With another ten minutes to her aunt’s, Olivia picked up her phone to make the much-needed call, only to have her phone ring in her hand.

Gabe.

“Hey there. I was literally picking up the phone to call you.”

“Yeah? Guess that means we’re connected. Hey, so, I don’t know how you’re going to like this, but my mom invited us over for dinner.”

“Did she? When?”

“Tonight. If you’re good with that. She’s making spaghetti. I think I told you she’s not the best cook, but she makes a killer spaghetti sauce.”

“Oh…” You’re going to tell him you’ll be leaving him in a few months, and he’s inviting you to his parents’. “I, uh, should’ve called you earlier. The thing is, I’m headed back to Elsah. I’m almost there.”

He was quiet a second. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, it’s just…so much, actually. It started with getting a call from Megan. A family came by today who was giving serious thought to adopting Morgan, only Megan didn’t seem that excited about the match, and—I don’t know—it just made me realize how close I could be to losing him.”

“Wait, does this mean—?”

A grin curled her lips. “Yeah, it does. I went right after school.”

“That’s awesome. I’m proud of you, Olivia.”

“Thanks. He’s in the back seat and seems pretty chill. Aunt Becky’s headed to the store to buy a couple stair gates to close off different parts of the house and to pick up a few supplies for me.”

“He’ll figure out Coco’s a pet, not a potential chew toy, I’m sure. He’s got the same temperament as other dogs I’ve known who’ve gotten used to things like that. I’ve got a client whose farm-raised bloodhound’s new best friend is a lop-eared bunny.”

“Cute. And reassuring. I have to say as reality sinks in, the whole thing is a touch intimidating. I’ve never actually had a dog of my own. I’m glad to have you to give me pointers. And I can’t wait for him and Samson to officially meet.”

“Me, neither. I’m surprised you didn’t swing by first.”

“I should’ve. I was going to. It’s just… Ugh.” She let out a huff that blew the hair on her forehead. “There’s something else, something a little more complicated, and I guess I just needed the drive to process it all. I wanted to tell you in person, but waiting doesn’t feel right either.”

He was quiet, leaving her an opening to continue with no interruption.

“I got a call this afternoon from the principal of the school where I taught last semester. He’s offering me a guaranteed position for next year. No chance of it falling through in the middle of the year this time.”