Chapter 12

“Maybe I did, maybe I didn’t.”

I shook my head and sat up. “I thought you were supposed to be the nice one.”

“Whatever gave you thatidea?” He laughed at me, but I didn’t care. Hearing his voice settled something in me. It was a reminder that the guys always, alwayswould have my back, even when I was broody and stared into the sky like some emo teenager.

“Thanks, Drew.” I jumped to my feet and found the path that would take me back to the lake.

“Anytime, man.”

“Tell the pups I’ll be home in a sec.”

“Sure thing.”

I shoved my phone into my pocket and walked away. Back to my lake. Back to my family.

* * * *

Drew and the dogs waited for me on the dock. I threw myself on my knees, and they took it as a sign to run to me. I buried my nose in Neptune’s fur as Greg yipped and bounced around us, unable to contain his enthusiasm.

“Hi, babies, did you miss me?” I mumbled and scratched Neptune behind the ears.

“They didn’t. They like their uncle Drew better now.”