

“The red is open,” Aster said with a laugh. They hadn’t spent any long stretches together since the night they’d nursed Dill back to health, but the little exchanges they did have—at the grocery store once in passing, whenever Brynn came into Hole in One, or chats from their driveways on the warm June evenings—now felt different, weighted, in a good way. Aster noticed herself looking for Brynn when she walked to her car, hoping to catch a glimpse, disappointed when too long went by without an interaction.

She deposited Dill in the bed she’d purchased for him and grinned when he lunged for the grouping of toys just outside. Aster poured two glasses of red wine and handed one to Brynn.

“To new adventures with Dill.” Brynn’s green eyes sparkled. A wonderful view.

Aster touched her glass to Brynn’s. “I’ll drink to that.”