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“Side of the shed,” Owen ordered.

“Oh, but—”

He ignored Sonya. “Side of the shed. It’s got electric and the concrete pad extends under the overhang.”

Too charmed to argue, she followed them.

It looked exactly the way she’d drawn and designed, with its mansard roof, the turret, and arched windows. He’d arched the doorway, too, and above it he’d put a sign bearing Yoda’s name.

“It’s really big,” Cleo said.

“So he can have guests over. Oh, it’s just stately! I love how it reflects the manor. It’s got a little chimney!”

When they set it down, with a trio of grunts, Yoda went straight in.

“He likes it. He already likes it.”

“He’s got himself some cool digs.” John Dee scratched his beard under his grin.

Owen got down on the ground, reached between the back of the house and the shed.

“I have to see.” And Sonya crawled in after her dog. “Oh, oh, oh!”

The tray ceiling, the fancy tile floors, a regal little bed with—as she reached over and tested—a trundle for overnight guests. The little electric fireplace and a toy box, already filled.

“Hit the switch on the fireplace,” Owen called out. “On the right.”

When she did, low, simulated flames came on.

“It works! It’s wonderful.”

“Floor heat’s set on low. Leave it alone.”

Yoda snagged an orange bone out of the toy box, and wagged.

“He loves it, Owen. I love it.” She backed her way out. Before she could stand, Mookie and Jones went in.

“They all fit! It’s perfect. You’re a genius.”

“You designed it.” He nodded at his work. “Fair trade.”

“I’m going to agree,” Trey said, “since I’ve seen the oiled and polished-up desk in his workshop. It’s a beauty. Thanks, John Dee, for the hand. This thing’s a monster.”

“No problem. That’s a hell of a doghouse.”

“Stay for dinner.” Cleo bent to look through the arched window. “We’ve got plenty.”

“Ah now, that’s real nice, but Kevin’s already got that going. I’d better get on.”

“Wait just a minute.” Sonya ran into the house, then back with a bottle of wine. “For your dinner. You and Kevin.”

“Ah now, you don’t have to do that. But I’ll take it.”

When he left, Owen got down, switched off the fireplace.

“It’s a nice night. They don’t need it. What’s for dinner?”

“Crap! I need to finish.” Turning on her heel, Cleo headed inside.