A few of the neighbors would routinely greet them with a little snack for Gray. The manager at the local Krispy Kreme jogged this same route most mornings and almost always carried a glazed doughnut in his coat pocket for Gray. He loved those doughnuts.

“How are things going for you, Kelly?” Mrs. Fuller asked with a wave. “I’ve got some leftover popcorn for my little buddy. Hi, Gray!” She waddled over in her robe.

“Good morning.” Kelly stopped, and Gray plopped down next to her. Mrs. Fuller must’ve been watching Hallmark again last night. It seemed she could never finish a bag by herself on movie night.

Mrs. Fuller held the bag in front of his snout, and Gray happily attacked the popcorn.

“I’m glad you stopped me this morning. I was going to let you know that I’ll be going out of town next week. My friend Sara will be staying at the house.”

“I’m so glad you did,” Mrs. Fuller said. “I’d have been concerned seeing a strange car in your driveway.”

Kelly found that humorous. She was pretty sure what Mrs. Fuller would have been was excited. Excited to be the one to spread the rumor that she’d had an overnight guest. Yeah, that could’ve been awkward. “No worries. I’m going on a business trip. She’ll be watching Gray for me.”

“Well, you have a wonderful time. You work way too much. You deserve some down time.”

“Thank you, but speaking of work…I need to get to it.” Kelly patted her thigh. “Come on, Gray. Time to go inside so I can get to work.”

Gray bounced to his feet and led the way to the walkway that led to the backyard. She took him inside through the back and put his harness and leash away. A quick rubdown to get any mud from between his hooves and off that low dragging belly, and then he was ready to eat. She fed him, then headed to work. Dad’s car was already parked behind the cafe. Mom would straggle in a little later, as usual.

She had a light morning ahead, except for convincing her parents she was going out of town for fun, and she was looking forward to having the free time to focus on the cooking show.

As soon as she got to the bakery, she wheeled the cart of cakes over to the Main Street Cafe.

She took a deep breath and hoped for the best. “Hey, Dad. I’ve got your cakes.”