“I am schmoozing,” Caleb protested with a wink at Ruby. “But I can take a hint when it’s being thrown at my face. Ruby, if this were a competition for humans, you’d be far and away the winner. Since it’s one for dogs, I can only wish you luck.” He glanced down at Wheezy, who was scratching at his ear with uncouth enthusiasm, and laughed. “Lots of it.”

With a whistle on his lips and a twinkle in his eye, Caleb took himself off.

“Eva is around here somewhere, and I know she wanted to say hello, but I wouldn’t seek out Lawson unless you want to be put to work hanging bunting.” Spencer spoke as though the entire last week hadn’t happened. It had happened, as the dark scruff along his jaw and the rings under his eyes could attest, but he was trying not to dwell too much on that. For once in his life, he wasn’t the well-put-together, well-rested man who had everything figured out. He was sad and exhausted, but he was also hopeful.

She was here. She’d come. She meant to see this thing through to the end.

“My parents will also probably accost you at some point, but they won’t bother you for long. They’re friends with a lot of the other breeders, so this is their social event of the year.”

Ruby gave a startled jump. Her skin shimmered as the glitter caught the light, but Spencer was pretty sure he caught a glimpse of red rising up from the neckline of her gown and creeping up the right side of her neck. He’d been trying not to focus too much on how bare and enticing the skin of her shoulders was, but that sudden flash held him transfixed. He lifted a hand to touch her before remembering where—and who—he was and dropping his hand.

“Your rash isn’t healed yet?” he asked just as she stammered a nervous “Your parents are here?”

She was the first to corral her thoughts. “I’m feeling much better now, thanks.” And, more stiffly, “Of course I’ll say hello to your parents, but I’m not really here for a friendly visit. I came to compete. Wheezy and I both did.”

“I know. I look forward to your performance.”

The suspicion that had carried her over here magnified tenfold. “Why? What did you do?”

“Nothing.”

“Spencer, if you said anything to anyone—if you changed the scoring categories in any way…”

“I didn’t touch a thing.”

“Then why do you look so smug?”

He had no idea that he looked anything but hopelessly in love. “I’m not smug. I’m happy to see you, that’s all.” It was a moment for intimacy and a low, quiet voice, but he had to raise his to be heard over the general din. “I’ve missed you.”