She glanced down at her feet hidden within a pair of old, dirty Converse she’d had for ages. Harmony felt torn between considering the dog a kind gift and a terrible imposition. Perhaps Muffin would prove to be both.

“It’s okay if you don’t know dogs,” Abigail said when no one else spoke. “I can teach you. In fact, if you’re up for it, little Owen, Mama Mary, and I were just about to head to the dog park for a bit of exercise. I’m sure Muffin would love to accompany us, too. What do you say, Muffy?”

The little dog barked and wagged his tail so hard that his entire body shook. Maybe a doggie companion wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world, but so far Harmony had been given far more questions than she’d received answers.

“I’d love to come, but what do I feed him? And won’t he miss his family? And how often does he need exercise? And… well, I’m sure there are a million more questions I don’t even know to ask yet.” It all made her head spin. Did they really think she could take care of another life when she could barely manage her own? Why were they willing to take such a risk on her when she’d only just gotten back into town? Something didn’t add up.

Abigail and Pastor Adam both chuckled.

The pastor placed a warm hand on Harmony’s shoulder. “I wouldn’t have asked you to take Muffin if I didn’t think it would be the best decision for both of you. These pups have worked miracles before. It’s what they were born to do. Let Muffin do his job. Let him help you. He’s a good dog, and you deserve him. After all, the Lord works in mysterious ways, and lately, in the case of Eternal Grace, that’s through these little shivering balls of fluff.”

“And for a more direct answer to your question,” Abigail said as she fished through her oversized shoulder bag and pulled out a stapled bundle of papers. “Here’s your guide to caring for one of our church dogs. The answers to all your questions are right in here along with my number. Call me any time. It’s my job to take care of these pups and to run the program. I’ll be visiting you throughout the week to check in and make sure you are both getting along. I also have a care package waiting for you in my car. It has Muffin’s favorite foods, toys, blankets, pretty much everything you need and then some.”

“Welcome back to Charleston, Harmony,” Pastor Adam said, holding his arms open to request a hug.

Harmony eagerly stepped into them and felt the warmth of his non-judging, omnipresent love.

“Welcome home.”

As Harmony looked to Abigail, her adorable son, and each of the dogs, she saw that roots had risen up from the earth to anchor her to this city.

At least for a little while longer, at least for now, it looked like she’d be calling Charleston her home—and Muffin her roommate.