The smaller dog yapped once.
The woman laughed.
“Oh—hi there,” she said, bending slightly as Buckshot leaned in, friendly and unbothered.
Sage slowed at the edge of the drive, taking in the angle of the street, the houses, the sightlines that now included them.
Law headed toward the dog.
“Sorry about that,” Law said easily, reaching down to catch Buckshot by the collar. “He’s still working on manners.”
“Oh, don’t worry about it,” the woman said, smiling. “We were just out for a walk. He’s sweet. A purebred?”
“Yes,” Sage said, the lie smooth. In truth, he didn’t know.
His gaze shifted to her, then past her—windows, reflections, the slow turn of a car at the far end of the street.
Normal.
Close enough.
“You guys moving in or just looking?” she asked, glancing toward the house behind them.
Law didn’t hesitate. “Just closed escrow,” he said. “Figured we’d get in before it got any hotter.”
Her expression brightened. “Oh good, I’m so glad. It’s been sitting for a few weeks—I was starting to wonder.” She gestured lightly toward the house. “It’s a great place. We have a neighborhood watch. Plus, everyone gets together for a social once a week.”
Sage filed that away.
Buckshot leaned into Law’s hand, settled now, the smaller dog edging closer to sniff.
“Looks like he’s settling in just fine,” she added.
“He does that,” Law said easily.
“The Carltons down the street are gay. I just adore them,” she went on.
Sage almost snorted at the assumption, but held it back.
Not father and son this time.
The thought came quick—sharper than he expected.
Something had shifted.
He didn’t know what it looked like from the outside.
His gaze slid to Law.
The man stood easy at his side, broad shoulders, steady presence, that quiet confidence that didn’t ask for space—it took it.
Did they read as a couple now?
…were they even a couple?
Law smiled and released his hold on Buckshot. The dog circled once, then moved in to sniff the smaller one. Both tails wagged—easy, unguarded.
Sage’s attention flicked once more across the street, mapping the area.
