“That would be great. Thank you.” I smiled up at my friend, who I’d only known from the confines of my computer, but who had now been to Harbor twice since my kidnapping. As soon as she’d heard what had happened, she’d taken the first ferry she could get. The combination introduction and reunion had been bittersweet since I was a mess of guilt, fear, relief, and gratitude.

But I was doing better these days. Breathing easier and feeling free for the first time in my life. That freedom meant I could enjoy everything this sweet life had to offer. And a big part of that was my amazing friends.

Caelyn bustled into the kitchen with Bell and Kenna in tow. “I’ve got the pasta salad makings, and Hunter’s starting up the grill.”

“Do the kids have everything they need?” I asked.

“Happy as clams,” Bell answered. “Ford and Crosby talked them into a game of soccer.”

“And how’s this little one?” I set down my knife to round the counter and let little Harriet grab hold of my finger.

Kenna smiled. “Growing like a weed.”

I nodded. “I swear she gets bigger every time I see her.”

Everly glanced at the clock on the wall. “How long until you think Brody is back?”

“He should’ve been here by now, but Carson’s ferry might be running late,” I said, heading back to my cutting board. I did my best not to let any worry take root. But it was easier said than done when we’d been on edge for so many months. Any time Brody was late, just a flicker of dread slipped through.

Caelyn came up next to me and gave my arm a squeeze. “Don’t worry. He’s got Griffin with him, and he’s only going to Shelter.”

Griffin and Brody’s friendship was adorably sweet. I had no idea how they spent their time together since Griffin barely said two words in my presence, but it seemed to work for them. “Knowing the two of them, they might’ve stopped at a hardware store.”

Caelyn chuckled. “So true.”

Shrieks sounded from outside and Mia’s high-pitched cry of, “Oh my gosh!”

I wiped my hands on a towel and headed for the front door. “What in the world?”

As I headed outside, I caught sight of Griffin and Carson lugging bags and a box up the hill. My gaze shifted to two creatures straining against a leash that Brody held. Mia jumped up and down and raced towards the dogs.

I couldn’t contain my laughter at the doggy odd couple. One was a tiny, fluffy Pomeranian, and the other looked to be some sort of massive Mastiff mix. I looked at Carson. “You didn’t tell us you were bringing your dogs.”

“Hey, little caretaker.” Carson gave me a wink. “Those aren’t mine.”