“I don’t think trains were coming and going, back when we visited. So it might have been a historic site.” She sounded uncertain, because she was. “When I checked, I learned that North Georgia has a lot of historic train depots.”

“What color was the building?”

“Grayish . . . maybe?”

“How long did it take you and your dad to drive there?”

“I don’t remember.”

His face fell.

She did not want this hiccup to affect the progress he’d made thanks to her five-step plan.

“I don’t think my dad would have taken me on a long trip to a train depot,” she said quickly. “Hours in the car have always made me antsy.”

This did not appear to brighten his spirits.

“I’ll keep working on it,” she assured him, “and come up with some train depot suggestions soon.”

“Very soon?”

“Yes!”

He stalked down the hallway.

“Thanks for taking care of Agatha,” she called after him. “I’m sure that you and Ben did a great job.”

Luke vanished from sight.

She regarded the puppy. “Affectionate man, no?”

Agatha gave her a look like, Are you crazy, lady?

“I’m crazy like a fox,” she whispered to the dog. She took Agatha to the empty play yard, released her, then texted Meadow and Bridget.

Finley

I’m experiencing consistent pangs of attraction toward Luke Dempsey. I feel sheepish admitting this because these feelings don’t square with my no-dating stance and because Bridget expressed interest in Luke back on my birthday.

Bridget

I officially withdraw my romantic interest in Luke Dempsey! I’ve never even met the man.

Finley

How do I squelch pangs of attraction?

Meadow

By ignoring pangs at all costs.

Bridget

Feelings are valid. Don’t stuff them down. Take time to explore your chemistry with Luke.

Meadow

Um, what? She decided ages ago to remain single.

Bridget

Situations change. God’s will for us changes. You have to give yourself permission to change, too, Finley.

Meadow

Because she’s feeling hormones for a man? I’d stay committed to singlehood if I were you. Trust me when I say hormones are liars.

Bridget

Whatever you choose to do, we’ll support you 100%.

That night, Agatha continued to act like a diva.

Luke spent his whole evening trying to find the set of conditions that would cause her to shut up. Or sleep without him holding her. Or eat.

“Look at this delicious piece of food,” Luke said from his position inside her cramped playpen. He held out a piece of kibble. She sniffed it. He waited for a chance to stuff it in her mouth.

She turned and padded away.

He pretended to pop the kibble into his mouth and chew. “Mmm.”

She tilted her baby head to the side, then poked at one of her toys with her paw.

He extended the kibble to her again. “Please give it a try. Growing dogs need nutrition.”