Chapter 49

Ward was able to heed that admonition during the milking with his dad and Joe. They talked, joked, and teased as usual. But at dinner things got a little tense.

As the four Cartwrights sat around the table for their evening meal, Ward’s mother said, “I was thinking we should bring Addy into the house so she can start getting used to living inside. Maybe start a little house training and leash walking. Won’t be long and she’ll be going home with Tyler and the boys. It’ll make it easier for them. It’ll be better for Tyler’s mother, too. I suspect she’ll be caring for Addy while the boys are at school for a while, won’t she, Ward?”

Ward felt his throat tighten. He cleared it. Then he said, “I suspect you’re right.”

“Edward, is something wrong?” Ward’s mother asked, looking at him.

As always, his mother could tell when something was bothering someone in the family.

“No, not really,” he lied. “Just Eddie got in a fight at school, and Ty was called into the principal’s office.”