“Yes, actually. They are.” She brushed past him and squatted down to Emily’s level. It was the sort of thing that was going to be the death of him—not only was it a kind thing to do to make a little girl feel more comfortable, but it made it easier for Emily to understand her. “Emily, all the puppies with red bows are ones you can choose from. I picked them out specifically for you. They’re the ones who are best at hearing the important sounds you might sometimes miss. They’re not too big to follow you around school, but they are big enough to help catch you when you get dizzy sometimes. And most importantly, they love kids.”

In other words, she’d done her research—and done it well. This woman he’d met only once had somehow anticipated every one of his fears and staved them off at the outset. He relaxed and crossed his arms, watching the pair of them interact. Apparently, he’d underestimated the princess.

“Any one of them will be a perfect fit for you.” Lila added, “But—and this is the most important thing—you have to play with each and every one of them.”

“I do?”

“Absolutely. This is going to be your dog for years and years, so you need to be sure you’re going to be best friends first.”

Emily’s eyes widened, the weight of the decision heavy on her shoulders. “Okay,” she said and lifted her finger. “I want that one.”

“You want to play with him first? Sure. Let’s get him out, and—”

“No, I don’t want to play. I want him. I pick that one.”

Ford had to struggle to keep his lips from twitching.

“Right. So, there’s a special yard out back where you can introduce yourself. Then, when you’re done with him, we can bring him in and we’ll get another one out.”

“No, thank you.” Emily was nothing but polite as she turned down each and every one of Lila’s suggestions. “I want the floofy one with the curly ears.”

“Um.” Lila cast a helpless look up at Ford. “Am I not explaining this correctly?”

“Oh, you’re doing just fine. Better than most, in fact. But I warned you how it would be.”

“His name is Jeeves,” Emily announced.

“Actually, his name is—”

“Jeeves von Hinklebottom.”

“I’m not sure—”

“Jeeves von Hinklebottom the Third.”

Although Lila didn’t look convinced, the floofy puppy with the curly ears seemed to accept his name with dignified grace. Then again, that could have just been how he always looked. There was something about his shaggy face—a perfect blend of black and white—and dark, piercing eyes that made him appear preternaturally wise. Especially when all he did was sit down and lift his head in a majestic nod.