Page 48 of Big Dill

“I’m fostering her,” Liam continues, his brows lifting just enough to suggest hope. “In case you’re looking for a pup.”

A grunt cuts through the room. I look up to find Brody already shaking his head.

“We can’t take in a dog,” he says, firm. Final.

“Right,” I say, glancing back at Liam. “They’ve already taken in a stray.” I try to make it a joke, but when no one laughs, I add, “I’m staying with Brody and Jaxon until I get back on my feet.”

The words hit me. Temporary. Borrowed space. Here for the summer only.

“Well then,” Liam says easily, scooping Bella up. “Let me help you to your feet.”

He stands and offers his hand. My fingers disappear into his as he pulls me up, drawing me a little too close, and Brody’s mom claps her hands like this is all unfolding exactly as planned.

Her smile is brilliant. Knowing.

Oh.

This is the setup.

Duh. I should have known.

A veterinarian, who rescues pups and shelters them. Heck, nice job, Lori. If I were in the market I’d give her a ‘well-done’ and raise my hand for a high five. But I’m not. So I won’t.

I bite back a laugh. Honestly, this woman works fast and I should have heeded Brody’s warning. I do, however, briefly wonder why his mom never considered us. Brody and me. Then again, I’m Jaxon’s sister. I’m a mess. I’m between places and plans, carrying my life in a small suitcase.

They want someone solid for him. Someone rooted. Someone likely tied to the community.

Someone like Elise.

“If your circumstances change,” Liam says gently. “Bella’s all yours.”

“I’m waiting on an apartment,” I explain. “I don’t know how long that’ll take, and I’m only here for the summer. When I go back to Nova Scotia, I won’t have a big house or a yard.” I stroke Bella’s soft head, my stomach tight. “She deserves space to run. Cold weather. Snow.”

“Brody,” his mom says, as she bustles around the kitchen. I inch back, lean against the wall as drawers open and close, the sound of cutlery and warmth and family filling the house. “Can you set the living room table?”

“Yeah. Sure.”

He doesn’t walk away so much as retreat. I watch his back as he goes, the way his shoulders are tight, his steps heavy. What is going on with him? He can’t be upset that I called him a friend.

Unless it isn’t the word that bothers him.

Maybe he wants to be set up with Liam. The man is objectively hot, and no one in this room missed that. Still, something about Brody’s silence feels… off.

Lori waves a hand toward the archway. “Jami, why don’t you and Liam take the pup into the other room and show the kids. I’m sure they’d be delighted.”

I should stop this. I should gently untangle myself before she pairs us off like we’re inevitable. But Liam’s hand is already warm at my back, guiding me forward with an easy confidence that makes resistance feel awkward.

“I’d like to help,” I say, digging my heels in. “I can set the table, pour drinks—anything.”

“It’s all good,” Sadie says quickly. “Between the four of us…” she gestures to her mom, Rachel, and Jaxon “…we’ve got it covered.”

The message is polite. Clear.

For a beat, I wonder if they want me out of the kitchen so Rachel can slide closer to my brother. That feels fair. Jaxon could use someone kind and steady, and Rachel’s interest isn’t subtle.

So I go.

“What time is Verna coming?” Sadie asks as I step away, the clink of dishes and the low hum of family rising behind me.