“Bubbles has to learn in the environment where she’ll be spending most of her time,” Sophie said. “It’s not really optional, I’m afraid. That’s kind of the thing that makes Puppy Promise what it is. Each dog is personally selected and trained for the individual.”

It was impossible to argue with that. A highly trained and specialized animal was exactly what this was supposed to be all about. He clamped down on his tongue and stretched a tight smile across his face. “Sure. That will be fine.”

His attempts at moderation didn’t go over as well as he’d hoped. Sophie’s expression fell. “Oscar didn’t explain this very well, did he?”

Actually, Oscar hadn’t explained it at all. As soon as Harrison had checked himself out of the hospital—against the doctor’s recommendation—he’d walked out to find Oscar sitting in his sleek black Suburban like a limo driver. “Get in or I’m putting you behind a desk,” he’d said. The rest of the conversation had followed much along the same lines.

Take care of yourself or I’m putting you behind a desk.

Get a service dog or I’m putting you behind a desk.

Get a service dog from this place I’ve already selected and laid out tens of thousands dollars for or I’m putting you behind a desk.

Service dogs didn’t come cheap, but Harrison’s dignity did.

“Does this mean Bubbles is coming home with me tonight?” he asked warily.

Sophie glanced at the thin silver watch on her wrist and nodded. “It’s a little past five now. She’s officially off duty. Not,” she added in a warning tone, “that this means you can indulge in her every whim. Just get her used to you and your house. Make her comfortable. See if she’ll sit for you. There’s a box of supplies in the kennel for you to take home as well as a list of directions about her feeding times and quantities. You can grab it on your way out.”

It was as good as a dismissal. Harrison would have been relieved to hear it if not for the fact that Bubbles sat at his feet, awaiting events with the air of one resigned to an unpleasant fate.

“She won’t hurt you, Mr. Pa—I mean, Harrison.” Sophie blushed as she spoke, as if surprised at her own daring. “Just be nice to her, and she’ll come around.”

Being nice wasn’t something Harrison excelled at. In fact, being nice was usually the last quality anyone associated with him.

“What if she doesn’t?” he asked.

“I’m still not giving you the Great Dane.”