The change is immediate. Ivy’s shoulders drop, her grip tightening just enough to hold without squeezing, her face opening as if nothing else matters right then.
“Oh,” she breathes, almost under her breath. “Daisy’s going to like you.”
The puppy presses into her, going still, his small body fitting easily into her arms.
Maggie watches her for a moment, something quiet moving across her expression before she looks up at me again.
“You still thinkin’ about it,” she says, one brow lifting, her tone easy, watching me for the answer.
I hold her eyes.
“I’ve made the decision,” I tell her.
Ivy’s head snaps up. “Really?” Her whole face opens, her grip tightening just enough to keep hold without hurting him. “We can take him home?”
“Yes,” I say, glancing at the puppy before returning to her.
She lets out a breath that turns into an elated giggle, pulling the puppy closer as if he might disappear if she loosens her hold.
“Okay,” Maggie says, nodding fast. She exhales through her nose as she pushes to her feet, brushing her hands down her jeans. “Guess we’re doin’ this.”
Jules leans in beside her, his eyes on me, and his mouth lifting on one side.
“Man shows up one time and walks out with a dog,” he says.
“Two,” Ivy cuts in without looking up. “Daisy too.”
Ivy meets my eyes, going still, like she’s holding her breath for my answer.
“Yes,” I say, keeping my focus on her. “We won’t leave Daisy behind.”
The relief is immediate. Ivy’s shoulders drop again, and she nods once, satisfied.
Jules lets out a low breath. “That was fast.”
Maggie’s smiles before she looks away, turning toward the counter. “Let’s get you set up, sweetheart.”
She moves past me, close enough that I smell the clean soap on her skin with a trace of heat beneath it that’s hers alone.
My eyes stay on her.
She reaches for a clipboard, quickly flipping through papers, her fingers brushing the edge before she pulls one free.
“You’re gonna need food, bowls, and a crate if you don’t already have one,” she says, glancing up at me before looking back down. “Leash, collar… and a bed for Daisy. The puppy can start in the crate at night.”
“Well, he won’t be in my bed,” I say.
Jules huffs a laugh as he gathers the items. “That’s what they all say.”
Maggie’s lips press together, holding back a smile as she writes.
“You sure about that?” she asks, looking up again, her eyes locking on mine. “He’s already gettin’ comfortable.”
I glance at the puppy, then back to her.
“I’ll manage.”
She holds my gaze for a second longer, then looks down again. “Mm-hmm.”
