She opened the passenger door, and I noticed she was blushing hard. Even her ears were red. My heart went out to her. She was embarrassed to have to be here with me. I wish I could tell her I was just happy we could take her dog back. That was what was most important.

A preteen girl ran up to Taylor and tossed her arms around her. “You’re home! I lost Axel!”

Taylor hugged her back and kissed her head. “He’s a dingbat, and he’s right there.” She pointed at the backseat and Axel seemed to take that as a cue to hop out.

“Raven, grab his leash.” Taylor pointed to where the leash was dragging behind Axel. The dog acted like he had been separated from both of his ladies for years. Full-on whining and jumping.

Her sister put her hand through the leash loop and wound it around her arm, obviously serious about keeping the wild dog close at hand.

“Where was he?” Raven stepped back and got on one knee. Axel was still the proud owner of my tennis ball. Raven took the dog’s snout in her hands and kissed his nose.

“Running alongside the road. He has burrs, so be careful.” Taylor pointed to Axel’s front paw.

“Oh my gosh. You are going to be the death of me.” Raven sounded like a grandma.

“Raven, this is Austin. He’s Teddi’s brother.” She stepped to the side so I could wave. I watched Raven’s eyes take in my longer hair and nail polish. Then she gave me a half-smile and a wave.

“He looks like a movie star.” She stood up and walked closer to Taylor. “Dad is gonna kill me. You know what he said about Axel being a nuisance.” Raven petted Axel, who sat next to her like a perfect gentleman.

“I know. And if he does take Axel to the shelter, I have a microchip on him. They will call me.” Taylor petted Axel right between the shoulder blades, where animals were most likely to get their chips implanted.

“You did that?” Raven’s mouth dropped open.

I was surprised, too, but for different reasons. We had an Apple tag, a microchip, and a very elaborate dog tag on Rocket, and she didn’t make running away her life’s mission like Axel.

“I did. You have to keep it a secret, but I wanted you to know. Even if Dad takes Axel, I’ll get him back. You just do your best here.” Taylor put her hand on Raven’s shoulder. “Where’s everyone?”

“Dad hasn’t come back yet.” Raven turned her head quickly and I soon picked up why. Gravel was crunching under someone’s tires.

Taylor groaned. “He’s home. Go take Axel inside and see if you can clean him up.”