Meeting Ruth was a gratifying experience. She, her kids and her husband had a genuineness, a quality of kindness, that affected all of them. And the fact that a number of obviously much-loved animals seemed to be running around their home appealed to Carly.

Ruth suggested that Joanne come to her place to determine whether this was, indeed, Eeyore—and she said that if it was, she absolutely would not accept the reward.

Carly asked if she’d be willing to donate it to MPS, and Ruth gave her immediate approval.

Eli followed up with Ruth and Joanne the next day, meeting both of them at Ruth’s—and yes, this was Eeyore. He was clearly familiar with Joanne and showed her unmistakable affection; not only that, Joanne described a couple of scars he had before she even went out to see him.

Eeyore was going home.

AGAIN, ELI FELT proud of Carly. She was the one who’d brought this reunion about. And he was pleased with the strides Eric had made as a pet support volunteer.

So, yes, things were going well. Life seemed almost too good—and that always worried him. It probably said more about his own disappointed hopes than anything else. There’d been enough in his life to prejudice him against excessive optimism, as he thought of it.

He hated to admit this again, but he was a little envious of Cord, one of his two closest friends. In actuality, he felt glad for him and envious. But he was determined to be stoic about it.

CORD WAS WORRIED about Eli’s glum demeanor lately, and his apparent lack of enthusiasm about the community, an enthusiasm that had always defined him.

It would be awkward to bring any of this up, despite their longtime friendship. They didn’t usually share personal things of this kind with each other, didn’t usually discuss emotional concerns.

Jeez, how “traditional.” How masculine. At least according to the stereotypes and no doubt to Carly. He decided he’d do what he could for Eli, without being obvious about it.

For a few years now, he’d had the suspicion—the strong suspicion—that Eli was interested in Brynne. Any chance he could do something to encourage a relationship there? He’d ask Shallie, trusting her emotional responsiveness more than his own. But at least he could tell Eli that she was fine with the double bridesmaid/double best man scenario, that Tina had happily agreed to be matron of honor.

AT THE END of October, the day before Halloween, Katie Fairfield set up a conference call with Carly and all three men to tell them that the result was in.

“Okay, everybody, I’ll get right to the point. The DNA evidence says, and says conclusively, that…Cord is Carly’s dad.”