Thom Baron has been struggling with social anxiety his entire life. He's taken the medications, gone to the therapists, followed the programs, and concluded his best life is a solitary one. When he comes across a dog in obvious need at his local market, it rekindles the desire to have some company around. It may come with a dishevelled coat, a notched ear, and a refusal to respond to anything but its given name "Ugly," but it could still be a friend.<br><br>However, Thom's new fur buddy has no such need to keep to itself and immediately befriends the man Thom has secretly coveted since he moved in -- Justin, Thom's gorgeous, bright-eyed neighbour. No matter how Thom tries to evade the man, the dog keeps drawing them back into each other's lives, and it doesn't take Thom long to recognize it's simply pursuing the demands of Thom's own heart. With the dog giving him the courage to try, Thom reaches out to return the love being offered.<br><br>Until a stranger shows up insisting the dog is his and demanding its immediate return ... a loss Thom knows will take all of his efforts and newfound confidence with it.

But by the Grace of Dog

“Come on, boys,” Marian said, rising. “Pull it together.”


They looked at each other with wide eyes as they stood for the second time that day.


“This court is back in session. The Honourable Judge Morrison presiding.”


There were only twelve people in the room other than the bailiff, the judge, and some kind of clerical presence whose title Thom wasn’t sure of. Stenographer? Court reporter? Assistant? He’d spent most of the morning watching her fiddle with recording gear and found her bored efficiency soothing. He had no time for her now, though. His eyes were on the judge and the judge alone. Had she had a good lunch? Was it a good day for her? Did she like dogs? What was going on in her mind and how was she going to find for his case? He sent out a silent plea and closed his eyes as if that would help the thought find its way to her.


Chapter 49