The dogs were happy to be allowed out with them, and Cord got a second beer for himself and Shallie. After a sip or two, he said, “Eddie was right. Mine was the easy one, comparatively speaking.”

“Not that easy. Anyway, I think you should get in touch with her. And you have a half sister! Let’s invite them here or—” She blushed. “I’m sorry. I mean, it’s not my call or any of my business.”

“I feel it is.” Although he couldn’t clearly explain why. “Here’s an idea. Once I’ve established contact, maybe I’ll see if we can meet her—or them—someplace halfway between here and San Diego. And if you’ll join me…” He hoped with an almost painful intensity that she would.

“I’d like to,” she said. “Let me know.”

“Eddie’s impressive, isn’t he? And Melanie, too. You really are fortunate to get these results and to get them so fast.”

She gave a slight shrug. “No way of knowing where Christine is, though. Or who she is. Of if she is.”

“He’ll find out. Meanwhile, let’s go for a dog walk.” It was becoming their evening ritual, one he’d never enjoyed more.

Their walk was relaxed, as always, except that they heard a coyote in the distance. Cord muttered, “Good thing these dogs are well trained and not chasing after that critter.”

As soon as they got back, they hurried inside and Shallie threw her arms around him, raising them from his waist to his shoulders. “Upstairs?” she whispered.

“Oh, yes!” And so they went.

Another night with Shallie! Cord felt so grateful, so fortunate. No question, their lives were filled with complications, but in some ways those complications had brought them together.

Their sexual encounter was possibly even better than the one before. The excitement, passion, warmth—he’d never experienced anything quite like this.

THEY WOKE AT the same time, probably because one of the dogs had begun pawing at the door. “Hey, cut it out!” Cord said. “Maybe you’re not as well trained as I thought you were.”

Shallie laughed. “It’s okay. He can come in. I don’t mind.”

“No. I’ll go down, do the dog thing, make us coffee.” He dressed quickly, then gave her a long, slow kiss.

She reflected that last night had been a good one. And once they’d reached her room, it became a great one. It wasn’t only the passion between them. It was also the emotion, the empathy. Everything she needed in a relationship. That and trust…

The Lewises were gone. How much longer could she justify staying here? Unless she and Cord made a commitment to each other soon… She wanted exactly that, but a commitment wouldn’t be simple, for a whole host of reasons. They’d have to talk about it.