3 Chapter 3

“Yeah, I know. Shelby was a pound pup, too.” He placed her dish with a fair helping of the main course on the patio bricks as he spoke. She dived into it with gusto and was finished before Jesse had finished serving Nick.

“No, sweetheart, that’s all.” He laughed as she sat wagging her tail, begging for more.

“How long have you had her?”

“She was my anniversary present a year ago. I begged and begged Denny for a dog. Denny—that’s my boyfriend—finally gave in. He wanted to go the purebred route, but there are so many great dogs that need homes. I convinced him to check out some of the rescue sites. That’s where we found her. Didn’t we, girl?” he said, reaching down and offering her a piece of bread.

“Denny says I spoil her, too. He really doesn’t care too much for dogs. He never had one growing up. Oh, he likes Shelby well enough, but she’s really my dog.”

“You know what he’s getting you this year?”