“We, uh, had a small argument over Bubbles’s training,” Harrison said. He shot Sophie a look that was equal parts anxiety and warning. “But it’s all worked out now. Isn’t that right, Sophie? No hard feelings?”

Sophie had a hard time holding back a laugh. Her feelings were anything but hard. These men obviously had no idea how refreshing she found it to be in the middle of an honest, no-holds-barred squabble. She’d spent most of her life behind reverential glass, cherished by her parents, adored by her puppies. Everyone was so afraid she’d collapse at the first sign of struggle that they did everything in their power to protect her.

Well, no one was protecting her right now, and she was doing just fine. In fact, she’d never felt less like collapsing in her entire life.

“Everything’s great,” Sophie said.

Harrison’s dad glanced back and forth between them. “Does this mean we’re keeping the damn dog?”

Harrison turned to Sophie for the answer. He was still holding Bubbles, one finger running up and down her spine while she lolled against him. “I know it’s not going to be easy to make this work. Her fear of fire, the hazards of my job, my own goddamn temperament…” All of the fight drained from him at once. “I get it—believe me, I get it.”

Sophie opened her mouth and closed it again. Of all the things she’d expected him to say, complete and utter capitulation wasn’t it.

But there was more of it coming. Harrison took a deep breath. “Whatever you decide, I respect your judgment, of course. But if it’s at all possible, I’d like to keep trying.”

Sophie was too surprised to do more than goggle at him. No one, not even her sisters, had ever told her they respected her…anything. She wasn’t the type of woman to inspire that kind of emotion in others. Pity and concern, sure. Love, of course. But never respect.

“Please,” he added. “I know it sounds silly considering everything that’s happened, but we’ve reached an understanding, Bubbles and I.”

As if realizing she was the topic of conversation, Bubbles gave a happy yap. Even though Sophie had doubts aplenty, and she was questioning her own judgment something fierce, Harrison’s confidence caused something to shift inside of her. It was a new sensation and a liberating one. She felt strong. She felt capable.

She felt happy.

“Where did she sleep last night?” Sophie asked.

Harrison’s dad laughed, but a glare from his son cut the sound short.

“There wasn’t anything in the instructions about it,” Harrison said, his tone defensive.