“Actually.” Winona stood. “I think we’re done here.” She looked pointedly around at the little crowd of onlookers. “It’s getting late, and you guys should get Betty settled into her new environment.”

“Oh yes,” Rosemary said as she and Winona looked at each other for long moments, clearly indulging in some silent mind reading. “Way past my bedtime.”

Della knew for a fact the older woman rarely went to sleep before midnight.

“And we’ve got that eight a.m. hair and nails tomorrow,” Marley said to her sister.

Molly and Marley’s beauty salon—Mirror, Mirror—had been a hit with Credence women and those from the surrounding areas.

“And I’m on at six,” Ruth added.

Before Della knew it, the women had grabbed their stuff and were heading for the door, apologizing for not staying to help clean up. Still holding Betty, Della murmured assurances about them not having to leave yet but was beyond relieved when they all filed past her wishing her a goodnight.

“Just as well you have tomorrow off,” Rosemary said as she stopped to pet Betty’s head. “I’m sure this one is going to keep you up half the night.” She glanced at Tucker pointedly before returning her attention to Betty and saying, “Try to let her get some sleep, huh?”

With one final pat to the head, she wished Della and Tucker a good night and departed, the door clicking shut behind her.

Della stared at the closed door, slightly horrified. “I have a feeling they know.”

Tucker quirked an eyebrow. “You think?”

“I’m so, so sorry. Please don’t worry. I’ll follow up with them tomorrow and make sure they know not to gossip. They really wouldn’t anyway, I don’t think. God…I am sorry…this was totally impromptu, and I thought everyone would be gone by the time you arrived.”

“It’s fine. I should have realized… I saw the cars on the street but assumed they were for next door.”

“They really won’t say anything,” Della assured. She’d text everyone after Tucker left and swear them all to secrecy. “I want to keep this on the down low, too, you know?”

“I know.” He smiled gently then and reached across to pet Betty’s head.

Her stomach looped the loop as Della watched his long fingers scratching the dog at an obvious sweet spot just under her ear, if the look of ecstasy on Betty’s face was any indicator. The man clearly had a way with all females. “Thank you,” she said, rubbing her chin along the top of Betty’s head. “This is literally the best gift anyone’s ever given me. I love her.”

He laughed. “You just got her.”

Her eyes met his, and she shrugged. “When you know, you know.”

“Yeah.”