A half hour away from Kate must have seemed an eternity to him. Andrew was happy they’d found the skinny, shivering dog in the shelter. Leaving Kate to go to work always left him feeling uneasy. At least with Buttons, he knew she had a companion to keep her company. Now if he could only teach the beagle to text or make a phone call in case of an emergency.

Kate was still asleep, but at least her fever felt like it had gone down. Buttons claimed his spot beside the bed. Andrew went out back, saw the fire pit had been cleaned and was ready to go. By the time he was done here, he’d be a true fire starter.

There was a mossy path leading to the small dock. The dock was just big enough for the two of them to lay a towel down and get some sun. There was also a tiny sandy beach, perfect for a few people to lie out. He saw that the sand extended into the water. At least they wouldn’t have to squish their way through the dark, damp muck that made up most lake beds. The realtor had told him it was the last of the sandy beaches in Round Lake. Importing sand had been banned a couple years after this one was laid down. Something about harming the ecosystem. He was just happy they had one.

Maybe I should find a place to rent a canoe or kayak, he thought. He loved being out on the water. Maybe some hard rowing would replace his pounding sprints. His back and legs would sure appreciate it.

He took off his shoes, rolled up his jeans, and sat on the end of the dock, feet dangling in the water. It wasn’t as cold as he thought it would be. A wandering breeze rippled the lake’s surface. There wasn’t another soul he could see on or near the lake. The old kayakers were probably home now, having their coffee and reading the paper. They’d make plans to go into town for a late lunch, maybe take a flyer for one of the bean suppers that were advertised everywhere. After an afternoon nap, they’d have a light supper, watch some TV, and turn in early so they could be up for an early morning jaunt around the lake.

It sounded corny and routine and boring…and it was everything Andrew hoped for his and Kate’s future. Even something as mundane as that seemed so out of reach.