Zep was going on about tax deductions and how saving animals could save souls, and other stuff he didn’t quite get.

He’d never had a dog because his father said he shouldn’t get too attached to an animal. They died too often, and he needed to think about his studies rather than playing with a dog. But Sylvie’s family always had one. They would love and care for that dog, and cry when they lost their friend. Then they would find another who needed some love and welcome that puppy into their family for however long they were blessed.

She’d said they should start with a dog.

“I’ll take her.”

“You will?” Zep frowned. “I was only asking for cash. You don’t have to take the dog. I kind of like her. I was thinking she could be the shelter’s mascot.”

The dog licked the side of Rene’s face and he was done for. “No. She’s perfect. Send me a list of the medications she needs and I’ll take care of her. I’ll need the name of a vet, too.”

She was such a sweet bundle, and maybe it was time to find his way. He’d been running the house and the company—his whole life, really—the same way his father had. He could make time for something other than this damn company.

“You want to go for a ride, sweetheart?” He would drop the bid off and then take care of his dog. It was an impulse, and he almost never followed those.

But he could see Sylvie holding this dog, petting her and cuddling her close.

Zep stood there and frowned. “This is not how I thought this would go.”

It was good to know Rene could still surprise someone. He hoped this was a surprise his wife would like.

*   *   *

Sylvie caught sight of her hair in the mirror as she passed through the lobby of city hall and sighed again in relief. Her mother could work miracles.

She bit back a yawn as she started toward the elevator. Along with her well-done hair, she’d gotten another lecture from her mother about being absolutely sure she wanted to take this risk with Rene.

She wasn’t sure she had a choice. Her heart was already involved, and she couldn’t seem to help it. She only knew if she didn’t take the chance, she would always regret it.

She’d spent the morning wondering about what would happen tonight. Would Rene expect her to move into his room? Would it feel like playing house, or was it the next step? It wasn’t like they’d met last week. They’d known each other all their lives. But they’d never dated.