Page 99 of Quinton's Quest

“Did you bring cookies?” Trevor gazed up at Quinton.

Quinton tried to suppress a smile—but he was terrible at it. “Mama might’ve sent some cookies for good children. After playtime, though.”

“Yay!” Melodie vibrated with pleasure, and Trevor took off toward the dog run.

“Hold up there, buddy.” I tried to slow him down, but Lucky was already tearing after him.

“Melodie and I will be right there.” Quinton’s voice was laced with amusement.

I couldn’t even turn to acknowledge him because Trevor was headed straight for a cute-looking beagle.

A tall, Black man clearly saw the collision coming. He knelt beside the dog and held out his hand for Trevor. “Slow down, there. Buddy will be happy to meet you.”

“Sorry!” I ran to catch up, uncertain how Lucky would deal with all this. I held him back as the stranger stroked the beagle’s ears.

The stranger blinked. “Trevor!”

“Hi. Pet Buddy.”

“You know each other?” Even as I said the words, Trevor was reaching for the beagle.

“Oh yeah.” The stranger smiled. “We’ve all met. I was just expecting to see Archer and Gideon with—” He strained to look past me. “Hello Melodie.”

“Hi, Isaac.” Melodie joined us. “Can I pet Buddy?”

“Of course.” Isaac gazed up at me. “If it’s okay.”

All the memories of dog bites flooded in for a moment. Except clearly the kids knew Buddy. Buddy’s owner was right there. I had a good grasp on Lucky. “Uh, sure.”

“Remember to be gentle.” Isaac petted the dog.

Melodie giggled as she replicated his actions and scritched the dog’s ears.

Trevor awkwardly stroked the dog’s back.

Buddy closed his eyes in what I’d term bliss.

“Hey.” Quinton came up beside me. “Coffee.” He handed me a travel mug.

“You’re a god.”

“I lost the bet.” He winked.

Heat flooded my cheeks and, I suspected, a blush to match.

He pivoted. “Hey, Isaac. Where’s Ben?”

“Here!” A young man with blond hair and vivid-blue eyes approached with a wave. He also carried two mugs. “I got caught up talking to a parent and figured Isaac would be bored.”

Isaac smiled. “I never get bored. But some parents prefer privacy.” He gestured to the newcomer with his chin. “I’m Isaac and this is my husband Ben. He teaches French Immersion at Cedar Street Elementary School.”

“Oh.” I nodded. “Melodie’s enrolled in the program.”

Ben grinned. “We know. I can’t wait until she’s in my class.” He held my gaze.

“Right. I’m Leo—their other dad.” I hated labeling myself as such…but I didn’t have a better term for it. “Gideon is with Archer now.”Please understand. Please don’t ask questions.

“Yes. We’ve met them quite a few times. They love to bring Lucky here.”