He blinked, some shutter going down over the hope. “No. We lived in an apartment. It wasn’t practical.”
God. She couldn’t take this away from him either.
“Well, if we’re going to have a dog, you’re going to have to build a fence. I don’t want to be those people who let their dog just wander loose. It’s not safe for the dog, and Lord knows, Maddie would follow one anywhere.”
Holt brightened. “I’ll make sure you won’t regret it.”
“What kind of dog is she, anyway?”
“Some kind of yellow lab/shepherd mix, I think. I’ll get her into the vet ASAP to confirm she’s spayed. She’s not a puppy, and it looks like she’s already had at least one litter. The guys at the co-op are pegging her at about four or five years old.”
“Well, hopefully that will make her easier to house-train.”
The backdoor opened and girl and dog came bounding in.
“Mommy! Meet Banana Bread!”
The dog skidded to a halt inches away from Cayla and slowly lowered to her haunches, as if sensing she was the one who had to be impressed. Cocking her head and peering up with liquid eyes, she lifted one paw. If Cayla hadn’t already been sold, that would’ve toppled her.
Taking the paw, she gently shook it. “Welcome to the family, BB.”