“Certain. I have my eye on her mama’s next litter.” We walked back to the porch steps. “Do your parents live nearby?”

I’d rehearsed this type of questioning in prison. “They’re east of here. What about yours?”

“Mine live in the Conroe area.”

“Are they in good health?”

“Remarkably good and very active. Mom is an ex-cowgirl and RN–turned–trainer for therapy dogs. Dad’s a retired police officer and a scoutmaster. He also helps Mom with whatever she needs. They’re great parents. I’m lucky.”

“Sounds picture-perfect. Siblings?”

“Two brothers, both younger. You?”

“A sister.”

“Does she live near your parents?”

I smiled. “I have no idea.”

His brow wrinkled. “You aren’t close to your family?”

“Not really.”

“From what I see, it’s their loss.”

I hadn’t expected his remark, and I could provide a taste of truth. “My fault. I made a few bad choices in my youth and spoiled the relationship with my entire family.”

He finished his coffee and set his mug on a table by the rocker. “How about a walk?”

“My parole officer might not approve.”

Not a muscle twitched on his face. “The reason for no contact with your family?”

“Yes.”

“Number one, the past is behind you. The future is what matters. Number two, I asked for a walk, and I doubt it violates your parole.”

For a moment, I wished my new freedom meant more than an unlocked cell. “You might want to google me first. The findings might change your mind.”

He shook his head. “If you want to tell me something, the choice is yours.”

Denton, like anyone who initiated friendship, shouldn’t learn about my past from anyone but me. “I spent fifteen years in prison for a horrendous crime. I paid my debt, and I found Jesus.”

“Adversity separates the weak from the strong.”

I weighed what I wanted to know about him. His kindness could be a ploy for something deceptive. But how would I learn if I didn’t take a chance? Joy snuggled closer to me. While in prison, I was part of a dog-training program. I became attached to a miniature poodle, which in reality was an emotional support animal.

“Where are you?” Denton said.

“I was convicted of manslaughter.”

“Okay.”

“Does my confession make you nervous?”

“No, ma’am.”

“You should be.”

“I’m a man who believes in second and third chances. Does Edie know?”

“Yes.”

“She believes in you, and that’s enough for me.”

“All right. She says you’re a great guy. I’ll take a walk if you promise to look online at my record later.”

He nodded. “Shelby, I hope we can be friends.”

“The idea is terrifying.”

“Understandable. Maybe it’s time for a new beginning.” He grinned.

Denton was a handsome man with a strong jawline and incredible dark-brown eyes. He appeared sincere in his request for friendship. Yet, his features seemed familiar.

I locked the cabin, and we took the same path as the person I’d chased into the woods. This time, I carried my puppy and enjoyed the spindly pine trees, wildflowers, and musky smell of the earth. A pink wildflower with an oval-shaped petal caught my attention. I bent to memorize each soft curve and how a gentle breeze caused it to nod.